Just wanted to update you all—especially anyone in a similar situation.
I ordered the iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB in Silver over the phone on September 12th at 3:30 PM. I was told I'd receive it on launch day, but that didn’t happen. I contacted customer service (CS) multiple times throughout the week—both on the phone and via chat. I got various answers: “28 days,” “14 days,” “Apple provided less stock,” etc. My order number (starting with **********) never tracked, so I eventually gave up and assumed I’d receive it sometime in October. Even today, I reached out again and was told the same thing. Then out of the blue, I got a DPD text saying they have my EE order with a PIN for delivery tomorrow. So just sharing my experience: CS can give inaccurate or outdated info. I was told today my phone hadn’t even been dispatched—but clearly, it was. It's honestly better to just wait for the DPD text rather than waste time chasing CS. Also, every time I called, they kept trying to sell me their broadband, which was annoying—but I get they’re just doing their job. Hope this helps someone who's been in the dark like I was.
[Mod edit: personal detail - 'order number' - fully redacted]
