iPhone 5C Cases Go On Sale Early

Just a few hours ahead of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C launch event, we’re seeing at least one accessory maker put iPhone 5C cases up for sale early, offering a wide range of cases for a device that still isn’t official yet.

In Cupertino today, Apple is expected to not only announce a new flagship iPhone in the iPhone 5S, but also a cheaper plastic iPhone called the iPhone 5C that should come with some specifications that will unify Apple’s iPhone lineup. Specifically, it’s said to have a 4-inch Retina Display with 16:9 aspect ratio and a Lightning port, things that the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 don’t have.

The device is expected to land in the United States and as we reported exclusively yesterday, it’s expected to be released in the U.S. on September 20th alongside the iPhone 5S. However, while the device and its release date remain unconfirmed by Apple itself, it hasn’t stopped one case maker from putting iPhone 5C cases on sale early.

Read: Apple Store Is Down, New iPhones Incoming.

Luvvitt, an accessory manufacturer, has put several iPhone 5C cases on sale ahead of the iPhone 5C launch set to take place in just a few short hours. It’s not clear if these are cases based on official information or if they are based on guesswork by Luvvitt. Case makers often uses leaked specifications to make cases ahead of schedule so it’s possible that these cases, which are being sold for quite a bit of money, are off base.

The company shows off what looks like a blue iPhone 5C render in at least one of the cases so it’s clear that this is the iPhone 5C that it is referring to, not the iPhone 5S.

We suggest holding off on buying anything until after makes the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C official, something that should happen in the short term. Both devices are expected to be released on September 20th, just a few short days after the announcement, and it’s at that point that some cases should be safe to purchase.

Apple’s iPhone 5C is expected to be a device that comes with a plastic colored back, a 4-inch Retina Display, 8MP camera, and iOS 7. It has been rumored to be coming to replace the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 with rumors suggesting that Apple will keep the iPhone 5 around at $99.99 on-contract. If true, the iPhone 5C could potentially be offered for free, on-contract.

Rumors suggest that it will come in around $500 unsubsidized.