Target Begins Notifying Some Apple Watch Series 3 Pre-Order Customers That Shipments Will Be Delayed

Target customers this morning began pointing out on Twitter, through tipster emails, and in our forums that their Apple Watch Series 3 orders have been delayed, unfortunately mirroring similar events that plagued many Target pre-order customers for the Series 2 model last year. The affected users were originally promised a delivery window surrounding today's launch day, or soon after, and Target has now pushed some orders back by weeks, landing between October 10 and October 13 for a few customers.

target apple watch delay
Target hasn't officially yet commented on the shipping delays. All customers affected appear to have pre-ordered the Series 3 device on or around September 15 (the first date they were available to pre-order), and were subsequently given delivery estimates for today's launch or early next week. One customer has canceled their Target order and ordered the Apple Watch Series 3 from Best Buy, with a delivery estimate of next week on Tuesday, September 26.

Last year both Target and Best Buy delayed the orders of many customers' Apple Watch Series 2 devices, and both companies ended up offering affected users a $50 gift card to use at each respective retailer's physical or online store. If delays are widespread again this year, it's possible that Target will offer some kind of compensation for those suffering from Series 3 delays.

Target explained in 2016 that it was facing delays in receiving Series 2 models from Apple at the time, leading to inventory shortages and slipping delivery estimates. When and if Target comments on the matter, we'll update this article with any new information.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

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Top Rated Comments

macduke Avatar
93 months ago
That huge red dot matches the Target logo nicely.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sasparilla Avatar
93 months ago
Although this seems like Target logistics, it seems like like the Watch Series 3 (LTE in particular) is the high demand item for launch day.

The LTE doesn't seem worth the extra $70 + $120 year to your provider, but alot of folks don't seem to agree with me.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bbeagle Avatar
93 months ago
Target is a great place to go, as they discount Apple 5% if you use their Red Card. So I'll be saving $20 on a new Apple Watch.

You just can't count on any retailers having stock, save Apple themselves, on launch days.
[doublepost=1506102604][/doublepost]
I think many may have a corporate plan which will pay for all their data usage.
Others...well, they just have disposable income.
Others... actually have use cases for it. I'm one of those people who feel that carrying around a hunk of metal/plastic/glass in their pocket is a pain in the butt. I really don't use my phone for anything my watch can't do. When I want to do anything else, I use my tablet or computer. I rarely surf or do anything on my phone. It's just a necessary evil to carry around my phone so I'm connected.

I know battery life isn't here yet, but I'd love to never use my phone again. I can see texts on my watch, get phone calls, and read my emails on my computer at work or at home. I don't need to use twitter while I'm walking down the street.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
UltimateSyn Avatar
93 months ago
How did this seriously happen two years in a row..
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BornAgainMac Avatar
93 months ago
Target should sell their Target logo as stickers for the Apple Watch to place over that Red Dot.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
93 months ago
How did this seriously happen two years in a row..
Because it's Target. Honestly though, if the Apple Watch is delayed coming from Target, they usually make it right and will compensate the customer for the inconvenience one way or the other. I think they are reputable given the circumstances.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)