• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechChange the World

How to Pre-Order Apple Watch Series 3

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
September 14, 2017, 1:03 PM ET

Apple has a couple of big days planned in the coming weeks.

On Friday, September 15, Apple will be allowing customers to pre-order not only its new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, but also its new Apple Watch Series 3 and the Apple TV 4K set-top box. And on September 22, all of those new devices, which were unveiled at the company’s press event on Tuesday, will be available on store shelves.

But although Apple (AAPL) discusses its features and availability plans for the new devices, the company rarely spends time on stage explaining how the pre-order process might go. And with a new cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 3 now available, the company’s smartwatch will be offered in more places than you might expect.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter

Read on for a look at how to pre-order the Apple Watch Series 3. And when you’re done, here’s a guide on pre-ordering the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

When the Clock Starts

Apple’s website doesn’t say exactly when Apple Watch Series 3 pre-orders will begin on September 15, but wireless carriers say they’ll have units available at 3 a.m. ET. So it’s likely Apple will have the same.

Know Your Desired Version

There are lots and lots of Apple Watch Series 3 versions, including those that come with cellular connectivity and those that don’t, as well as different finishes and watchband options. You’ll also need to decide whether you want the 38mm case or the 42mm case.

Time is of the essence with pre-orders, so consider going to the Apple Watch page now to determine exactly what kind of configuration you want. It could mean the difference between getting an Apple Watch Series 3 on launch day or missing out on the initial stock.

Apple Store First

Apple, of course, is offering a pre-order option on its site. Simply go to the Apple Watch page and choose your desired configuration. Apple will walk you through the process, including determining what version of the smartwatch you want and which carrier you’d prefer, if you pick the cellular version. You’ll also be able to make your payment at the end of the process.

Apple Store App Is Useful

Apple’s free Apple Store app is another handy way to make pre-orders. You need only to download the app from Apple’s App store and boot it up when you’re ready to make your order. You’ll go through the process of ordering just like you would online, but if you’re already an Apple Pay user, you can verify a purchase through that mobile-payment service without ever needing a credit card to complete the transaction.

Carriers Have Stock

All four major U.S. carriers—AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint—will also be carrying Apple Watch Series 3. However, be aware that they’ll only have cellular versions of the device, so if you want a Wi-Fi-only model, they’re not your best bet.

Before you choose a carrier, you should be aware that the Apple Watch Series 3 uses the same number you have attached to your main smartphone line. So, if you’re currently a Verizon customer but think an AT&T Apple Watch Series 3 would be a good idea, you’d need to port your smartphone to that carrier network to get Apple Watch calling support.

It’s a good idea, then, to stick with your existing carrier.

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei speaking at Fortune Brainstorm Tech 2023 in Park City, Utah. (Photo: Stuart Isett/Fortune)
NewslettersFortune Tech
Anthropic plows toward an IPO
By Andrew NuscaDecember 3, 2025
30 minutes ago
MagazineFood and drink
A Chinese ice cream chain, powered by super-cheap cones, now has more outlets than McDonald’s
By Theodora YuDecember 3, 2025
2 hours ago
InnovationBrainstorm Design
Video games can teach designers deeper lessons than ‘high score streaks’ and gamification
By Angelica AngDecember 3, 2025
5 hours ago
LawInternet
A Supreme Court decision could put your internet access at risk. Here’s who could be affected
By Dave Lozo and Morning BrewDecember 2, 2025
14 hours ago
AITikTok
China’s ByteDance could be forced to sell TikTok U.S., but its quiet lead in AI will help it survive—and maybe even thrive
By Nicholas GordonDecember 2, 2025
15 hours ago
United Nations
AIUnited Nations
UN warns about AI becoming another ‘Great Divergence’ between rich and poor countries like the Industrial Revolution
By Elaine Kurtenbach and The Associated PressDecember 2, 2025
16 hours ago

Most Popular

placeholder alt text
Economy
Ford workers told their CEO 'none of the young people want to work here.' So Jim Farley took a page out of the founder's playbook
By Sasha RogelbergNovember 28, 2025
5 days ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Warren Buffett used to give his family $10,000 each at Christmas—but when he saw how fast they were spending it, he started buying them shares instead
By Eleanor PringleDecember 2, 2025
1 day ago
placeholder alt text
North America
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos commit $102.5 million to organizations combating homelessness across the U.S.: ‘This is just the beginning’
By Sydney LakeDecember 2, 2025
20 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
Elon Musk says he warned Trump against tariffs, which U.S. manufacturers blame for a turn to more offshoring and diminishing American factory jobs
By Sasha RogelbergDecember 2, 2025
19 hours ago
placeholder alt text
C-Suite
MacKenzie Scott's $19 billion donations have turned philanthropy on its head—why her style of giving actually works
By Sydney LakeDecember 2, 2025
1 day ago
placeholder alt text
North America
Anonymous $50 million donation helps cover the next 50 years of tuition for medical lab science students at University of Washington
By The Associated PressDecember 2, 2025
23 hours ago
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.