Macbook Pro order in process when Apple Event announced--couple of questions

[caspian915]

Hey all - I know this is a regular question, but sometimes it's difficult to find the circumstances that align with one's own. TL/DR: if my custom order was delayed and upgraded, how soon after the event could it be shipped? Quickly? Weeks? Just want an idea.

More details: I ordered a MBP 14" M2 Pro/32gb/1TB custom from my University's electronics store--as a staff member, I get certain benefits from ordering this way.

I finalized the order on Friday, Sept 29th, but maybe it wasn't placed until Monday, Oct. 2nd--I am not entirely sure. I have not been given an order number to look up on Apple's website or a shipping tracking number, but last week they said they were given a 3-4 week window. Last week, of course, we got the rumors and then confirmation about the late October event and chance of processor upgrades. Tomorrow will be 4 weeks since my order. I kinda hope I will just wait another week or two and receive the already upgraded device, but maybe that is naïve. If I have to go through my University to return the item and get the upgrade, that will be more of a pain, but maybe I can just go directly through Apple because I have AppleCare already with the device?

I appreciate any thoughts or similar experiences.

 

[HDFan]

but maybe I can just go directly through Apple because I have AppleCare already with the device?

To do a return you have to have the original order number and be listed on the invoice. Since the store ordered it for you I assume that they are shown on the invoice and they would have to return it.

I kinda hope I will just wait another week or two and receive the already upgraded device,

Haven't heard of Apple shipping upgraded units. You normally have to order new models. Since we are just 4 days out from the event as I write this just don't pick it up. If you end up ordering a newer model have them return it.

 

[kitKAC]

I kinda hope I will just wait another week or two and receive the already upgraded device, but maybe that is naïve.

You won't get upgraded, you'll get what you ordered.

 

[caspian915]

To do a return you have to have the original order number and be listed on the invoice. Since the store ordered it for you I assume that they are shown on the invoice and they would have to return it.



Haven't heard of Apple shipping upgraded units. You normally have to order new models. Since we are just 4 days out from the event as I write this just don't pick it up. If you end up ordering a newer model have them return it.

This makes sense, but when I put the order in with the store, the apple website said 1-2 weeks for my order. Even at week later, the apple website said 1-2 weeks for my exact configuration. It has now been 4 weeks. So why would they slow down my order half way through. Not only am I getting a now-dated device, but it's taking forever to get it.

 

[Fishrrman]

CANCEL IT.
Now.

Then re-order after the Apple Event on Monday night.

 

[caspian915]

CANCEL IT.
Now.

Then re-order after the Apple Event on Monday night.

Unfortunately, that ship has sailed. The order was placed weeks ago and there's no way to cancel it at this point.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Unfortunately, that ship has sailed. The order was placed weeks ago and there's no way to cancel it at this point.

There's your answer. Since you're ordering through a special process, it's their rules - not Apple's - that will determine what happens.

If you order FROM APPLE there's no "Automatic upgrade" to a new model. If you order through a special process through your employer - ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ask them.

 

[HDFan]

the apple website said 1-2 weeks for my order. Even at week later, the apple website said 1-2 weeks for my exact configuration. It has now been 4 weeks. So why would they slow down my order half way through.

That's quite unusual. Apple normally beats their estimated ship dates.

 

[Saturn007]

What does your university's electronics store say?

They must have some policy for returns.

A friend of mine once had a university store order the wrong computer. The campus passed it along to someone else and reordered the right one.

If you're stuck with it — and want something that gets announced on Monday — you can always leave it unopened resell it to someone else as literally *brand new*.

Definitely compare Apple's *education* pricing with whatever the university offers. Apple even discounts Apple Care a bit. You may have to go that route anyway as it could take the university store time to catch up and provide new offerings for sale.

 

[caspian915]

Well, I finally got an answer to my situation. Apple canceled the order at some point in the last couple of weeks and no one at the university store followed up on it. The people working on my campus aren't really to blame--they aren't given all the details (apple order number, shipping dates, etc), only the people higher up at the main campus and even then I'm sure it's handled by a separate purchasing department (lots of state university bureaucracy around these parts). They've replaced my order for an equivalent (M3 Pro 11/14 core, 36gb RAM, 1TB) and offered me a $50 in store credit 🤷‍♂️

Apparently the university store is a third party reseller rather than direct, so they just place an order with Apple (however those details work differently). The advantage of going through them for me was that I had $X to put down and the university offers 1 year interest free payments through payroll deduction ($X left over / 26 paychecks), which meant I could purchase when I needed to and also spend a little more money on a future proof system.

Still, not an ideal situation. I don't understand why it took so much effort to get someone to look into the order. They were given a 3-4 week shipping time, so they wouldn't even listen to me until this week, which was the 5th week out.

 

[OrenLindsey]

Well, at least you got the newer model