Apple delivery times – including last delivery for Christmas

If you are wanting to get a new Apple product in time for Christmas or just wondering how quickly Apple can deliver, where Apple can deliver, or what delivery service Apple uses in the UK, we have the answers.

Apple delivery times

Most products you can buy from Apple will take 1-3 days to be delivered. However, there are times when you can get things delivered sooner – and there are times when delivery will take considerably longer.

In 2021, for example, component shortages and COVID-related delays meant that delivery times were stretched sometimes five or more weeks into the future. At other times you may see delivery times estimated to be far into the future – if the product you are trying to order isn’t new this could be an indicator that a new product may launch soon.

Last order dates for Christmas

If you want to get Christmas gifts from Apple on time for Christmas you may be able to pick them up from an Apple Store or use Apple Pickup – Apple’s 2-hour courier delivery service up until Friday 24 December 2021.

If you want to take advantage of Apple’s free home delivery though we have detailed the dates by which you need to order below:

iPhone: If you want any iPhone 13 series model (Max, Pro, 13 or mini) you need to order by Wednesday 22 December 2021. The same date is the deadline for all the iPhone 12 series models and the iPhone SE. If you want the iPhone 11 you need to order by Wednesday 15 December 2021. If you order the new iPhone from Apple before that date you should receive it by Christmas Eve. Order here.

Watch: On its website Apple indicated that, as with the iPhone, the last date for ordering the Apple Watch 7, SE or 3 is Wednesday 22 December 2021. However, in 2020 stock of certain models ran out before this date. Order here.

iPad: If you want to get certain models of iPad from Apple this Christmas you may need to be quick. In fact you are already too late if you want an iPad mini, because it needed to be ordered by Wednesday 17 November 2021. The last order date for the 10.2in iPad is Wednesday 24 November 2021. The iPad Air deadline is Wednesday 1 December 2021. If you want an 11in iPad Pro you’ll need to order by Wednesday 8 December 2021. The only iPad that Apple seems to have plenty of stock available is the 12.9in iPad Pro which can be ordered up until Wednesday 22 December 2021 (unless you want it engraves, in which case the date is a day earlier). Order here.

Mac: The dates by which you need to order Macs also depends on the model you want. If it’s the 16in or 14in MacBook Pro you are after you will need to order by Wednesday 1 December 2021 to get them by Christmas Eve. The 24in iMac has an order by date of Wednesday 8 December 2021, the 13in MacBook Pro and MacBook Air both need to be ordered by Friday 17 December 2021. The 27in iMac and Mac mini both have an order by date of Wednesday 22 December 2021. Order here.

AirPods: As long as you order your AirPods (3rd or 2nd gen), AirPods Pro or AirPods Max by Wednesday 22 December 2021 you should get them in time for Christmas. If you want them engraved you have until Tuesday 21 December though. Order here.

HomePod: If you want the HomePod mini for Christmas then you need to order by Wednesday 22 December 2021. Order here.

Apple TV: It looks like Apple has some problems with stock for the 4K Apple TV because the order by date is Wednesday 1 December 2021 for that model. The Apple TV HD model is order by Wednesday 22 December 2021 to get one in time for Christmas. Order here.

AirTag: If you or someone you know wants an AirTag (or a pack of four) for Christmas you need to order by Wednesday 8 December 2021. Order here.

iPod touch: In the case of the iPod touch (yes you can still buy one) Apple isn’t actually giving a last order date, but if you attempt to order one now (17 November, it seems to suggest free delivery is from 17 December). Order here.

These dates are outlined by Apple here. Even if the order by date has passed you may still be able to get the product you want, either by walking into an Apple Store or using the Apple Pickup 2-hour courier delivery service that can be used in certain areas.

In addition you could look for the same product on sale at an Apple Reseller such as KRCS, John Lewis, Currys, Laptops Direct, AO.com and so on. 

Returning products to Apple after Christmas

Worried about returning unwanted Apple products after Christmas? Apple has extended Christmas returns until Saturday 8 January 2022.

The company says that it will be possible to return eligible products received between 1 November 2021 and 25 December 2021 as long as you initiate the return by Saturday 8 January 2022. 

We have more details on How to return Apple products in a separate article.

Does Apple do same day deliveries?

Wondering if Apple can deliver faster?

Apple does offer same-day delivery, and for a limited time, in select locations, Apple will deliver within two hours for £4.

Same day deliveries are available during business hours on selected items for certain postcodes. For example, if you are in London, Birmingham or another UK city you may be able to get your new Apple product delivered to you within two hours.

The two-hour delivery fee is normally £8, but in the run up to Christmas 2020 Apple has discounted that to £4.

If this option is available in your area you will see it at checkout. 

You can also pick your order up in person at an Apple Store.

Can Apple deliver to another country?

It is possible to purchase items from Apple for friends and family in any country where Apple has an Apple Store, no matter where you live.

You just need to visit the local online Apple Store of the country where you want your products delivered and place your order.

This includes 15 European countries.

If Apple doesn’t operate in that country you should still be able to buy from an Apple reseller in that country and have the item delivered to your recipient’s address.

Visit Apple’s website for a list of all the Apple Stores around the world.

Who do Apple deliver with in the UK?

This depends. For orders that are less than £200 Apple will send via the postal service. No signature is required and order tracking is not available.

For products that cost more than £200 Apple changes courier service from time to time. You can expect the courier to be either TNT or UPS in the UK.

Can Apple deliver to a PO Box?

Apple does not do deliver to PO Boxes or BFPO addresses, but you can collect your online order from an Apple-authorised location like a newsagent, supermarket or locker station

A pickup point is a convenient location such as a newsagent or local supermarket where you can collect your order.

When you’ve selected the item you want to order, you will be presented with the option to Deliver to Home or to Deliver to a Pickup Point.

For more information about shopping at Apple read: How to use the Apple Store.