Apple Shares Deadlines for Ordering Holiday Gifts

Alongside its Black Friday bonus gift card announcement, Apple has also released its holiday shipping guide in the United States and other countries that outlines deadlines for customers looking to order gifts online for arrival by December 24.

apple holiday deadlines 2023
Unlike in some recent years, Apple appears to have ample stock of all of its main products as we head into the holiday season, with Apple currently saying that most products can be ordered up until December 21 while still receiving delivery in time for Christmas.

For items that can be engraved through Apple, two additional days are generally required, meaning orders must be placed by December 19. The lone exception to that is AirTags, which must be ordered by December 12 if you wish to have them engraved. Finally, physical gift cards must be ordered by December 19.

While these deadlines are for shipments of orders placed through Apple's online store, the company says customers may still be able to get orders in time after the deadline if items are in stock and customers choose Apple Pickup or 2-hour delivery from a local Apple Store.

Deadlines in other countries vary somewhat, such as a flat December 21 deadline for all products (including engraved ones) in Germany and a flat December 22 deadline in the United Kingdom.

Apple may update the deadlines on these pages in the coming weeks as it assesses product availability, so it pays to keep an eye on it and ensure you order in plenty of time to receive your items in time for the holidays.

Apple's extended return policy is also now in effect, allowing items purchased in most countries between November 3 and December 25 to be returned through January 8, 2024. Select countries have a longer window with items purchased between November 4 and January 6 able to be returned through January 20, 2024.

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Top Rated Comments

vegetassj4 Avatar
29 months ago
[S]Winter[/S]Christmas is Coming, and the army of the dead will be fighting the brave men and women of Walmarteros for the best deals on the last 85" TV. I was hoping for a 27" iMac, so I guess Appleclause is leaving me a lump of coal.



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Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
svish Avatar
29 months ago
Looks like everything is in stock and can be ordered even later for a Christmas delivery!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Doctor Q Avatar
29 months ago
It's amazing how many people don't realize that Christmas is coming, and panic with orders at the very last minute, hoping the merchandise will arrive on time.

I can understand people who have trouble getting gifts ordered in time for Hanukkah, since the calendar date changes each year. But I'm pretty sure Christmas is on the same day each year.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)