I have seen several posts about the difference in "order processing" and "preparing to ship" status. I called ATT Corporate office about some information I was given during an online chat session. During the conversation I asked what the difference was in the two order statuses. Unfortunately, it means nothing. They are basically the same thing, just said differently. The only difference in a status change is when the status changes to shipped.
As frustrating as this experience is for us all most of us would be less frustrated if we were simply given correct information rather than trying to pacify us an send us to the next person.
The corporate agent was very honest. They just don't know about shipping. They have not been given enough phones from Apple, not enough of any color, gb, 6 or 6 plus. The ball is in Apple's hands.
To me rather than us all getting on the CSR's of ATT we need to place blame where it should be..directly on Apple. Apple is not fulfilling the orders to the carriers that they have before taking preorders and orders from other countries. That alone should prove to everyone this is an Apple issue.