Several MacRumors readers have informed us that wireless carrier O2 has sent out notices to its retail stores announcing that it will be beginning a three-week process to change out the iPhone displays in its UK stores ahead of the launch of the iPhone 5.
While we don't believe that O2 has specific information on a release date for the iPhone 5, which has been rumored to not be appearing until October, it is interesting to note that their preparations should be complete by September 12th. From the notice to O2's retail stores:
The following is to advise that we are removing the old iPhone unitary between the 22nd August and the 12th September. This is a 3 week programme which will see all iPhone unitary swapped out for new iPhone unitary, and will of course prepare us for the launch of the new smart phone. At the same time we are installing an International Favourites bay to stores that can accommodate the unit, as well as replacing the existing magazine stand with a new freestanding stand.
O2 offers several different styles of displays for the iPhone based on store type, and retailers have been notified of the types of new displays they will be receiving in order to plan appropriately.
Top Rated Comments
Not to flame or anything but... as the days go by towards a date in the future (even though the exact date is not known) then are we not getting closer to this presumed date in the future?
I went to the Apple Store an HOUR before the iPad 2 was officially announced and I "numbingly" asked if there was a new iPad coming out, and 3 different employees said they have not idea. Remember they said this an HOUR before it was officially announced...
Oh, we do get a day closer. We just don't know how close :)
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/telefonica-iphone-stock-being-recalled-in-time-for-september-12t/
So this is two rumors pointing to a September 12th launch. Looks like we have our date.