Credible sources have said that Apple is planning to unveil the next iPhone at a media event scheduled for Wednesday, September 7, with pre-orders beginning on Friday, September 9 ahead of retail availability on the following Friday, September 16. An internal document from AT&T leaked by 9to5Mac, however, now suggests that the handset may actually land on store shelves on Friday, September 23.
AT&T’s retail schedule for upcoming merchandising reset hours specifically mentions September 9 and September 23 as dates for merchandising resets. Though the document does not specifically mention the iPhone 7, the dates strongly suggest iPhone 7 pre-orders beginning September 9 and retail availability on September 23.
September 23 retail availability is a week later than previously expected, but in line with past iPhone launches. Apple typically likes to collect pre-orders for iPhones for two weeks before their retail availability.
As an example, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus were introduced on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. Apple started taking pre-orders for the devices on Saturday, September 12, ahead of their retail availability on Friday, September 25.
The iPhone 6, on the other hand, which had a 7-day pre-order period, can be considered the exception that proves the rule.
When do you think the iPhone 7 will arrive in retail stores? And is Apple going to be collecting pre-orders with a 7 or 14-day window? Share your observations in comments.
Source: 9to5Mac