I ordered a 2017 iPad last week. The date for regular delivery was the 24th. Since my sister's BD is today (20th) that was too late. Faster shipping delivery date on Apple's site was on 19th-20th. So, I paid the extra $10 for delivery by the 20th. It was delivered on the 17th.
I think the dates on Apple's site are worst case & delivery is usually sooner (except for release date products, of course). That's been my experience in the past as well. Still paid the $10 to be sure it arrived on time - 50th BD is a big deal.
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