Apple holds up iPhone 3G S deliveries ahead of 3.0 software

[AppleInsider]

Apple has asked that package delivery service UPS hold back stateside shipments of its new iPhone 3G S handset that may have otherwise arrived early, just as the company prepares for an early afternoon launch of iPhone Software 3.0.

iPhone 3G S shipments on hold

Some of the first U.S. customers to place their pre-orders for the new iPhone 3G S began receiving shipment notifications from UPS earlier this week with delivery dates of June 17th (today), a full two days before the device is slated to hit retail stores.

Though UPS strives to deliver packages as quickly as possible once they arrive at local sorting facilities, Apple overnight asked the company to hold back home delivery of the new handsets until Friday the 19th, the day the device is slated to launch nationally at Apple, AT&T, Best Buy and Wal-Mart retail outlets.

As such, many customers awoke this morning to find that UPS had updated the delivery status of the iPhones with an exception stating that, "the receiver requested a hold for a future delivery date" or "the package is being held for a future delivery date."

This isn't the first time this particular situation has come up. Apple has several times in the past shipped products such as iLife and iWork ahead of their launch date. In some of those cases, customers actually received their orders early but were later asked to surrender them back to the shipping company for re-delivery a few days later at Apple's request.



iPhone Software 3.0

Meanwhile, existing iPhone and iPod touch owners are anxiously awaiting the arrival of iPhone Software 3.0, slated for today. Although some had expected Apple to make the software available sometime in the early morning hours in order to cater to those customers in international time zones, a release early this afternoon now appears more likely.

A few hours ago, Apple Singapore began sending text messages to customers informing them the release would show up in iTunes sometime after midnight local time. Assuming U.S. customers will gain access to the software at the same time, it would suggest a stateside release between the hours of between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm Eastern time or 10:00 am and 12:30 pm Pacific.

For those in the UK, the software should turn up between the hours of 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[aduzik]

Of course they did! The new iPhone isn't released until Friday. They shipped them early to account for any delays with customs, or bad weather, or whatever. This is a standard practice. Anyone who thought they were going to get their phone early is crazy.

Millions of copies of the last Harry Potter book sat in post offices and UPS depots around the country for a day or two before being delivered on the actual release date. This is the same thing.

[Sk8MusicLife64]

I got that same message.

[cameronj]

Christ, people need to find something real to be outraged at....

[iCarbon]

But I want me new software/phone now!!!!!

(whines softly)

[Juanito]

What disappoints is that those that took the time to preorder won't get their handsets until AFTER those who just go to the Apple or AT&T Stores. Unless UPS delivers by 8AM, which they usually don't. At least not where I live.

[drdb]

UPS couldn't even get to me before 2pm with a previous Apple product. I called them up to ask to fix a time because I'd be at work and they said they couldn't do that, so I asked if they could try and deliver before 2pm (I was on late shift, not just lazy). They said they'd give it a go, and the time on the failed delivery slip was 3:30pm. In the end I had to go to the depot on some industrial estate on the edge of town and get it myself. Not exactly an impressive service.

just to say, this was in the UK

[chronster]

I just can't believe this. I am dripping with rage! THIS IS HOW THEY TREAT A LOYAL CUSTOMER OF 4 MONTHS!?

(just kidding :P)

[mstone]

This whole thing about tying your iPhone to one computer is rather inconvenient. Sure syncing contacts email and the like makes sense but it would be nice if I could install software updates from anywhere. I'm at work now but my home computer is the one I need to sync with. Had I given it more thought in the beginning I might have chosen my Macbook Pro to sync with, but I don't think it would be that easy to redo everything at this point.

[MacCrazy]

Originally Posted by mstone

This whole thing about tying your iPhone to one computer is rather inconvenient. Sure syncing contacts email and the like makes sense but it would be nice if I could install software updates from anywhere. I'm at work now but my home computer is the one I need to sync with. Had I given it more thought in the beginning I might have chosen my Macbook Pro to sync with, but I don't think it would be that easy to redo everything at this point.

You can update the software and backup on any computer using iTunes, not just the one you sync with.

[Jerseymac]

Originally Posted by mstone

This whole thing about tying your iPhone to one computer is rather inconvenient.

I agree. I had three iTunes libraries I used with my iPod classic. When I got my first iPhone, I had to consolidate the libraries. Quite a pain. I guess I can blame music pirates for this iPhone limitation.

[BobbyTed]

It's kind of cool knowing all our iPhones are sitting there is Louisville. Amazing how fast you can get something here from China, while the accesories I ordered (shipped by the not nearly as cool DHL) are taking days to get to Illinois from Tennessee.

And it just makes sense we can't get the phones until at the very least the new software is out. And you know Apple doesnt want all of us trying to activate our phones at the same time that millions of other people are downloading the new software... like last year...

[Juanito]

Originally Posted by mstone

This whole thing about tying your iPhone to one computer is rather inconvenient. Sure syncing contacts email and the like makes sense but it would be nice if I could install software updates from anywhere. I'm at work now but my home computer is the one I need to sync with. Had I given it more thought in the beginning I might have chosen my Macbook Pro to sync with, but I don't think it would be that easy to redo everything at this point.

Updates can be installed from any computer with iTunes. At least that's been my experience. It will create a backup of your phone. At least that's how I've done it with my laptop when I'm out of town. The main sync is done with my desktop.

[Dreadkid08]

Apple's servers are going to be slammed so hard today...

[wordwise]

Originally Posted by mstone

This whole thing about tying your iPhone to one computer is rather inconvenient. Sure syncing contacts email and the like makes sense but it would be nice if I could install software updates from anywhere. I'm at work now but my home computer is the one I need to sync with. Had I given it more thought in the beginning I might have chosen my Macbook Pro to sync with, but I don't think it would be that easy to redo everything at this point.

Can't you download apps directly to your iPhone using Wifi? It works with a Touch...

Just wondering...

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

It's going to be fun reading the iPhone forums today...

[emulator]

Originally Posted by drdb

UPS couldn't even get to me before 2pm with a previous Apple product. I called them up to ask to fix a time because I'd be at work and they said they couldn't do that, so I asked if they could try and deliver before 2pm (I was on late shift, not just lazy). They said they'd give it a go, and the time on the failed delivery slip was 3:30pm. In the end I had to go to the depot on some industrial estate on the edge of town and get it myself. Not exactly an impressive service.

if the shipper does not pay the extra $$ to be delivered by 10am (or whatever the slots UPS use) why would UPS deliver that? I assume it was sent the regular residential method, which is by 6pm (if I'm correct)

just imagine how many calls they get and demand special treatment + early delivery that was not paid for?

[BobbyTed]

Originally Posted by Juanito

What disappoints is that those that took the time to preorder won't get their handsets until AFTER those who just go to the Apple or AT&T Stores. Unless UPS delivers by 8AM, which they usually don't. At least not where I live.

I wouldn't be too surprised if they released the phone for delivery tomorrow, for not only the reason you listed, but also because the phone will be available "early" in parts of Europe doing midnight openings...

[dj_rell5]

Originally Posted by Dreadkid08

Apple's servers are going to be slammed so hard today...

You are damn right... I woke up this morning expecting to get 3.0... was I wrong. I am patiently waiting tho

[brianus]

This isn't the first time this particular situation has come up. Apple has several times in the past shipped products such as iLife and iWork ahead of their launch date. In some of those cases, customers actually received their orders early but were later asked to surrender them back to the shipping company for re-delivery a few days later at Apple's request.

You've got to be kidding me. That actually happened? Apple requested that customers who'd already received and presumably opened their packages return them so they could be delivered a second time, later? That's the most batshit insane thing I've ever heard.

[tazinlwfl]

Originally Posted by wordwise

It works with a Touch...

He was talking about OS updates

[bigmc6000]

Ok, this is really weird. I'm in the DFW area and I pre-ordered mine from AT&T so I'm assuming it should be delivered to my local AT&T store but get this tracking info - total wtf...

LOUISVILLE,
KY, US 06/17/2009 10:43 A.M. ARRIVAL SCAN
DALLAS/FT. WORTH A/P,
TX, US 06/17/2009 7:49 A.M. DEPARTURE SCAN
06/17/2009 1:59 A.M. ORIGIN SCAN
US 06/17/2009 7:11 P.M. BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED

So it was here and then went to Louisville and then they are going to fly it BACK to DFW? Uh.... *confused*

[johnmcboston]

Originally Posted by Dreadkid08

Apple's servers are going to be slammed so hard today...

Well, they wouldn't have been slammed if the update was around at 6am when I got up. But Nooooooo.

[macnyc]

I hope it's today. itunes says that it will automatically check for an update on 6/19/09.

[ohgodthatsucks]

look closely ppl and u will see it says the RECEIVER requested a hold. That means that the person who is receiving it put it in hold not the sender! Video of the new iphone is starting to show up on utube by ppl who have already "received" there pre-order! Duhhhhhh!

[Mr Underhill]

For those in the UK, the software should turn up between the hours of 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm.

Mines coming down the pipe right now!!

[justflybob]

Originally Posted by Juanito

What disappoints is that those that took the time to preorder won't get their handsets until AFTER those who just go to the Apple or AT&T Stores. Unless UPS delivers by 8AM, which they usually don't. At least not where I live.

You're kidding us, right? You would actually PREFER to be hanging around, waiting in line for who knows how long, not knowing whether or not the model you want is available, rather than having someone deliver it to you on Friday?

Wow...

[bigmc6000]

Originally Posted by ohgodthatsucks

look closely ppl and u will see it says the RECEIVER requested a hold. That means that the person who is receiving it put it in hold not the sender! Video of the new iphone is starting to show up on utube by ppl who have already "received" there pre-order! Duhhhhhh!

There's a long thread about this on MR and it's just UPS's system - the person didn't request a hold it's just that UPS doesn't have a "sender wants us to sit on this package" entry.

[drdb]

Originally Posted by emulator

if the shipper does not pay the extra $$ to be delivered by 10am (or whatever the slots UPS use) why would UPS deliver that? I assume it was sent the regular residential method, which is by 6pm (if I'm correct)

just imagine how many calls they get and demand special treatment + early delivery that was not paid for?

It's not about early delivery, if they said it was 6AM, midday or 6PM I wouldn't mind, just so I know. Normally in this country you can request this kind of information if a signature is required, especially if they have already failed a delivery attempt.

[danielchow]

YAY, only less than 172,800 seconds to go!!!

[bigmc6000]

Originally Posted by justflybob

You're kidding us, right? You would actually PREFER to be hanging around, waiting in line for who knows how long, not knowing whether or not the model you want is available, rather than having someone deliver it to you on Friday?

Wow...

Well you could have pre-ordered and not have to wait in line and know you're getting exactly what you wanted... (that's what I did as the AT&T lady said, stupidly, my corporate rate discount wouldn't apply if I had it delivered, yeah makes no sense but whatever...)

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Juanito

What disappoints is that those that took the time to preorder won't get their handsets until AFTER those who just go to the Apple or AT&T Stores. Unless UPS delivers by 8AM, which they usually don't. At least not where I live.

Why would you pre-order or get in line for something that hasn't been reviewed thoroughly in the first place?

[drdb]

Originally Posted by emulator

if the shipper does not pay the extra $$ to be delivered by 10am (or whatever the slots UPS use) why would UPS deliver that? I assume it was sent the regular residential method, which is by 6pm (if I'm correct)

just imagine how many calls they get and demand special treatment + early delivery that was not paid for?

also, their website for arranging another delivery attempt didn't actually work (on any browser) so I had to call the premium rate number. Compared to the service we normally get from Royal Mail in the UK it was pretty damned awful.

[mstone]

Originally Posted by Juanito

Updates can be installed from any computer with iTunes. At least that's been my experience. It will create a backup of your phone. At least that's how I've done it with my laptop when I'm out of town. The main sync is done with my desktop.

Thanks I wasn't aware that could be done with the reactivation and all. Too bad I don't have my cable with me.

m

[tazinlwfl]

Originally Posted by ohgodthatsucks

look closely ppl and u will see it says the RECEIVER requested a hold. That means that the person who is receiving it put it in hold not the sender! Video of the new iphone is starting to show up on utube by ppl who have already "received" there pre-order! Duhhhhhh!

people who haven't requested a hold are getting the same messages - like my co-worker.

They've mentioned it is simply the mechanism of "holding" Apple is using to delay. The fact that it's saying "receiver" is part of that mechanism, and should be a non-issue.

Only youtube video's I've seen are from developers who probably get special permission to get theirs early.

[walshbj]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

...In some of those cases, customers actually received their orders early but were later asked to surrender them back to the shipping company....

Never surrender.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by drdb

UPS couldn't even get to me before 2pm with a previous Apple product. I called them up to ask to fix a time because I'd be at work and they said they couldn't do that, so I asked if they could try and deliver before 2pm (I was on late shift, not just lazy). They said they'd give it a go, and the time on the failed delivery slip was 3:30pm. In the end I had to go to the depot on some industrial estate on the edge of town and get it myself. Not exactly an impressive service.

just to say, this was in the UK

Originally Posted by drdb

also, their website for arranging another delivery attempt didn't actually work (on any browser) so I had to call the premium rate number. Compared to the service we normally get from Royal Mail in the UK it was pretty damned awful.

UPS web sites aren't that good.

But I wouldn't blame them for not being able to arrange a different drop-off time because that would mean reordering the delivery route. The alternatives would be to request either a different delivery date or hold it at the hub.

Originally Posted by brianus

You've got to be kidding me. That actually happened? Apple requested that customers who'd already received and presumably opened their packages return them so they could be delivered a second time, later? That's the most batshit insane thing I've ever heard.

It is pretty crazy, and it did happen that I recall.

[city]

Originally Posted by drdb

also, their website for arranging another delivery attempt didn't actually work (on any browser) so I had to call the premium rate number. Compared to the service we normally get from Royal Mail in the UK it was pretty damned awful.

Try the "Royal Mail" in the U.S.

[BobbyTed]

Originally Posted by ohgodthatsucks

look closely ppl and u will see it says the RECEIVER requested a hold. That means that the person who is receiving it put it in hold not the sender! Video of the new iphone is starting to show up on utube by ppl who have already "received" there pre-order! Duhhhhhh!

We can read, but trust me, none of us put it on hold. I am 100% positive that myself and hundreds of thousands of others did not call ups in our sleep and tell them to delay our iPhones...

[Eriamjh]

If the "receiver" put a hold on it, then the receiver can call and release it.