Apple blocks support staff holiday, new iPhone ahoy
Apple is said to be stopping support staff from taking holiday for a two-week chunk of September, hinting a new iPhone will land then.
I don't know if you've heard or not, but apparently there's a new iPhone being announced the week after next. I know, the Internet has kept pretty quiet about it. Seriously though, as if we needed more fuel to chuck on the rumour fire, Apple is now said to be blocking support staff's holiday between 15-28 September. Which hints we could see the new device(s) on sale just a few days after they're announced.
AppleInsider has got its hands on what's claimed to be an internal document from Apple. It shows time off for AppleCare support staff drops drastically between those dates. The calendar is said to be accessed via a virtual private network from an internal Apple employee domain, though whoever's done so has been smart enough to chop off the bits identifying who they are. Chances are Tim Cook wouldn't be best pleased with them.
According to AppleInsider, the new iPhone will go on sale on 20 September. Based on what's happened in previous years, iOS 7 will be out just before that, most likely 18 September.
It would make sense for Apple to keep as many of its support staff on duty as it can. What with two possible new models of handset on sale, along with a whole new operating system for the public to play with, chances are it'll be fielding a fair few calls.
The iPhone 5S is rumoured to have a fingerprint scanner, as well as specs that are a slight upgrade on the current iPhone 5. Apple is also said to have a budget model waiting in the wings, dubbed the iPhone 5C. The 5S is rumoured to come in champagne gold and gunmetal grey, while the 5C will have a whole new range of bright hues.
What are you hoping for come 10 September? How much should a budget iPhone cost? Can it be cheaper than the cut-price Nexus 4? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.