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Now here’s a rumor we can get excited about: Apple’s latest iPad Air will apparently be eligible for Personal Pickup on launch day, meaning we can order online while still in our pajamas, then pick it up at the store later the same day.
MacRumors reported Monday that Apple could unveil an unusual, but very welcome twist this Friday, Nov. 1 for the launch of its new iPad Air: Online ordering with in-store pickup on opening day.
According to an unnamed source with knowledge of Apple’s plans, the Personal Pickup option will be available to iPad Air buyers online beginning at 12:01 AM PST when the new tablet will first go on sale on the Apple online store. Once purchased online, buyers can saunter over to the nearest Apple retail store and pick it up — no muss, no fuss.
The move would be unique for Apple, who has only offered Personal Pickup as a buying option only after the initial rush of launch orders has subsided. Assuming this rumor is true — and we certainly hope that’s the case — it could bode well for those looking to purchase an iPad Air this Friday, suggesting that inventory will be plentiful.
Apparently the same cannot be said for the iPad mini with Retina Display, which Apple CEO Tim Cook already confirmed during Monday’s quarterly earnings conference call is expected to be in short supply when the smaller tablet drops sometime next month.
Apple retail stores will open at 8 AM local time in the U.S. and other countries in the first wave of iPad Air launches.
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