iPhone 5 Sellout: Shipping Dates Explained
Yes, after the iPhone 5 sold out within an hour of pre-orders opening, Apple’s shipping estimate for new orders jumped to 2–3 weeks, which is why you now see a ship date of September 28 or later. This article explains why sellouts happen, how Apple’s shipping estimates work, and what your options are if you’re waiting.
Why the iPhone 5 Sold Out So Fast
The iPhone 5 pre-order launch on September 14, 2012, set a record: Apple sold over 2 million units in the first 24 hours, more than double the iPhone 4S’s first-day pre-orders. Within about an hour, the initial allocation for launch-day delivery was gone, and Apple’s online store began showing “2–3 weeks� for new orders. That estimate translates to a ship date around September 28, which is exactly what you’re seeing.
Several factors drove the frenzy:
- Demand exceeded supply: The iPhone 5 was the first major redesign in two years, with a larger 4-inch screen and LTE support, prompting many users to upgrade.
- Carrier subsidies: Most buyers in the US paid $199–$399 with a two-year contract, making the upgrade price relatively low.
- Global launch expansion: The initial launch included the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, and Australia, with 22 more countries following a week later.
- Pre-order timing: Pre-orders opened at 12:01 AM Pacific Time, and many carriers’ systems crashed under the load, delaying orders and pushing them into later batches.
Apple’s supply chain simply couldn’t keep up with the initial spike. The company later said it sold 5 million units in the first weekend, but production constraints meant that anyone who didn’t order in the first few minutes had to wait.
How Apple’s Shipping Estimates Work
When you order an iPhone from Apple’s online store, the “ships by� date is not a promise of delivery—it’s the date Apple expects to hand your unit to the carrier. The actual delivery date depends on the shipping method you choose (standard or express) and your location.
For the iPhone 5, the “2–3 weeks� estimate meant:
- Orders placed on September 14 were assigned to a batch that would ship between September 28 and October 5.
- Apple allocates inventory in waves: the first wave goes to pre-orders placed earliest, then later orders get later ship dates.
- Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint) had their own allocations, and some showed even longer delays due to separate order systems.
Apple’s estimates are conservative—they’d rather set a later date and surprise you with an earlier shipment than miss a promise. Many buyers reported that their orders actually shipped a few days before the stated date, but that was not guaranteed.
What Your September 28 Ship Date Actually Means
If your order shows “Ships: September 28,� here’s what to expect:
- It’s a shipping date, not a delivery date. Standard shipping typically takes 2–3 business days after the ship date, so you might receive it around October 1–3.
- It can change. Apple updates order statuses as inventory arrives. Some orders moved earlier; others slipped by a few days if production hiccups occurred.
- Carrier orders may differ. If you ordered through AT&T or Verizon, their tracking systems may show separate dates, but they receive the same inventory from Apple.
If you ordered within the first hour and still got September 28, you were likely in the second batch—the first batch (for launch-day delivery) went to those who completed checkout within the first 10–20 minutes.
What Are Your Options While Waiting?
You don’t have to just sit and wait. Here are common choices:
- Keep your order: If you want the phone and don’t mind waiting, your order is confirmed and you’ll get it as soon as Apple ships it.
- Check retail stores: Apple retail stores and carrier stores often receive a small number of units on launch day (September 21) for walk-in buyers. You could cancel your online order and try to buy in-store, but there’s no guarantee of stock.
- Check third-party resellers: Some authorized resellers (like Best Buy or Walmart) had separate allocations and sometimes had stock when Apple’s online store was sold out. However, they often required a contract and had limited quantities.
- Wait for the next wave: Apple typically replenishes stock within 2–3 weeks as production ramps up. If you can wait a month, you’ll likely find easier availability.
If you cancel your order, you lose your place in line. Only cancel if you have a confirmed alternative source.
Common Misconceptions About the Sellout
Several myths circulated during the iPhone 5 launch:
- “It’s a marketing stunt.� While Apple benefits from hype, the sellout was real—production couldn’t keep up with demand. Apple’s supplier reports and teardown analyses confirmed component shortages.
- “The September 28 date means you’ll get it on September 28.� No—that’s the ship date. Delivery takes a few more days.
- “You can skip the line by ordering from a carrier.� Carriers had their own queues, but they were often longer because they had fewer units allocated.
- “If you order now, you’ll get it sooner than September 28.� Actually, if you order today (after the sellout), your ship date will likely be later—possibly October or even November, depending on when you read this.
How to Check Your Order Status
To see the most accurate information for your specific order:
- Go to store.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Click “Order Status� in the top menu.
- Find your iPhone 5 order; it will show “Processing� or “Preparing for Shipment.�
- Once it ships, you’ll get a tracking number via email, and the status will change to “Shipped.�
If you ordered through a carrier, check their website or app using your order number. Note that carrier status pages sometimes lag behind Apple’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my iPhone 5 ship earlier than September 28?
It’s possible but not guaranteed. Apple sometimes moves orders up if production beats expectations. However, for the iPhone 5, most orders stayed within the original estimate, and some slipped by a day or two. Don’t rely on an early shipment; plan for the stated date.
Can I cancel my order and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel any time before the order ships. Go to your order status page and click “Cancel.� Refunds are processed within a few business days. Once it ships, you’ll need to return it after delivery.
Why do some people who ordered later have an earlier date?
This can happen if they ordered a different model (e.g., 64GB vs. 16GB) or through a different carrier that had separate inventory. Also, Apple’s system may allocate based on configuration—some color/storage combos were more popular and thus had longer waits.
Is it worth waiting for the iPhone 5, or should I get an iPhone 4S instead?
That depends on your needs. The iPhone 5 has a larger screen, LTE, and a faster processor. If you don’t need those and want a phone now, the 4S is still capable. But if you’re planning to keep the phone for 2+ years, the 5 is a better long-term investment.
What if I ordered through AT&T and my status shows a different date?
Carrier systems often show estimated delivery dates, not ship dates. Your AT&T order may show “by October 2� while Apple shows “ships September 28.� Trust Apple’s status for shipping, and the carrier’s for delivery once it’s in transit.
Will stores have stock on launch day?
Apple retail stores typically receive a limited quantity for walk-in buyers, but they sell out quickly—often within hours. If you’re willing to line up early on September 21, you might get one. Otherwise, your online order is the safest bet.
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