"Iphone 12, When Exactly Will It Be Released?"... September 30? October 13?

On the 15th event, 'September 30' hint dropped
High possibility of release on October 12 or 13
Holding twice in September is difficult, likely postponed to the second week of October to avoid US presidential election

iPhone 12 rendering image (Source=EveryApplePro Twitter)

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Apple did not introduce a new iPhone model for the first time ever on the 15th. Instead, it only dropped the hint "September 30" at the September event. Apple analysts and foreign media are analyzing that the release is more likely to be on October 12-13 rather than the end of September.

At the Apple event held on the 15th (local time), the phrase "Due by Sept 30th" appeared in the introduction video of the 8th generation iPad. The video showed a man noting the date on the iPad and adding it to his schedule, which sparked speculation that the iPhone 12 release date might be September 30. Last year, the iPhone 11 was unveiled on September 10.

Apple's September 15 Special Event featured a note saying 'September 30' in the video for the 8th generation iPad.

Foreign media and tipsters are predicting that the iPhone 12 will be unveiled on October 12 or 13. IT specialist media CNET pointed out, "Although the iPhone 12 release schedule has not been announced yet, the best guess now is October 13 or 14," adding, "It is unlikely that Apple would hold two events in the same month after the September 15 event." IT tipster Jon Prosser had already fixed the release date as October 12.

Apple specialist media MacRumors speculated, "Since Apple prefers to hold events on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, it is likely to be on the 13th or 14th," but also explained, "Apple has not disclosed any information so far, and there is a possibility of change."

There is another reason why an October release is likely. Japanese economic media Nikkei Asian Review reported that iPhone 12 production started in mid-September. There must be sufficient supply before the large-scale holiday shopping season in the U.S. Also, with the U.S. presidential election on November 3, public attention will shift to the election from late October, so the product must be released earlier than that.

Customers visiting the Apple Garosugil store in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 25th, the domestic release date of the iPhone 11, are experiencing the iPhone 11. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Apple CFO Luca Maestri stated at the end of July during the earnings conference call, "Last year, we started selling iPhones from the end of September, but this year we expect supply to be available a few weeks later." The development and production of the iPhone 12 were delayed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which caused factory closures in China earlier this year and disruptions in parts procurement. Since early this year, the dominant view has been that a late September release of the iPhone 12 would be impossible.

Apple establishes schedules and plans related to new product releases 1 to 2 years before unveiling new iPhone models. With the pandemic making large-scale event hosting difficult and the delay in product unveiling, this year will remain a challenging one for Apple. Alexander Edwards, CEO of Strategic Vision, explained, "Consumers understand what is happening during the pandemic situation and will willingly accept it."

Meanwhile, domestic carriers are conducting network compatibility tests for the iPhone 12, and it is expected to be released in Korea after November. The iPhone 12 series will be released in four models equipped with OLED displays. The iPhone 12 lineup includes the entry-level 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch iPhone 12, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max, all supporting 5G. The 5.4-inch and one of the 6.1-inch models will have dual cameras. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max models will feature a triple camera system with an improved LiDAR scanner.