It’s no secret that the iPhone 16 series is coming soon. I’ve written already that I’m convinced the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will go on sale on Friday, September 20. But when will Apple hold the keynote that unveils the new hardware? A well-informed journalist has just weighed in.
The iPhone 15 is about to be replaced by the iPhone 16. But when, exactly?
“Apple Inc. is planning to hold its biggest product launch event of the year on Sept. 10, when the company will unveil the latest iPhones, watches and AirPods, according to people familiar with the situation,” says Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
That seems probable, and it’s pretty exciting that there’s not long to go. Gurman has extremely good contacts, so there are strong reasons to think he’s right.
Gurman goes on, “Though the timing hasn’t yet been announced, the company is making preparations for that date, which falls on a Tuesday, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private. The unveiling will be followed by the phones going on sale Sept. 20, in line with Apple’s typical approach in recent years.”
I agree with September 20 as release date, and Tuesday, September 10 seems the most likely for the keynote, based on what Gurman calls Apple’s typical approach.
I’d just add that in talks with Apple across the years I’ve heard the company say how it hates to be predictable. Several reports suggest Apple is bang on schedule, or even ahead, with iPhone production, so it’s possible things could go sooner this year.
And there’s a big televised Presidential debate scheduled for Tuesday, September 10 and it’s possible that Apple might want to avoid a clash with that
While I don’t think the previous Tuesday, September 3, is on the cards, I wouldn’t rule out Monday, September 9. Separately, this could even mean an onsale date of Friday, September 13—though I know that bit may be wishful thinking on my part.
The other date not to write off is Thursday, September 12, if Apple wanted to be completely clear of Berlin’s tech trade show IFA which runs until Tuesday, September 10. The Wednesday is off the cards as September 11 is a date Apple has never chosen.
Here’s my best guess: Gurman is spot-on and the keynote will be at 10 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday, September 10 at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, but Monday, September 9 is a possibility It’s less likely, but that Presidential debate could influence Apple’s decisions. Either way, pre-orders will likely go live on Friday, September 13 and iPhones will be in customers’ hands on Friday, September 20.
More as we have it.