Apple’s iCloud backend is experiencing an unknown problem that appears to be causing a new device setup and account activation failure.
An anonymous issue with Apple’s iCloud and Sign-in account began affecting a subset of users at around 1:45 a.m. Pacific, according to Apple’s System Status webpage.
No information has been provided by the council and Apple notes that the issue is ongoing.
A number of users, many of whom received products such as the iPhone, Apple Watch and HomePod as Christmas presents, have reported device activation problems on Twitter. Some note long waiting times for iCloud account creation and new device setup, while others see complete failures.
“We are experiencing high capacity at the moment which affects your ability to set up iCloud, try back in two hours,” Apple said in a tweet.
This year’s holiday season is expected to be particularly busy for Apple, which released the latest iPhone 12 series a month later than usual due to manufacturing delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic . In addition, the newly released HomePod mini and AirPods Max are expected to have popular stock retailers this holiday season.