How to Get iPhone 17, AirPods 3, and Apple Watch

Apple’s latest products — the iPhone 17 series, the AirPods 3 wireless earbuds and a new version of the Apple Watch — are poised to sell quickly. If you want delivery on day one — or an intelligent discount on last year’s gear — your best bet is all about timing, pre-approval, and understanding where the real value is buried. Here’s a quick, expert playbook for getting what you want without overpaying or ending up with terms you wish you could change.

Lock In the iPhone 17: Pre-Approval Is Half the Battle

With the Apple Store app, favorite the specific configuration (color, storage, model) and complete iPhone Upgrade Program or carrier-financing pre-approval beforehand. When orders go live, you’ll check out in seconds versus minutes—important because the popular colors and high-capacity Pro models are historically the first to sell out and slide to multi-week lead times. Counterpoint Research analysts have recorded similar early backlogs in previous iPhone releases.

If you’re going through a carrier, you can fill out eligibility and trade-in calculations before the preorder window begins. Certain carriers also provide “early upgrade” eligibility in-app, which sidesteps surprise paperwork at the counter. Opt for in-store pickup at check-out for better odds; Apple frequently saves stock for retail pickup even as delivery dates slip.

Apple vs. Carriers vs. Retailers: Where the Deals Vary

Buying straight from Apple is the most straightforward form of the unlocked phone, AppleCare+ and predictable monthly payments. It’s also the simplest way to pair trade-in value with the iPhone Upgrade Program for predictable yearly upgrades.

Carriers will push those headline discounts because they’re the biggest, but read the fine print. The biggest “$700–$1,000 off” deals tend to come in the form of bill credits over 24–36 months, and those deals require premium plans as well. About two thirds of iPhone purchases go through carriers in the United States, according to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, which is why these promos are dominate during launch season. If you switch carriers or lines prematurely, you could lose unused credits; consider that when you calculate your total cost of ownership.

Big chain stores typically layer in gift cards or bundle promotions. Big-box stores occasionally have secured additional launch-day inventory and same-day pickup can be quicker than shipping. If a retailer is including a gift card, that’s only a deal if you’ll use it yourself, otherwise an unlocked purchase from Apple might be the better value.

AirPods 3 and Apple Watch: How could Apple use the pattern of availability to its advantage

True-wireless earbuds get marked as sold out less frequently, although select AirPods 3 bundles and limited-edition cases have been. Keep an eye out for retailer gift-card promos, student discounts, or bundle savings when buying with an iPhone—these tend to surface during launch windows and major sale events. Market trackers at Circana, for example, have demonstrated time and time again that audio accessories are aggressively discounted during sales times.

With Apple Watch, there are certain case sizes, finishes, and band combinations that go first. But if you insist on a certain combo or get the rugged model, choose store pickup. If you’re open on the band, you’ll have a lot more to choose from and typically you’ll receive it sooner. And don’t forget the price of when you’re buying AppleCare+; you’d be hard-pressed to find a scenario where repairing a cracked display out of warranty is competitive with coverage.

Refurbished and Last-Gen: Smart Ways to Save

Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones, iPads and Watches have a full warranty and are fully tested; all our new-battery/new-shell iPhones are a hidden value from Apple. Inventory rotates, so check often. Third-party refurbished programs can be great, too—just be sure to check on return window, battery health minimums and warranty terms before hitting buy.

Price intelligence firms such as SellCell report iPhones have higher resale value than the likes of many Android flagships – typically 60–70% retained value after a year, giving you strong trade-in leverage for previous-gen models. A Pro from a prior year often has better cameras and screens than a brand-new non-Pro at the same price, if you’re budget-conscious.

Trade-In Math: How to Make the Numbers Work for You

Carrier bill credits sounds great, but they obligate you to a plan and time frame. Or: Do a cash trade-in, or sell your old phone privately, purchase the new phone unlocked, and match it with a cheaper plan from a reputable MVNO. Over a couple of years, the savings may beat even the biggest carrier promo. Run each of those scenarios out to the end of the term and see which wins for you.

Prior to trade in: back up your device, sign out of Apple ID, turn off Find My, unpair your Apple Watch and clear the phone. Document its condition with photos. And if applicable, add the original box, and accessories (some refurbishers may pay extra for a full kit).

Old Models: Who Should Buy What

If your goal is getting the most spec and feature bang for your buck, last year’s Pro tends to offer a sweet spot when the new lineups launch. Shutterbugs and mobile gamers, who will notice the difference when upgrading, join that crowd; casual users can step down one generation without sacrificing core performance or battery life. With wearables, the last-generation Apple Watch usually gets years of software love, and its price frequently dips far below the launch price when new models arrive.

Your Preorder Checklist

Finish up in the Apple Store app, pre-approval financing, and carrier-checking process. Make a choice: unlocked or bill-credit offers in advance. Can I set a pickup location as a backup instead of delivery? Prep your trade-in. And keep a second payment method ready to go in case fraud filters reject the first card — a common hiccup with high-traffic launches.

Do that and you’ll beat the rush, dodge the usual pratfalls and land the iPhone 17, AirPods 3 and the latest Apple Watch on day one — or earn a too-smart-for-your-own-good discount on last year’s standouts.