iPhone 16 release date predictions: when is the iPhone 16 series likely to launch?
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Predicting most specs of an upcoming iPhone is tricky until details start leaking, but predicting the release date is far easier, as Apple tends to stick to a pattern.
And it just got even easier, because Apple has now revealed that it will announce the iPhone 16 on September 9. So that much we know, and we can work from there to predict the pre-order date and the shipping date.
All of these dates should apply not just to the iPhone 16 itself, but also the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Below then, you’ll find details of the iPhone 16 announcement date, along with our predictions of the date that the iPhone 16 line will go up for pre-order, and when the phones will actually be available.
iPhone 16 announcement date
Apple usually announces new iPhones in September, with the iPhone 15 series for example being unveiled on September 12 of 2023. So it's no surprise to learn that the iPhone 16 line will also be unveiled in September.
Specifically, Apple has revealed that this launch event will be held on Monday, September 9, at 10am PT/1pm ET/6pm BST, which is 3am September 10 AEST.
What's slightly surprising is that this is a Monday, as Apple almost always uses a Tuesday or Wednesday for these launch events. Still, this September 9 date comes direct from Apple, so this much we're certain of.
And if you'd like to tune in to the event you can – here's how to watch the iPhone 16 launch live.
iPhone 16 pre-order date predictions
Apple typically opens pre-orders for its new phones on the Friday of the week they’re announced. So with the iPhone 16 line set to be announced on Monday, September 9, we'd expect iPhone 16 pre-orders to open on Friday, September 13.
That said, since Apple is deviating from its usual Tuesday or Wednesday event timing, it's possible that the pre-order timing will also differ.
iPhone 16 shipping date predictions
Apple also follows a predictable pattern for the date when its new phones ship and go on general sale. This is typically a week after pre-orders open.
So if as predicted above the pre-orders open on September 13, then the iPhone 16 will probably go on sale on Friday, September 20.
Again though, this assumes our pre-order date predictions are accurate, so there’s a chance Apple could deviate from these dates.
Will all four expected iPhone 16 models land at the same time?
Based on past form we’d certainly expect all four models to be announced at the same time, and there’s a very high chance that they’ll all ship at the same time too.
The only reason they might not is if Apple is hit with production issues, as happened with the iPhone 12 series for example, where the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 Pro Max didn’t ship until almost a month after the other models.
So far though there are no reports of any production issues with the iPhone 16 series, so we’re not currently anticipating any delays for any model.
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