No surprise: iPhone SE shipments might be delayed

Unfortunately, those who pre-order the new iPhone might have to wait longer than expected.
 By 
Alex Perry
 on 
No surprise: iPhone SE shipments might be delayed
The new iPhone SE might not show up on day one if you pre-order it. Credit: Apple

Even in normal circumstances, Apple's new iPhones don't always ship on time. So it's no surprise that during the coronavirus pandemic there might be minor delays with the new iPhone SE.

That's according to Apple's website, anyway. The iPhone SE store page is giving arrival dates in early May for pre-orders of any new iPhone SE, which officially launches on April 24. As spotted by 9to5Mac, trying to order the phone in any storage size and color results in estimated ship dates of May 4 at the earliest, and that's just for expedited shipping. The standard, free shipping model delivers no earlier than May 6.

Obviously that's not a life-shattering delay by any means. It's also not horribly unusual; some variants of the iPhone 11 were delayed in a similar manner last year, likely due to high demand. Apple's site doesn't list a reason for the later shipping dates, but it only takes one glance at the state of the world to figure out why things might not work the way they're supposed to right now.


You May Also Like

Again, it looks like a delay of about two weeks. That's tolerable. We'd understand if you were bothered by this due to excitement for the iPhone SE, though. It starts at $399 and compares pretty favorably to more expensive options like the iPhone 11 and XR.

Buy one and you're getting a cheap iPhone with the same processor and some of the same bells and whistles as other more expensive models. Just don't be shocked if you have to wait a bit.

Topics Apple iPhone

journalist alex perry looking at a smartphone
Alex Perry
Tech Reporter

Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Apple to prioritize iPhone Fold over base iPhone 18 in 2026, report says
iPhone 17 Pro on wooden surface

Comparing iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17: Is the new $599 phone good enough?
iphone 17 and 17e on blue background

Score a free Apple iPhone 17e from T-Mobile — how to claim your free iPhone this weekend
the apple iphone 17e in several colorways in a row, overlapping each other in front of a green background

BBC under fire after man with Tourette syndrome yells racist slur at BAFTAs
Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs.

Nintendo sues Trump administration over 'illegal' tariffs that delayed Switch 2 pre-orders
Nintendo Switch 2

More in Tech

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

You can track Artemis II in real time as Orion flies to the moon
Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman piloting the Orion spacecraft
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!