Macbook Air 15 Inch Shipping Delays

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Level 1

4 points

Macbook Air 15 Inch Shipping Delays

I placed an order for the new Macbook Air 15-Inch 24 GB & 512 GB on Sunday, March 16 for in-store pick up in Los Angeles. During purchase, I got the usual shipping estimates for in-store v shipped to my zipcode estimates, which was 2-5 days. I opted for in-store pick up to get it sooner and was told that the latest it would arrive would be today, but now the ETA on my Apple Wallet ticket is updating to the end of the month. Apple has historically been the fastest of any purchase i’ve made for shipping and I’m surprised it’s taking this long. This was an emergency purchase because my current Macbook broke down and I need a replacement ASAP for school. My parents purchased this item for me and they’re out of the country, and when i’ve reached out to the store and the chat line, I was told was that I could cancel it and purchase it in-store, but that’s not a possibility for me. I’m worried that the purchase will continue to delay — anyone else experiencing this? Is the volume of purchases/demand for this release higher than Apple’s bandwidth/supply? Not sure if it’s the popularity of the location of the store - but I’d say given that I live in Los Angeles, they all receive a high volume of customers?

Posted on Mar 20, 2025 10:34 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 20, 2025 10:56 AM in response to JDMSW

It has been the case lately that all but the basic models are shipped to order. They are not kept in stock in the stores. I know when I need a new computer a few years ago, I ended up buying just such a base model because I was able to pick it up the same day.

You may or may not have noticed but there has been a massive upheaval in international trading relations. This is bound to affect the price and delivery of goods made in other countries.

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Answer 2

JDMSW Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 20, 2025 12:33 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

Thank you so much for pointing out the international trade aspect! it’s something I hadn’t considered until you mentioned it.

I had called and was told that the model I purchased online with the exact memory and storage was available in-store, but I couldn’t come pick up ones they had readily available because it ~may~ not be available once I am there because it may have already been sold out. I’m curious how they go about determining which items get shipped in are for clients who have already paid vs. stock for people they anticipate will purchase the item. In thinking of your situation with purchasing an item with less storage and memory, for school purposes I am glad that I opted to purchase online v. in-store.

This is my first time buying online vs. in-store so I was surprised that it’s taking so long, especially with Apple’s reputation of quick, hassle-free shipping.

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Answer 3

Mar 20, 2025 1:06 PM in response to JDMSW

JDMSW wrote:

Thank you so much for pointing out the international trade aspect! it’s something I hadn’t considered until you mentioned it.

We live in "interesting" times. And I suspect it will only get more interesting! ;-)

This is my first time buying online vs. in-store so I was surprised that it’s taking so long, especially with Apple’s reputation of quick, hassle-free shipping.

It really depends on all sorts of factors. I have generally be able to get things within a week and the estimated dates have been accurate. But, occasionally, there have been issues. Things get stuck in customs. Or, there was a greater than expected demand and I was further down the queue than I first appeared to be. During COVID, supply chains were disrupted. And the aforementioned issues with international trade are bound to have an impact. Much of this is outside of Apple's control.

On the whole, I think Apple does a great job. Obviously, that doesn't help if your delivery is one of the ones that got delayed.

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Answer 4

JDMSW Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 21, 2025 7:49 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

and suddenly, I am less concerned about the shipment delays and a lot happier that my family made a purchase that supports a company that rejected ending their DEI program. :)

thank you for your insight! definitely put a lot into perspective!

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Answer 5

Mar 21, 2025 8:25 AM in response to JDMSW

JDMSW wrote:

and suddenly, I am less concerned about the shipment delays and a lot happier that my family made a purchase that supports a company that rejected ending their DEI program. :)

thank you for your insight! definitely put a lot into perspective!

Enjoy your new MBA when it arrives!

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Macbook Air 15 Inch Shipping Delays