UK carrier slips September 14 iPhone 13 launch window (u)

This was the scene at one UK phone retailer when the first iPhone went on sale in the UK back in November 2007.

UK carrier Sky Mobile may have let the cat out of the bag, mentioning a next generation device will be available for pre-order September 14. But it’s possible the date doesn’t matter as iOS devices are selling like hot cakes, says IDC. Read on..

Is it a date?

Sky Mobile’s date mistake may be a little overly reported. All it has done is ask customers to sign up to get all the info on an upcoming “next-generation” device. It also promises more information around September 14.

What’s set tongues rattling here is that this is the date many expect iPhone 13.

UPDATE: This turned out to be the iPhone 13 launch date — more here.

Do dates matter?

While the hype and hoopla will be all over Apple come that day, it’s arguable that the date doesn’t matter much. After all, says IDC (as reported by Ped30), millions are already buying iPhones. Those analysts say iPhone sales growth now outstrips sales increase of Android devices.

“According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, shipments of smartphones are expected to grow 7.4% in 2021, reaching 1.37 billion units, followed by 3.4% growth in 2022 and 2023, respectively.”

https://twitter.com/SkyUK/status/1433731525208649728?s=20

“The 7.4% growth can be attributed to a healthy 13.8% growth from iOS devices combined with 6.2% growth from Android…”

Want another data point?

Consider this: Around ten million UK consumers are likely to buy an iPhone 13 in the next 12 months, according to USwitch. The report also claims around four million will purchase one at launch.

The Uswitch study reveals some interesting data on brand loyalty. Thirty-eight percent (38 per cent) are Apple loyalists, 42% love the ease of use. The big turn-off? 54% of consumers resist Apple’s price.

Uswitch.com mobiles expert Catherine Hilley told MobileNews: “Apple has the most loyal fans of any smartphone brand, and it’s no surprise that millions of iPhone users will be queueing up to get the newest device as soon as it launches.”

[Also read: iPhone 13 rumors: Good with masks, September 24, costs more?]

iOS 15/iPad OS 15 can read text in signs to you

What do we have?

Apple is on the cusp of introducing the iPhone 13. At present the hype machine suggests demand for the device will remain strong, following record interest in iPhone 12. The new iPhone will as usual be faster and better with a brand new processor, improved camera and other potential features that may impress. There is a possibility it will be more expensive, and millions of Android users will migrate to Apple this year.

I guess we’ll learn more later this week in the event Apple ships its event invitation invites, which is usually an event in itself. We’ll also soon see Apple attempt to woo millions of iPhone users to invest in an iPad and/or a Mac with new Macs.

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