O2 Swapping Out UK Retail Store iPhone Displays Through Mid-September

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.

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FrizzleFryBen

99 months ago

Woohoo! We get one day closer everyday!

Rating: 4 Votes

outlawarth

99 months ago

You cannot get a day closer to a date you do not know. I understand your logic, but you are completely wrong.

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?

Rating: 3 Votes

Biolizard

99 months ago

I doubt they'd commit to this without some notice from Apple; looks like we have our timeframe.

If it's a 3 week transition ending the 12th, could we be seeing an announcement late this month? They can't put up new decorations until the keynote's passed, so it would be odd if the keynote is right at the end of this designated period, towards the 12th, unless they intend to go without decoration for a week or two.

Edit:

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.

I know what Apple's like, but, surely they're going to need to tell networks/carriers pretty soon if they haven't already? They need to sort out staffing, advertising, contract prices, support services and other stuff; it can't be done overnight. Maybe the networks/carriers have been informed in the past week? I suspect this notice from O2 would've been initiated from such an information drop from Apple. That's not to say they know anything about the device itself, only that it's coming on a particular day.

Rating: 2 Votes

lukefinch

99 months ago

Let's hope this is finally a legit timeframe :rolleyes:

Rating: 2 Votes

jwhite878

99 months ago

Why is Mac Rumors so set on an October release date? There is just as much, if not more evidence for a September date.

Rating: 2 Votes

troop231

99 months ago

Doesn't make much sense for them to put up iPhone 5 displays if it's going to be announced a day later. Maybe they mean the launch day will be September 13th, and possibly the iPhone 5 will be unveiled the first week of September.

Rating: 2 Votes

ShivneelSingh

99 months ago

Yesterday when I was whinging about my iP4's screen (getting it replaced today) and I asked them about the upcoming 5, 4 different employees flat denied any information regarding the pending release and said it would be highly unlikely to be announced without any pre training/information.

I don't know whether this is just a blag or not, but I've had the contract 6 weeks so there's no reason to lie to me.

I guess time will tell.:confused:

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...

Rating: 2 Votes

Jibbajabba

99 months ago

Not until we get a release date from Apple we don't.

Oh, we do get a day closer. We just don't know how close :)

Rating: 2 Votes

DerfBWH

99 months ago

Telefonica's reportedly recalling their iPhone stock until September 12th:
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.

Rating: 2 Votes

dampfnudel

99 months ago

So maybe there will be an announcement on Sept. 7th or 8th and the rumor of a October release is wrong.

Rating: 1 Votes

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