iPhone 17 pro max Cosmic O (Out of)-range

[Wiphi11]

Hi,

Just wanted to share my experience.

I’ve been with O2 for nearly 8 years now and joined the Switch Up program when it launched in August 2022. I’ve always loved getting the latest phones each year, and the program has been fantastic—until now.

O2 advertised: Pre-order the iPhone 17 range on 12/09/2025 and receive your device on release day.
Tempting, right? That’s how it’s worked in previous years.

So on 12/09/2025 at 13:00, I went to the Bishop’s Stortford O2 store to pre-order the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange. There was a queue, and I was asked to return after 20 minutes. They took my contact details and said they’d message me when it was my turn. I got the message, returned, and completed the Switch Up process just before 14:00.

Around 2 PM, I received a text confirming the order had gone through, followed by a couple of emails. Then came another text: Order status: Processing – up to 3 weeks.
Wait, what?! That tagline about release-day delivery suddenly felt misleading. I assumed it might be a contingency notice.

Fast forward to today—no updates. No texts, no emails, nothing. I’ve been checking since Thursday. It’s like my order is in limbo. I spent the whole day speaking with customer service, explaining everything above. The resolution? A credit to my account.

Meanwhile, others who placed the same order are receiving their phones today. It’s frustrating. Did I pre-order too late? Was being just one hour behind the launch window too much?

This is the first time I’ve had a disappointing experience with O2, and honestly, I’m now considering switching to another network.

[madasaf1sh]

@Wiphi11 

There is never any guarantee of actually getting the phone on release day, as it depends on what stock Apple send third party resellers such as o2, as Apple always prioritise their own customers. 
And from reading reddit and other network forums, you are not alone with not getting a phone on release day, and sorry to say you aren't the first and wont be the last.. 

With stores and click and collect its what ever is on the delivery, nothing the store can do about it and naff all CS can do about it either..

If you want to leave the details are here Guide: Cancelling Your Contract  but be aware there is a chance you will get the same again...

[Wiphi11]

Thanks for this, I just need to release it out from my system today but feeling better now.

[madasaf1sh]

@Wiphi11 

Sometimes its good to rant.. 
Grab a pint or 3, and just wait out the process.. 

[Wiphi11]

Exactly what I'm doing now! Cheers!

[LoneWolfUk]

Same thing here mate. Stuck on processing with up to 3 weeks ETA. We went and picked up my mate’s at the Apple store today and they said mid October for the 17 Pro Max for most people at third-party stores. They reserve most of the stock for the Apple stores and the demand for the Pro Max is very high. All third-party outlets received minimal stock and most of us are going to have to wait until mid October for our phones. There’s nothing we can do about it.

[Benlfc]

It will be worth the wait

 

[conman]

In the same boat, it's now saying up to 2 weeks, my daughter got hers already and they were ordered at the same time but she picked the blue instead of the Cosmic Orange I went for, so it seems there's a high demand for certain colours.

Anyway, it will be here when it's here I guess, I can't change the fact so just accept it and before you know it the phone will be at my door 😉

[JordyBoy]

I ordered my iPhone 17 pro max in orange last week utilising the switch up option, During my call I was promised a delivery on the 20th September or 21st the latest. That is the sole reason I agreed to switch up as I am due to be on holiday in upcoming weeks. It’s now 24th and been looking hourly at the app for an update just to be met with ‘Processing’ and over 4 week wait. I’d rather be told that there is a delay in orders than expecting a device one day and then being told it’s going to be over 4 weeks for delivery.