iPad Pro Am I wrong, or is this launch cycle different from other Apple launches?

[dandrewk]

Going from memory of dozens of Apple product launches, this one seems quite different from others.

• Exact order time was never published by Apple. We all just assumed 5 AM PDT.
• Apple Store didn't shut down a few hours before order time.
• Expected ship dates for early orders have yet to update to a firm date. We still have ~5-7 day ranges.
• Orders have been moved to "Preparing to Ship" ten days before release date with credit cards being charged.

That last one is the most puzzling. IIRC, iPhones etc. typically don't move to "Preparing..." until about three days before release date. There were countless reports of orders moving from "Processing..." to "Preparing..." to "Shipped" the day before expected shipment receipt.

I doubt any of this really means anything outside of Apple making minor logistical changes. Or it could be that the new tech involved in producing the new iPads requires the changes. Regardless though, usually "Preparing to Ship" means you'd get the product in a day or two. I don't think that's happening here.

 

[metalsiren]

yea I mean I agree this whole process was odd for sure and yes I find it odd to see PTS so early if the first delivery day will be next Friday so maybe they are shipping early? not really sure.

 

[dandrewk]

yea I mean I agree this whole process was odd for sure and yes I find it odd to see PTS so early if the first delivery day will be next Friday so maybe they are shipping early? not really sure.

I think we all wish that this portends early shipment. It seems very unlikely, especially if the reported date for removal of the reviews' embargo is accurate.

Then again, this release has been so different, it wouldn't be shocking if we get shipments before current estimates.

 

[cpatrick08]

Going from memory of dozens of Apple product launches, this one seems quite different from others.

• Exact order time was never published by Apple. We all just assumed 5 AM PDT.
• Apple Store didn't shut down a few hours before order time.
• Expected ship dates for early orders have yet to update to a firm date. We still have ~5-7 day ranges.
• Orders have been moved to "Preparing to Ship" ten days before release date with credit cards being charged.

That last one is the most puzzling. IIRC, iPhones etc. typically don't move to "Preparing..." until about three days before release date. There were countless reports of orders moving from "Processing..." to "Preparing..." to "Shipped" the day before expected shipment receipt.

I doubt any of this really means anything outside of Apple making minor logistical changes. Or it could be that the new tech involved in producing the new iPads requires the changes. Regardless though, usually "Preparing to Ship" means you'd get the product in a day or two. I don't think that's happening here.

So true. It does seem different.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Going from memory of dozens of Apple product launches, this one seems quite different from others.

• Exact order time was never published by Apple. We all just assumed 5 AM PDT.
• Apple Store didn't shut down a few hours before order time.
• Expected ship dates for early orders have yet to update to a firm date. We still have ~5-7 day ranges.
• Orders have been moved to "Preparing to Ship" ten days before release date with credit cards being charged.

That last one is the most puzzling. IIRC, iPhones etc. typically don't move to "Preparing..." until about three days before release date. There were countless reports of orders moving from "Processing..." to "Preparing..." to "Shipped" the day before expected shipment receipt.

I doubt any of this really means anything outside of Apple making minor logistical changes. Or it could be that the new tech involved in producing the new iPads requires the changes. Regardless though, usually "Preparing to Ship" means you'd get the product in a day or two. I don't think that's happening here.

Honestly, could it possibly be from COVID-19?

 

[linkgx1]

Covid and the shortage of chips are making everything super unpredictable right now.

 

[kycophpd]

I believe most iPads are shipping from China directly. Usually in the past, there is stock already in the U.S. so it’s easier to wait until a few days before hand to throw stickers on and sent through the supply chain. I just received an email with my tracking and it just left China but it shows a 5/21 delivery date. I do not see the usual deliver date restriction on the UPS delivery so it will be interesting to see if it comes early.

 

[cpatrick08]

I believe most iPads are shipping from China directly. Usually in the past, there is stock already in the U.S. so it’s easier to wait until a few days before hand to throw stickers on and sent through the supply chain. I just received an email with my tracking and it just left China but it shows a 5/21 delivery date. I do not see the usual deliver date restriction on the UPS delivery so it will be interesting to see if it comes early.

The date can update after UPS gets the package after it clears customs in America.

 

[dandrewk]

I believe most iPads are shipping from China directly. Usually in the past, there is stock already in the U.S. so it’s easier to wait until a few days before hand to throw stickers on and sent through the supply chain. I just received an email with my tracking and it just left China but it shows a 5/21 delivery date. I do not see the usual deliver date restriction on the UPS delivery so it will be interesting to see if it comes early.

Mine just "departed from facility". UPS Worldwide Express Service is two days. As in... this weekend!?

 

[cpatrick08]

Mine just "departed from facility". UPS Worldwide Express Service is two days. As in... this weekend!?

Has to go thorough customs, and Apple/UPS might not deliver on the weekends.