Life

This Is Exactly How To Pre-Order The iPhone X On Friday

by Brittany Bennett

Do you feel that energy in the air? No, it's not another major total solar eclipse — it's the iPhone X, which is set to be up for pre-order on Oct. 27. Every time Apple releases a new phone, it feels like it's time to pull out your camping gear. But this time, you don't have to: Just make sure you know how to pre-order the iPhone X online so you can beat the rush from the comfort of your own couch. And you'll want to pre-order the iPhone X — not only to avoid hoards of the tech hungry but to simply ensure that you get one. So, keep that sleeping bag rolled up and cancel your plans to camp out in front of the Apple store in Nov. — instead set your alarm for very late at night: the phone becomes available to order on Fri., Oct. 27 3:01 a.m. EST and 12:01 a.m. PDT. Any items pre-ordered will begin delivering on Nov. 3.

In my latest venture to one of my cellular provider's stores, I listened in as the manager and employees discussed their game plan for the iPhone X in-store release scheduled for Nov. 3. Strategy was discussed as if Rihanna was coming for an in-store appearance. Crowd control. Display. Refreshments. They were talking the works all for the roll out of Apple's latest iteration of the trendiest cell phone on the market. One AT&T employee at a Brooklyn store highly recommends pre-ordering so that, in their words, "you can walk in and we can find your marked box." If there's time, they'll even help you set it up. Yeah, this is an ~event~, so if you choose to go to a store on Nov. 3, might as well feel like a VIP.

Avoid The Line

Wake up slow on Nov. 3, and not in a frenzy. Something you should ~definitely~ know about is that there is supply constraints on the iPhone X. Supply constraints, you say? Yes, meaning that even if you did turn this into an opportunity to glamp outside your local Apple store, you're not guaranteed to walk away with anything more than a breakfast smore.

Tech analyst Ben Bajarin tells USA Today that pre-sales for opening day of iPhones in the past have sold out in five minutes. Five. And this year, "due to supply constraints for the X, due to some of the newer parts that haven't been used in mass production before, it's expected to sell out even more quickly." So, you might want to actually set that alarm for 2:30 a.m. EST or 11:30 a.m. PDT to get yourself pumped for pre-ordering.

How To Pre-Order

Once you're awake and counting the minutes to 3:01 a.m. EST, you might be wondering how to actual secure an iPhone X. You can pre-order through your cellular carrier that stocks iPhones like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint or through the Apple store. Additionally, if you're worried the site may crash due to tons of people accessing it at once, it might be a better idea to hop on your soon-to-be old iPhone, download the Apple Store app and place your pre-sale order there.

When you order through the Apple Store, your phone will be delivered to your address, meaning you won't even have to move further than your mailbox to ooh-and-aah over your new device. But because of that whole supply constraint ordeal (Apple.com mentions that availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis even if you're a part of the iPhone Upgrade Program) you should have your ideal iPhone X in mind the second that pre-order screen pops up.

In terms of color are you more "space gray" or "silver"? Think about it. And when it comes to swiping the details of your credit card, how would you like to pay? One option is to fork over $999 upfront or $49.91 a month for 64 GB. If you utilize your phone as a media work station, producing films and storing projects in your pocket, 256 GB of storage will add up to be $1,149 upfront or $56.16 per month. If you're into that like-you're-there 4K video quality, this might be the better option. It's obviously completely your choice, but it has been recommended by multiple sources to know exactly what you want before placing your order.

Don't Stress

Stay calm through the process. Have your carrier information ready (account information and password) so that you can set up your iPhone X should you order through your carrier's site. If you totally blanked, no stress. You can buy a phone unlocked and bring it to your carrier to help set it up on your own time. At the end of the day, or week, you're going to have a new phone and it will be glorious and you won't have to stand in any lines that passing Android users might scoff at you for.

See you all at 3:01 a.m. EST on Oct. 27! Good luck!