Latest reports indicate that Apple is preparing to open up pre-orders for the iPhone 5 on 12 September - the same day the new handset is expected to be unveiled. This hasn't, however, been confirmed by Apple, as the company has yet to make its plans for a launch event public.
According to iMore, the US release of the iPhone 5 is planned for nine days after the product launch event. “We've also learned that the second wave of iPhone launches, the ones in international markets, will begin in the first week of October, likely October 5,” says the report, adding that this is according to sources that have provided accurate information in the past.
iMore has also previously reported that Apple is planning to reveal the much-rumoured iPad Mini at the same event. “If all of this information pans out, and Apple not only refreshes their entire iOS product line, but also introduces the iPhone 5 and the iPad mini, it will make for one of the most, if not the most, significant Apple events in the history of the company.”
A report by BGR adds that sources within AT&T have indicated the US carrier is planning to introduce the iPhone 5 in the third or fourth week of September. The carrier is said to be implementing an “all-hands-on-deck policy” for employees until mid-October.
Wells Fargo Securities analyst Maynard Um says: “Historically, such increases have been followed by a solid ramp-up in revenue in the following two to three quarters. In our view, an increase in inventory component prepayment may suggest that Apple is securing supply for potential new product launches.” Um has also predicted the iPhone 5 will be “the biggest product launch in consumer electronics' history”.
If the latest reports about the iPhone 5 pre-order plans prove to be accurate, it would mark a change in Apple's product roll-out strategy. Apple has traditionally waited a few days after a product reveal before opening up pre-orders. The gap between the product reveal and pre-orders has been narrowing, however, as it took over a week for iPhone 4 pre-orders to be opened, and just three days for orders to open for the iPhone 4S.
While it will remain to be seen just how big (and fast) the next product launch will be, there is no doubt as to the importance of the release for Apple. Recently Apple's third-quarter results failed to meet expectations and it was noted that the iPhone poses a major risk factor for the company, as it accounts for about half of its annual revenue.
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