Finally, there is some good news for those who want to to buy the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus this Christmas. Apple is catching up with massive demand for its latest devices. Now the Online Apple Store shows that shipping estimates for both devices in all colors from all carriers have improved to 1-3 days. However, the improvement is seen only for 16GB and 64GB storage options, as 128GB phones remain constrained.
128GB iPhone 6 and 6 Plus remain difficult to find
The ship-by-times for the iPhone 6 in 16GB and 64GB options from major U.S. carriers AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint has dropped to 1-3 days. The bigger iPhone 6 Plus in same storage options is available for shipping in one day. However, the 128GB iPhone 6 still reflects 7-10 days ship time for all color options. Meanwhile, supplies of the 128GB 5.5-inch phablet have improved, with shipping time of 3-5 days.
It suggests that the Cupertino company is close to reaching a supply/demand balance soon. Shipping estimates in many other countries such as Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Mexico and Thailand have also improved. Throughout this month, shipping times have improved consistently as the tech giant tried to catch up with demand. Apple had to reportedly delay the mass production of iPad Pro to focus on the iPhone 6 Plus.
Retina 5k iMac supply also improves
Besides the online store, most brick-and-mortar Apple Stores are also offering same-day in-store pickup, even for the 128GB iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Recent surveys show that the iPhone 6 was outselling its bigger sibling by three-to-one. Another survey conducted by Kantar WorldPanel revealed that the iPhone 6 Plus as the most popular phablet in the U.S., accounting for more than 41% of the total phablet sales.
Availability of the Retina 5K iMac has also improved. Its shipping estimates have declined from 1-2 weeks to “In Stock.” However, custom orders with memory, graphics, CPU and storage upgrades could delay the ship time to 2-4 days. Back in October, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the demand for the new iPhones was “far outstripping” supply.
