The wait is over: the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro pre-orders have officially begun shipping. As thousands of eager buyers prepare for the September 20 launch date, one of the most anticipated features isn’t the camera or the new processor—it’s the arrival of the phone itself. However, as experienced iPhone customers know, waiting for that shipping status update can be nerve-wracking. Here’s how to take control of the situation and track your iPhone (or any online purchase) with precision, using just a tracking number and advanced tracking tools.
Has Your iPhone 16 Shipped Yet?
If you’ve pre-ordered your iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, you’ve probably already checked Apple’s order status page. Right now, it likely shows “preparing to ship,” a familiar phrase for those who’ve navigated iPhone pre-orders before. Apple typically keeps this status until just a few days before launch, even when your package has already been picked up by a shipping partner like UPS or DHL.
However, there’s a secret tool many seasoned Apple buyers use to get the real scoop on their order’s whereabouts: third-party shipping platforms. Let’s dive into how you can monitor your iPhone 16—or any product—across multiple carriers, using universal tracking services like UPS, FedEx, and comprehensive platforms such as Ordertracker.
UPS My Choice: The Classic iPhone Pre-Order Tool
UPS My Choice has long been a favorite for tracking Apple orders, and it remains one of the best options in 2024. This free service allows you to see all packages coming to your address, even before Apple updates its shipping status. Once enrolled, simply log in to UPS and you’ll get access to detailed tracking information for any shipment headed your way.
Many customers use the “Track by Reference Number” feature. In past years, you could enter your Apple order number (without the last two digits) or the phone number linked to the order to locate your shipment. However, in recent years, UPS has enhanced security, making it harder to track by reference number alone. Now, the best way to stay updated is to sign up for My Choice, which automatically adds packages destined for your address.
Ordertracker: The Universal Tracking Solution
While UPS My Choice is helpful, it’s not the only game in town. For those looking to track not just their iPhone 16, but all their online purchases across different carriers, a platform like Ordertracker is a more advanced, all-in-one solution.
Ordertracker consolidates tracking data from various couriers—UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS, and more—into one dashboard. This means that if you’ve ordered other accessories or products along with your iPhone 16, you can track them all from one place. Here’s how you can use Ordertracker to follow your iPhone’s journey:
- Go to Ordertracker’s website: You don’t need to create an account, but registering gives you more personalized tracking options and real-time updates.
- Enter your tracking number: If you have access to your UPS or FedEx tracking number through Apple or UPS My Choice, you can input it directly into Ordertracker. The platform will then pull up the shipment’s current status and show you where your package is, regardless of the carrier.
- Track across borders: One of the unique benefits of Ordertracker is its global reach. Whether your iPhone is traveling through Zhengzhou, China, or stopping in a European logistics hub, the platform provides real-time updates across borders.
- Get notifications: Ordertracker can send notifications to your email or phone, so you’re always in the loop as your shipment gets closer to home.
When Will Your iPhone 16 Arrive?
Even if your iPhone 16 pre-order has shipped, don’t expect it to arrive before the official release date of September 20. Apple has strict agreements with carriers to ensure that phones don’t get delivered early, even if they’re already in your local distribution center. The launch date is the soonest you can expect to receive your device.
That being said, it’s still worth tracking your phone’s journey, especially if you’re curious about the global supply chain that moves millions of iPhones from China to your front door. If you don’t see your shipment right away, don’t panic—many iPhones are still in the process of being transferred to shipping partners, so keep checking throughout the week.
A Few Last Tips for Tracking Your iPhone (or Any Order)
- Stay patient: Apple’s shipping partners handle a massive volume of packages during new product launches, so even though your iPhone is in transit, it might take a bit longer than expected to update in tracking systems.
- Prepare for launch day: While tracking is exciting, remember that no iPhones will be delivered before September 20, 2024. So, sit tight and get ready for the big reveal.
With tools like UPS My Choice and Ordertracker, you can easily stay ahead of the game and track not just your iPhone, but any online order like a pro