10 Things To Do Before iPhone 6s Release Date

If you’ve pre-ordered the iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus, or are planning to hit a store on Friday, there are some things you’ll want to do before the highly anticipated iPhone 6s release date.

On September 9, Apple confirmed the elephants in the room. The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, two devices that have been rumored for several months, have been in the limelight as the company has shown off its comprehensive fall pipeline to consumers around the world.

The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus come with a host of major upgrades, and it’s these upgrades that are pushing millions of consumers to order an iPhone 6s before their big release date on Friday morning.

The iPhone 6s release date will arrive on September 25 for the United States and a few other key regions. Release day is the day iPhone 6s pre-orders will arrive, and it’s also the first day stores will start selling the physical version of the device. Apple is a big day for Apple enthusiasts and those looking to buy a new smartphone.

With an iPhone 6s release date approaching, if you’ve placed an order or are planning to be a part of Friday’s show at an Apple Store or other retail outlet, now is the time to start paying attention. You will want to be prepared.

Here, we outline some of the things iPhone 6s buyers will want to do before Friday’s iPhone 6s release date. Release days have the potential to be painful, and we want to help make Friday’s iPhone 6s launch as smooth as possible.

Back up your files

We’ll start with a few things all iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus buyers will want to do before Friday’s iPhone 6s release date.

First, you’ll want to make sure your files and data are backed up before activating and syncing your brand new iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus on Friday. While we don’t expect common problems, you’ll want to be safe rather than upset.

We’ve prepared a guide to walk you through the backup process, and you should get it done today or tomorrow.

Meet the iPhone 6s and iOS 9

If you haven’t already, now would be a great time to familiarize yourself with the key iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus features and the iOS 9 software that will be included with your new device.

We’ve put together a guide that shows you the key iPhone 6s features and changes you need to know. Get to know them now to start taking full advantage of what the new flagship has to offer.

You’ll also want to know about the iOS 9 update, the software included with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. This is especially important if this iPhone will be your first. Our list of quick tips for new iOS 9 users will get you started.

Decide What To Do With Your Old Phone

You’ll also want to make a plan for your old device. Trading your old device can cut some of your iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus purchase cost, so it’s wise to look into it now, especially if you’re going to be paying the big bucks on Friday.

If you plan to trade in your device on Friday, be sure to completely delete all your personal information and all sensitive files before giving it to your carrier or anyone else.

Make Sure You Have Important Information

If you’re planning to go to a store on Friday (or anytime after) to buy an iPhone 6s or make a reservation, you’ll want to make sure you have all of your pertinent information with you.

This includes your credit card, credit card information, and any authorized account information for Apple and the carrier you purchased from. The more you have, the better, because you never know what hurdles you might encounter in the purchasing or receiving process.

Set Store Hours

If you are planning to go to a store on Friday, you will want to make sure that the store you are going to opens its doors early.

Apple Stores and most carrier locations will open at 8am local time. We expect retailers to do the same, but you’ll still want to stop by today or tomorrow or call them before Thursday night to be sure.

If the store is located in a mall, you may need to call the mall ahead of time to find out which doors will open and when. We saw things get pretty clear the day the iPhone was launched, and you’ll want to make sure you have a good grasp of it so you’re not late for work or wasting your time.

Determine When You Should Arrive

You’ll also want to know when you should arrive.

If you’re planning to buy an iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus, you may need to arrive fairly early on release day to make sure you get the model you want. The iPhone 6s Plus was pretty hard to find before its release date, so if you want this model, you might need to give yourself a bigger pillow.

Talk to people who have experienced this before (friends or strangers on social media) and don’t be afraid to call ahead.

If you’re getting an iPhone 6s in tow, Apple recommends arriving about 15 minutes before your pickup time. Here’s what the company told us:

It’s good to know you’ll be one of the first to get the newest phone! Since your reservation is for 8:00, then we will be ready for you. I would say arrive at least 15 minutes early to be safe. I check to see if certain doors of the mall will open or where would be the best place to enter. I will inform you!

Pack Accordingly

If you’re not getting an iPhone 6s reservation, you’ll want to bring in some extras to make your potential wait a little more bearable.

We recommend bringing a chair (if it’s very portable), snacks and coffee, a book if you plan to buy it from a large Apple Store, and a battery pack for your phone, if available.

It’s hard to predict how long you’ll wait in line, so it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you don’t have a car nearby.

Add Your Discover Card to Apple Pay

If you’re using a Discover Card and have a device that can take advantage of Apple Pay, you’ll want to link that card to your account right away.

If you do this before you go on Friday and pay with Apple Pay, you can get 10% back on all purchases you make in the Apple Store. This is huge for those looking to save money on both the phone itself and iPhone 6s accessories.

Start Tracking Your iPhone 6s Order

If you pre-order an iPhone 6s before the iPhone 6s release date, you’ll want to track your shipment before the Friday delivery date.

To help you with that, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to accurately track your incoming iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus delivery before Friday’s release.

HAHA COOL 🙂 pic.twitter.com/JhyeI8uBiF

— Sam Biddle (@samfbiddle) September 22, 2015

This is especially important if you live in an area that will be affected by the Pope’s trip to the United States.

Pre-Sign for Delivery If Needed

If you bought through Apple and know you won’t be home on Friday, you’ll want to pre-sign for your iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus order.

If no one answers the door, the delivery man cannot leave the door. Apple requires a signature for an iPhone delivery. To do this, Go to Apple’s website.

You have another option. You can have the delivery company (possibly UPS) keep your package close by. To do this, you need to track your order information and verify the company that delivered it.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to head over to their website to inquire about your Friday morning or afternoon pickup options.