iPhone X Pre-Order Tips: What to Do Before You Buy

The most important tip for pre-ordering an iPhone X is to complete every step of the process before the pre-order window opens—Apple’s system rewards speed, not last-minute preparation. Have your payment method, shipping address, and carrier account details saved in your Apple ID profile, and know exactly which model and color you want, so you can check out in under two minutes. This guide walks through the full pre-order timeline, the fastest ways to order, common mistakes, and what to do if you miss the first wave.

Why Pre-Ordering Matters

The iPhone X was one of the most anticipated Apple releases, and initial supply was extremely limited. Pre-ordering is the only way to guarantee you get the phone on launch day—or at least within the first few weeks. When supply is tight, walk-in stock at Apple Stores is often zero for days or weeks, and carrier stores get only a handful of units. Pre-ordering locks in your place in the queue, and in many cases, you can still cancel before the phone ships if you change your mind.

Before the Pre-Order Date

Doing your homework ahead of time is the single biggest advantage. Here’s a checklist to complete at least a day before pre-orders open:

Update your Apple ID: Log into apple.com and confirm your billing address, shipping address, and phone number are current. If you use Apple Pay, make sure your default card is one you want to use.
Check carrier eligibility: If you’re buying an unlocked phone, you don’t need a carrier account. If you’re buying a carrier-specific model, confirm your account is in good standing and you know your account number or PIN.
Decide on your exact model: iPhone X came in two storage sizes (64GB and 256GB) and two colors (Silver and Space Gray). Decide now—don’t waffle during checkout.
Download the Apple Store app: The app often has a faster checkout than the website, and it lets you save your payment and shipping info in advance.
Test your payment method: If you’re using Apple Pay, make sure your cards are set up on the device you’ll order from. If you’re using a credit card, confirm it isn’t expired.

The Pre-Order Process: Step by Step

Pre-orders typically open at 12:01 AM Pacific Time on the announced date. Here’s what happens in the first few minutes:

Refresh the Apple Store page or app right at the exact time—not before. The page will change from “Coming Soon” to “Buy.”
Select your model, color, and storage as fast as possible. If you have a carrier model, choose your carrier and confirm your phone number.
Choose Apple Trade In if you’re trading in an old phone—this can be done later, so don’t let it slow you down.
Select AppleCare+ if you want it. Again, you can add this later, so skip it if you’re in a rush.
Check out with Apple Pay if possible—it’s the fastest method because it uses Face ID or Touch ID instead of typing card details.
Confirm your order and note the estimated delivery date. If it says “Ships in 5-6 weeks,” you’re still in the queue—just later than the first batch.

Fastest Ways to Order

Not all ordering methods are equal. Based on how Apple’s system works, here’s the ranking from fastest to slowest:

Apple Store app with Apple Pay: The fastest. You can have your order placed in under 30 seconds if everything is preconfigured.
Apple.com with Apple Pay: Almost as fast, but you have to enter your email and maybe a CAPTCHA.
Carrier websites (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile): These are often slower because they require extra account verification steps.
In-store pre-order: Some carriers allow you to pre-order in person, but this is usually only for existing customers and may not guarantee launch-day delivery.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced buyers make errors when they’re rushing. Here are the most frequent ones:

Choosing the wrong carrier model: If you buy an AT&T model and you’re on Verizon, it won’t work correctly. Double-check the carrier label before checking out.
Forgetting to update your Apple ID address: If your shipping address is wrong, your phone could be delayed or lost. Fix it before the pre-order date.
Using a slow network: Don’t rely on public Wi-Fi. Use a fast cellular connection or a wired ethernet connection on your computer.
Waiting to decide on storage: The 256GB model sells out faster than the 64GB in some colors. Decide ahead of time and be flexible—if your first choice is gone, you may need to switch.
Not checking your email after ordering: Apple sends a confirmation email immediately. If you don’t receive one, your order may not have gone through. Check your order status on apple.com.

What to Do If You Miss the First Wave

If the pre-order window opens and the model you want shows a 5-6 week wait, don’t panic. You have a few options:

Order anyway: The estimated delivery date is often conservative. Many people report their phone arriving earlier than the initial estimate.
Check carrier stores: Some carriers get separate inventory for their own pre-orders. If Apple is sold out, try Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile directly.
Use Apple’s in-store pickup: Occasionally, Apple Stores get a small amount of stock for pickup on launch day. Check the Apple Store app for availability at local stores—it updates randomly.
Wait for restocks: Apple typically restocks within a few weeks. Set a notification on a site like iStockNow (not affiliated with Apple) to alert you when stock appears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pre-order an iPhone X without a carrier contract?
Yes. Apple sells an unlocked (SIM-free) version that works with any carrier. You can also buy a carrier-specific model at full price without a contract, but it will be locked to that carrier until you request an unlock.

Is it better to pre-order online or in an Apple Store?
Online is almost always faster. In-store pre-orders are not offered for iPhone launches; you can only reserve a phone for pickup, and that requires checking out online first. The Apple Store app is your best bet for speed.

Can I cancel my pre-order after it’s placed?
Yes, you can cancel any time before the order ships. Go to your order status on apple.com and click “Cancel Items.” If it has already shipped, you’ll need to refuse the delivery or return it within 14 days of receipt.

Will my credit card be charged immediately?
No. Apple places a temporary hold for the full amount when you pre-order, but the actual charge happens when the phone ships. The hold may drop off after a few days, but the funds are still reserved.

What if I want to trade in my old iPhone?
You can add trade-in after pre-ordering. Apple will send you a trade-in kit, and you have 14 days after receiving your new phone to send in your old one. The trade-in credit is applied to your payment method or as a refund.

How do I know if my pre-order went through?
You should receive a confirmation email within minutes. If you don’t, check your order status on apple.com. If it says “Processing,” you’re fine. If it says “Order Not Found,” contact Apple support immediately.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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