Blocked AppleCare Vacation Time Might Hint at September iPhone 8 Event
We’ve been suspecting that Apple would follow its usual pattern and hold a September iPhone 8 event. If a leaked memo shared on Twitter is legitimate, we have our first solid proof of that. According to the memo, Apple or one of its vendors has blacked out vacation days from September to November.
Typical Apple Secrecy and Obligatory Leaks
In order to support our client during this very important time of year, we will be implementing Black Out Days in all AppleCare programs for Advisors and Leaders. The upcoming black out dates will be September 17 through November 4.
- Benjamin Geskin's Leaked MemoIt’s very common for Apple to keep quiet about upcoming events, not announcing them until just a few days prior to the keynote. It’s also unsurprising for leaks to come out, especially when it comes to internal memos. While many Apple employees take privacy seriously, there are a few who love to know they’ve blown the cover.
The latest leak was published on Twitter by Benjamin Geskin, who’s well-known for releasing hidden secrets about Apple’s doings. In the memo, it’s suggested that black out days for all AppleCare Advisors and Leaders are scheduled from September 17 until November 4. The memo explains the rationale for the blocked vacation days, leading us to believe the iPhone 8 event is coming in September.
Apple's September Events in History
Historically, Apple holds events in September to announce new models of the iPhone. For example, Cupertino has hosted keynotes for new handsets on the following dates in the past:
- On September 7, 2016, Apple announced the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
- Previously, on September 9, 2015, Cupertino revealed the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
- Before that, on September 9, 2014, we found out about the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, along with Apple Pay.
- In another fall event, on September 10, 2013, Apple announced the iPhone 5S and 5C models.
Given that history, it seems likely we might see an Apple iPhone 8 event on either September 13 or 20, 2017. My money’s on the 20th, if this leak is accurate.
Speaking of Accuracy ...
This leak should be taken with a grain of salt for now. There’s at least one misspelling in the attached memo, which is very unlike Apple. The only thing I can say in support of that is the fact that the memo may be from one of Cupertino’s outsourced call centers, not Apple itself — the text does say “to support our client” (emphasis my own). If it’s correct, it would make sense to block AppleCare vacation time a few days prior to the iPhone 8 event, as call volume increases ahead of the new model. As with all of the rumors, we’ll just have to wait and see what actually happens.