Where and when you can pre-order the iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 will be available for pre-order through Apple directly, major carriers like Verizon and AT&T, and retailers including Best Buy and Amazon. Apple typically opens pre-orders on a Friday morning at 8 a.m. Eastern time, a few days after the phone is announced. Carriers and retailers usually begin at the same time, though some may open their pre-order windows slightly later in the day.

The exact pre-order date depends on when Apple announces the iPhone 17. Historically, Apple announces new iPhones in September, with pre-orders starting the following Friday. You can check Apple's official website or your carrier's site in early September to confirm the exact date and time for your region.

Pre-orders typically close about a week later, though you can still purchase the phone after that window closes — you just may face longer shipping delays if inventory runs low. If you miss the pre-order window, you can still buy the iPhone 17 through the same channels once it officially launches.

Key Takeaways

  • Pre-orders open through Apple, carriers like Verizon and AT&T, and retailers like Best Buy, usually on a Friday morning at 8 a.m. Eastern time.
  • You will need an Apple ID to pre-order directly from Apple, and a carrier account or payment method ready for other retailers.
  • Pre-ordering guarantees you a phone on or near the launch date, while ordering after the pre-order window closes may mean waiting weeks for delivery.
  • Carrier pre-orders may include trade-in credits or monthly payment plans, which can lower your upfront cost compared to buying outright from Apple.

What you need before you start pre-ordering

Have your payment method ready — a credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay account if you are ordering from Apple. If you are pre-ordering through a carrier, you will need your carrier account information or a way to set up a new account. If you plan to trade in an old phone for a credit, gather that phone and have it nearby so you can describe its condition when prompted.

Know which iPhone 17 model and storage size you want before pre-orders open. Apple typically offers the base model, a Plus size, a Pro, and a Pro Max, each in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and sometimes 1TB. Deciding in advance means you can complete your order in seconds once the window opens, rather than browsing while inventory fills up.

If you are ordering from a carrier, check whether you want a new line, an upgrade on an existing line, or a device-only purchase. Carriers handle these differently, and choosing the wrong option can slow down your order or lock you into an unwanted contract.

Pre-ordering directly from Apple

Go to apple.com on the day pre-orders open. Sign in with your Apple ID, or create one if you do not have an account. Select the iPhone 17 model, color, storage size, and any add-ons like AppleCare+. Enter your shipping address and payment information, then submit your order.

Apple will show you an estimated delivery date before you confirm. Most pre-orders placed in the first hour arrive within a few days of the official launch date. If you order later in the pre-order window, Apple will give you a later delivery estimate — sometimes one to two weeks out.

You will receive an order confirmation email immediately, and Apple will send shipping updates as your phone gets ready to ship. You can track your order anytime by signing into your Apple account and checking your order history.

Pre-ordering through a carrier

Visit your carrier's website or go to a physical store on pre-order day. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers all open pre-orders at roughly the same time as Apple. Sign in to your account, select your iPhone 17 model and storage, and choose whether you want to pay in full, use a monthly payment plan, or trade in an old phone.

Carrier pre-orders often include trade-in credits that reduce your upfront cost. For example, trading in an iPhone 15 might give you $300 to $400 off the iPhone 17 price, depending on the phone's condition. The carrier will ask you to describe your old phone's condition — screen damage, battery health, whether it powers on — and will verify the condition when it arrives.

If you choose a monthly payment plan, the carrier will spread the cost over 24 or 36 months, usually interest-free if you stay on their network. This can make the iPhone 17 more affordable upfront, though you will pay the full price over time. Complete your order and the carrier will send you tracking information once your phone ships.

Pre-ordering from Best Buy or Amazon

Best Buy and Amazon both open iPhone 17 pre-orders on the same day as Apple. On Best Buy's website, search for iPhone 17, select your model and color, and add it to your cart. You can choose to pick it up in store or have it shipped. If you have a Best Buy membership, you may see earlier access or special pricing — check your account for any pre-order offers.

On Amazon, search for iPhone 17 and select the exact model you want. Amazon shows the estimated delivery date before you check out. If you have Prime membership, you may get faster shipping. Both retailers accept major credit cards and payment methods, and both will send you tracking information once your order ships.

Inventory at third-party retailers can sell out faster than at Apple or carriers, especially for popular colors and storage sizes. If your preferred option is unavailable, you can join a waitlist on either site and be notified if it comes back in stock.

What happens after you pre-order

You will receive an order confirmation email within minutes. This email contains your order number, estimated delivery date, and a link to track your order. Save this email — you will need the order number if you have questions or need to make changes.

Your payment method will be charged when your phone ships, not when you place the pre-order. This means your credit card or account will not be charged until a few days before delivery. If you pre-ordered through a carrier with a trade-in, send in your old phone within the timeframe they specify — usually 30 days — or you may lose the trade-in credit.

Check your tracking information regularly once your phone ships. Most carriers and retailers offer signature-required delivery, so you may need to be home to receive it. If your phone arrives damaged, contact the retailer or carrier immediately — they will send a replacement or process a refund.

Troubleshooting common pre-order problems

If the website crashes or times out during pre-order, try refreshing the page or closing and reopening your browser. Pre-order traffic is heavy, and sites sometimes slow down. If you cannot complete your order online, try calling the retailer directly — many have phone lines open specifically for pre-orders on launch day.

If your payment is declined, check that your billing address matches your payment method exactly. Some retailers flag mismatches as fraud. If the problem persists, try a different payment method or contact your bank to make sure they are not blocking the transaction.

If you see "out of stock" for your preferred model, check back in a few minutes — inventory updates happen constantly during pre-order. If it stays out of stock, you can join a waitlist or pre-order a different color or storage size and cancel later if your first choice becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel or change my iPhone 17 pre-order after I place it?

Yes, but the window to do so is short. Most retailers allow cancellations up to a few days before your phone ships. Once it ships, you will need to refuse delivery or process a return after it arrives. Check your order confirmation email for the cancellation deadline specific to your retailer.

Do I have to pay the full price upfront when I pre-order?

Not necessarily. Apple charges when your phone ships. Carriers and retailers may charge immediately or at shipment — check your order confirmation. If you choose a carrier payment plan, you will not pay the full price upfront; instead, you will make monthly payments.

What if I pre-order but my phone does not arrive by the launch date?

Delays happen, especially if you pre-order late in the window. Your order confirmation shows your estimated delivery date. If your phone does not arrive by that date, contact the retailer or carrier for an update. Most will reship or refund if there is a significant delay.

Can I pre-order an iPhone 17 without a carrier contract?

Yes. Pre-ordering from Apple, Best Buy, or Amazon does not require a carrier contract. You can buy the phone outright and use it with any carrier. Carrier pre-orders do not require a contract either — you can choose a device-only purchase without signing up for a plan.

Is there a difference between pre-ordering and buying on launch day?

Pre-ordering guarantees you a phone on or very close to the launch date. If you wait until launch day or after, you may face longer shipping times if inventory is low. Pre-ordering also locks in the price, so you know exactly what you will pay.