The iPhone 16 release has been buzzing in the tech community, with enthusiasts and everyday users eager to get their hands on Apple’s latest innovation. Following the start of pre-orders on September 13, the complete iPhone 16 series—including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max—is now reaching customers across the globe. Yet, for those who missed the pre-order window, Apple offers a convenient alternative: same-day or next-day pickup at various Apple Store locations worldwide.
Global Availability Despite High Demand
In an impressive logistical feat, Apple has ensured that those eager to acquire the iPhone 16 without a pre-order won’t be left waiting. In major markets such as the United States and Canada, while the Apple online store updates are pending, there’s an optimistic outlook with no expected shortages or significant delays across states. This pattern of availability extends to European countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, where customers can pick up any model of the iPhone 16 in their chosen colour and configuration directly from Apple Stores today. The same-day pickup service is also operational in other regions, including Australia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Türkiye, and the UAE, making it evident that Apple has scaled up its distribution to meet the high demand effectively.
How to Secure Your iPhone 16 Today
For those looking to bypass the wait times associated with delivery, Apple simplifies the process of in-store pickup. Here’s how you can get your iPhone 16 straight away:
- Visit Apple.com or open the Apple Store app.
- Add your desired iPhone 16 model to your bag.
- Proceed to checkout and opt for “I’ll pick it up.”
- Enter your ZIP or postal code and select from available Apple Store locations.
- Choose your pickup date and a 15-minute check-in window.
- Complete the payment online. Upon pickup, be ready to show a valid government-issued photo ID and your order number.
Walk-In Possibilities and What to Expect
For the spontaneous shopper, walk-in purchases are a possibility, subject to availability. Apple Stores maintain a separate queue for walk-in customers, which typically has a lower priority than those with pre-booked pickups. It’s advised to check inventory online or contact the store beforehand to enhance your chances of getting the device on your visit.
What’s New with the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 series marks a significant upgrade, particularly for the standard models. Features that were once exclusive to Pro models have now made their way to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Highlights include a customizable Action button, a new Camera Control for quick access to shooting modes, a 48MP Fusion camera capable of macro photography, and the advanced A18 chipset to power the new Apple Intelligence features.
The Pro models boast their enhancements, such as larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, extended battery life, and the inclusion of a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera. They also feature the upgraded A18 Pro chip, support for Wi-Fi 7, enhanced 5G capabilities, and faster charging options.
Apple’s strategic distribution of the iPhone 16 ensures that enthusiasts and new users alike have prompt access to the latest technology, even without a pre-order. The breadth of new features across the iPhone 16 range promises an enhanced user experience, pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do. Whether you pre-ordered or plan to pick up your new device at a store, the iPhone 16 series offers compelling reasons to upgrade. For more details on each model, click the tags at the bottom of this article.
