I can't make an appointment to get the new iPhone 11 Pro

I ordered two iPhone's right when pre-orders opened this morning. iPhone 11 and 11 Pro Max. In neither case was pickup in-store an option. I spoke with Apple a couple days ago, they didn't know if there would be in-store pickups available this year on launch day. Apple said it's possible, they'll let walkins get in line on launch day, but there might not be reserved pickups this year.

You do not need an appointment to get a new iPhone.

And Apple Stores only take appointments for the Genius Bar/Repairs.

I will have to go to the Apple Store and get the Belkin Magic Machine installed screen protector as well.

I didn't answer your question about unusual configuration. No, but I now realize the reason it wasn't offered to let me pick up in store was we are trading an iPhone X and iPhone Xs Max in. They clearly don't want me to do that in-store. But what I'm going to do, is get the new phones, take them to the store, return them, rebuy them and use our phones in trade.

To be fair, for launch week pickups of iPhone preorders, you have to select a date and time window to pick up your device in-store; this may be what the original poster is asking about.

I was offered the choice of any of my local stores for same day pickup, and if I go through the process to order another I am still offered that option.

Did you have an abnormal configuration?

Interesting. It wasn't an option for either phone when I ordered. Which is fine. I'd rather have the phones delivered to me at my home.

Except the first thing I will have to do when I open my box is to take it to my local Apple Store to get a screen protector applied. 😁