Shipping dates for some Apple Watch Series 7 models slipped into November less than an hour after the device went up for preorder.
While some seemingly less-popular configurations remain available for launch day delivery on October 15, many will have customers waiting several weeks.
Apple Watch Series 7 sells out fast
Recent rumors warned that Apple Watch 7 supplies would be tight initially. Cupertino reportedly faced production complications that left us waiting longer than usual for its newest wearable to go on sale.
On top of that, the whole launch process proved very frustrating for Apple Watch fans this time around. With Apple keeping configuration and pricing details silent until this morning, many faced last-minute decisions about colors, cases and band combos during the preorder process.
Those choosing a popular model already face lengthy waits. Less than an hour after preorders for Apple Watch Series 7 opened, many options are sold out and won’t arrive until November. Others will ship in two to three weeks, Apple says, though that likely will change soon.
It seems the most popular configurations so far, unsurprisingly, are the most affordable ones. The new midnight and starlight aluminum models look particularly difficult to obtain. Some pricier stainless steel options are also unavailable until next month.
Getting an Apple Watch 7 on launch day
If the Apple Watch 7 configuration you want is already sold out, you might be able to pick it up from your local Apple Store — or from a third-party retailer that sells Apple Watch — on launch day. But that’s a big risk.
If the model you want isn’t available for in-store pickup, you’ll have to wait until it is, or place a preorder online later, at which point shipping dates will have slipped even further.
