If you needed any more confirmation that the next iPhone is launching during the second half of September, look no further. Verizon has put a vacation blackout in place for its employees starting September 21st, and now TechCrunch is reporting that AT&T has the same blackout in place from September 21st to the 30th.
Apple is expected to announce the next iPhone on September 12th with pre-orders beginning on the same day. In-store availability would then begin the next Friday, September 21st.
TechCrunch reports:
We’ve received yet another bit of evidence confirming the next iPhone’s September 21 launch. According to an AT&T sales rep, AT&T staff has been given a vacation blackout from September 21 to September 30, just like Verizon employees. Our source also mentioned that blue carrier employees are undergoing training for an “iconic release.”
Two weeks ago, Boy Genius Report also said that AT&T was preparing for the next iPhone launch in the second half of September. Forbidding employees from taking vacation time is a sign that a major phone is set to launch.
Apple is expected to make the next iPhone available for sale in the U.S. initially followed by an aggressive international rollout during the following weeks.
Update: AT&T has told 9to5Mac that there is in fact no nationwide ‘blackout’ in place for the above dates. Certain stores may have certain specific policies in place, but AT&T is trying to keep things quiet for now.
Source: TechCrunch
Image: Martin uit Utrecht
