AT&T Reportedly Prepping for iPhone Launch in 'Early to Mid-September'

iphone 4 side shot
BGR reports that AT&T is beginning preparations for an expected "early to mid-September" launch of the next-generation iPhone, in line with launch rumors and expectations and other reports of Apple beefing up its retail store staffing over a similar timeframe.

BGR has exclusively learned that AT&T has begun communicating launch plans internally for Apple’s next-generation iPhone 5 handset. We have been told that AT&T has begun informing employees across the company, and those who work in retail locations, to finish any sort of employee training as soon as possible. AT&T is asking managers to finish training in order to have employees available for the influx of foot traffic expected in September, a proven source has shared with us.

Apple has been preparing to increase staffing at its retail stores in the United States and United Kingdom, and rumors have suggested that Apple will use its traditional fall iPod media event to introduce the next-generation iPhone this year. That event has typically taken place in early September, although some reports have pushed that date up into late August this year ahead of a September launch for the device. Apple has announced that iOS 5 will debut this "fall", and that software launch will undoubtedly occur right around the release of the next-generation hardware.

Tag: BGR
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Top Rated Comments

mikejd1 Avatar
186 months ago
I feat they will yank our unlimited data for those grandfathered in, especially if there is true 4 G speeds. Time will tell, 6 to 8 weeks to go.

This is what i'm nervous about
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TUD Avatar
186 months ago
You do realize that Verizon doesn't have unlimited data either (for new customers), right?


Yes...

AT&T (voice) is terrible in the Southeast.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
applefanDrew Avatar
186 months ago
It won't have LTE. Look for that in the 2012 models.

it will probably be LTE. qualcomm is supposed to ship a LTE radio chip soon that also supports all older techs as well
They pushed that chip back to early 2012. No LTE this go around.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cadillac1234 Avatar
186 months ago
I'm not too excited about this to be honest.

The iPhone 4 pretty much maxed me out on the features/performance that I needed from a smartphone. As long as they don't cripple the new OTA sync or cloud features of IOS 5 in the iPhone 4 I'll be happy with my old one.

I'm sure Apple will find a way to change my mind before the launch though :D
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chief Oddball Avatar
186 months ago
It's looking more and more like a September launch, then. The big question is how big of a difference will there be between the iPhone 4 and 5. Current signs point to "not that much". But given that I'm holding a two-year-old 3GS, I'm probably going to upgrade regardless.

I'm probably going to lose my unlimited data plan, though. I can't say I've ever used more than 2 GB in a month, but it would still suck having one more meter somewhere that I have to keep watch on.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tones2 Avatar
186 months ago
I want 64 GB, but I'm sure I won't get it. :(

Tony
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)