Even though Apple hosted a virtual event in September (here is everything Apple announced) those expecting iPhones were disappointed - the event focused on the new Apple Watch 6, Apple Watch SE and iPads instead. The announcement date for the , 12 Pro, 12 Max and possible 12 Pro Max (or the iPhone 12 Mini?) stays in the air. Note that Apple hasn't confirmed the names of the phones, but we'll be using those for now. However, we're assuming when Apple will announce the phones, either October 13th or October 14th.
Before we explain why, note that Apple did not release any official information and did not respond to a request for comment. What we do know, however, is that the iPhone was definitely "a few weeks" behind its usual September timeline. Already before The company confirmed this in JulyWe knew that the COVID-19 outbreak was forcing suppliers in China to shut down or operate with limited capacity. This not only affected Apple's inventory in September, but also sales. Apple has also closed its U.S. retail stores, though some have since reopened on a limited basis.
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With Apple's iPhone events usually happening after Labor Day in mid-September, a "few weeks" delay pushes us into October territory. That and September came and went.
There are a few reasons why we picked a date from early to mid-October. Japanese financial news broadcaster Nikkei Asian Review reported that Apple started production of its 5G iPhones in mid-September, which means products will be in the pipeline sooner rather than later. Apple also wants enough devices to be available in time for the Christmas season and Black Friday. After all, it's in Apple's best interest to pick a date when there's little chance of being swallowed up by even bigger messages. While no day in 2020 is guaranteed to be a slow news day, the U.S. presidential election will be on November 3rd and will really warm up in the second half of October.
That leaves us with the first two weeks of October and since Apple likes to hold its events on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, we have October 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th. Of these dates, we're limited in part to October 13th and 14th, so let's go with that.
Again, this is only our guess. Apple hasn't said anything so far and a lot of things can change in an instant (hello, met you in 2020?). Let us know in the comments below whether you think these dates are likely or whether Apple will choose a different date altogether.
