iPhone 5 Release Date: What We Know and Potential Timeline

While Apple and Steve Jobs haven’t even uttered the words iPhone 5, Launch and 2011 in the same sentence there is a growing expectation that there is an iPhone launch around the corner. We’ve heard other players call the next iPhone the iPhone 5, and based on rumors anticipate an October launch date.

Based on past information, we’ll soon be finding out if we can expect an iPhone 5 in the first week of October. Here’s our look at the iPhone announcement and launch history, to see what it tells us about the potential launch of the iPhone 5.

What We Know

Several sources have stated that the iPhone 5 will launch on October 7th, after preorders on September 30th. There is a collection of iPhone 5 parts that are leaking out, including a slightly higher capacity battery, which lines up with an iPhone 5 release in the coming weeks.

We’ve also heard many rumors about a new, cheaper iPhone that could launch alongside the iPhone 5. These rumors are still further out there, especially given how well the iPhone 3GS is still selling, but with Apple anything is a possibility.

iPhone 5 Release Date Speculation

Assuming the rumors are true, and Apple will allow all of us to go online on September 30th to pre-order the iPhone 5, a few things need to start happening very soon — like an announcement of the actual device. Based on past performance, we expect that Apple will announce the iPhone 5, allow a short wait before preorders and then put the device up for sale soon after.

iPhone Release Date Timing
iPhone Announced	1/7/07
iPhone Launched	6/29/07
Time	173
iPhone 3G Announced	6/9/08
iPhone 3G Launched	7/11/08
Time	32
iPhone 3GS Announced	6/8/09
iPhone 3GS Launched	6/18/09
Time	10
iPhone 4 Anounced	6/7/10
iPhone 4 Launched	6/24/10
Time	17
Average Time	58
Average Excluding Outlier	20

Based on the past timing between the iPhone being announced and going on sale, we can expect an average wait for 20 days. If the iPhone 5 release date really is October 7th, and preorders will start on September 30th, we can expect an iPhone 5 announcement or event in mid-september.

Specifically, we’d expect to see Apple hold an event on September 12th or 19, given their appreciation for Monday iPhone announcements.

If these dates are correct, we expect to see numerous site’s report that they have received an invitation to an Apple event. In the past, these invitations come 7 to 10 days before the actual event. This means that if Apple plans to release the iPhone 5 in the first part of October, we should see confirmation as early as next week.

Only Apple Knows the iPhone 5 Release Date

That said, Apple hasn’t mentioned the iPhone 5 yet, anywhere. While many of us consider the iPhone 5 a given, there is still a wait ahead. Hopefully you can use this information to find the best time to sell your iPhone 4 before the price dives, but other than that, you need to have some patience.

There are many reasons why Apple should launch the iPhone 5 in October, but as I’ve said time and time again, Apple can launch the iPhone 5 whenever it wants.