The Apple Store is down as Apple gets ready to open pre-orders for the new iPhone 16 range.
The online store, where consumers can buy everything from Macs to iPhones directly from Apple, went down on the morning of Friday, September 13.
In a nod to the buzz around the iPhone 16, the online store is showing a message that reads: “We love that early energy. Almost ready for you.”
The text is displayed below the same animated Apple logo that was used for the company’s recent Glowtime event, where it unveiled the iPhone 16, along with the Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4, among other products.
What time do iPhone 16 pre-orders start?
As Apple reveals in its statement, iPhone 16 pre-orders begin at 1pm today. That’s when Apple will essentially allow anyone to purchase the device ahead of its release date of September 20, which is when the new iPhone should start shipping.
Why is the Apple Store down?
Apple typically takes its store offline in the hours preceding a major product launch - and they don’t come much bigger than the iPhone 16.
Although the Store is off-limits, you can still browse the other parts of the store to get information on Apple’s entire product range,
However, that means that you can no longer pre-register to buy the iPhone 16, essentially cutting down some of the steps it takes to pre-order and possibly beating the queue.
Last year, Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro models sold out immediately after their launch, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the iPhone 16 follows suit.
How much does the iPhone 16 cost?
The new iPhone 16 lineup boasts larger displays for the Pro and Pro Max models, featuring 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, respectively. A standout addition across the range is the Camera Control button, allowing users to quickly capture photos and videos.
The devices are powered by the new A18 and A18 Pro chips, promising improved performance and efficiency. Apple has also introduced Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features that will start rolling out from October.
Here’s how much all four models cost:
iPhone 16: £799 (128GB) / £899 (256GB) / £1,099 (512GB)
iPhone 16 Plus: £899 (128GB) / £999 (256GB) / £1,199 (512GB)
iPhone 16 Pro: £1,099 (256GB) / £1,299 (512GB) / £1,499 (1TB)
iPhone 16 Pro Max: £1,199 (256GB) / £1,399 (512GB) / £1,599 (1TB).
For those looking to save some cash on the new devices, Apple is offering between £415-£645 for iPhone 15 trade-ins.
