The iPhone 15 series is so nearly with us you can almost hear it rustling in its recyclable packaging. There are lots of events to check in with between now and the moment the iPhones go on sale.
Here’s the fully detailed, completely updated guide to what’s happening when—down to the minute.
Apple has launched its YouTube video countdown and you can sign up here to get a reminder to watch the next Apple special event (see below). Full details here. You can also watch on apple.com and the Apple TV app.
Tuesday, September 12, 10 a.m. Pacific
This is when the special event kicks off at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park. Apple’s HQ will see a pre-recorded keynote, kickstarted by Tim Cook in person. Then, if things ago according to how they have in previous years, press and guests will see and touch the new products in a hands-on area in the theater. These will be the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which will not be called the iPhone 15 Ultra. Then there will be Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra second-generation, plus Apple AirPods Pro second-generation, re-released with USB-C connector instead of Lightning, to match the new iPhones. The keynote will end some time between 11.00 and 11.45 a.m. Pacific, though this timing is approximate.
Wednesday, September 13, times vary
Apple AirPods Pro with USB-C connector could go on sale today, though next Friday, September 22, is the other option.
Friday, September 15
Pre-orders begin for all the new products. Exact time is not yet known and will roll round the world as surely as the sun rises. So, you’ll be able to pre-order earlier in Sydney than in San Francisco, for example.
There are persistent rumors that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be delayed. I don’t subscribe to this view, though I think it’s possible that it may be in short supply, so prompt pre-ordering is suggested to avoid delays.
Monday, September 18 Or Tuesday, September 19, 10 a.m. Pacific
Apple will release the new software for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Watch, that is, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, tvOS 17 and watchOS 10. It’s going to be a busy week for Apple, so I think Monday is more likely than Tuesday but the final decision may not have been made yet.
Note that unlike last year when iPadOS came later, this year it seems likely they will all come together.
Tuesday, September 19 And Wednesday, September 20, 6 a.m. Pacific
Initial reviews of iPhone and Apple Watch will appear. Phone reviews will be one day, Watch the next. Note that Apple could push the reviews to Wednesday and Thursday, but I think it’s unlikely.
By Friday, September 22, times may vary
Apple’s 2023 range of iPhones and Watches will go on sale. Oh, at last.
September 11 update. As we creep towards Tuesday’s big day, more details are leaking out. One of the most interesting affects the release date schedule and concerns when Apple will start selling stuff instore. As you’ll have seen above, the predicted AirPods Pro second-generation, updated with a case that allows charging from USB-C instead of Lightning, could go on sale on Wednesday, September 13.
Some coverage has speculated that the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 could go on sale at the same time but, I’m going to stick my neck out here: that’s nonsense. Apple will want to build sales through pre-orders over a week from Friday, September 15, for a start.
But Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has posted on X some details about what’s happening.
Gurman points out that there’s an “uncharacteristic” event planned for retail stores with managers, to take place after the keynote. This indicates there are changes coming overnight to the Apple Stores. I’m sure AirPods Pro will be one of the changes, but a big shift of emphasis from Lightning to USB-C accessories seems a shoo-in, too. For instance, it’s likely that the MagSafe battery pack for the iPhone will also move to a USB-C connector, and fast, though it’s likely the Lightning version will continue for a while, too.
After all, when the first USB-C iPhones are launched, the legacy models will still be on sale, and they won’t be switching to USB-C. So, Lightning cables and other accessories will be sold in Apple Stores for years to come, as they’ll be needed for the iPhone SE, iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, which be part of the range for a long time to come.