iPhone 12 launch date could be next week as Apple confirms ‘Time Flies’ event

(Image credit: Apple)

After an unprecedented delay, it appears that Apple has used the previously rumored iPhone 12 launch date to reveal when it will actually be unveiling its new handsets – and the event is happening next week, on September 15.

Unlike previous Apple launches, which were help at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, this will be an online-only event in a similar fashion to the company's WWDC 2020 livestream.

Apple will kick off the event at 10am PT / 1pm EST / 6pm BST (4am AEDT on September 16 in Australia). If the company follows the format of previous years, you can expect it to host the event on YouTube and other streaming services.

Although the company hasn't specifically said the event is the iPhone 12 launch, it's widely expected that the company will be unveiling its new phones soon, so it certainly wouldn't be a surprise – it's currently rumored that we'll see four new iPhones, including the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Max, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. 

That said, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, who's often right when it comes to Apple rumors and leaks, says he's been told that this event is actually to launch the Apple Watch 6 and iPad Air 4 – and according to Gurman's sources we won't be seeing the iPhone 12 lineup until October.

So right now it's not clear exactly what will be unveiled – and it's possible that rumored new products like the Apple AirTags, AirPods Studio and HomePod 2 could make an appearance too.

We may also learn when new software from the company will be rolling out. iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and watchOS 7 are all expected to land at some stage in September, and it's likely that we'll hear at next week's event when that will be.

James Peckham

James is the Editor-in-Chief at Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.

Latest in iPhone
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Apple iPhone 16e on blue background with big savings text overlay
Total Wireless' latest iPhone 16e deal gets you $300 off plus a cheap plan for a year
The Apple iPhone 16e held at a slant at a window
From iPhone to Android and (almost) back again – the iPhone 16e failed to lure me back to iOS
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW
The latest iPhone 17 Pro Max leak may have given us another look at its upcoming redesign
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW
New iPhone 17 Air leak may have revealed some key specs – and how it compares to the iPhone 17 Pro Max
Latest in News
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before