Picking apparatus for handling an electronic device having an elongate dipole antenna includes: a support body having an open slot defined by guide fingers; and an antenna positioning mechanism such as a magnet positioned to move the antenna into the slot and holding the antenna within the slot in an elongate condition. The magnet may be switched to an off condition to release the antenna from the slot or mechanically overcome. An apparatus push rod actuator may be deployed to move the antenna from the slot and deposit the antenna on a receiving component surface external of the slot.