so given its nearly September... why not!
I'll update this with more accurate information as it comes in.
(Times and prices etc will be BST and in Pounds (£) respectively.)
Please consider checking the FAQ section at the bottom of this thread before asking a question. I’ll keep it updated with the most popular questions so that the answers are quick and easy to find.
Latest news
Latest summary by Macrumors for this year's devices can be found here.
The current situation we're all living though seems to have had a not so unexpected impact to when this years phones will be released. Rumors suggest dates in September and October for the Pro models.
What we should be getting this year is a design update! 🎉🎉🥳 the first since the launch of the iPhone 10. Along with rumoured changes to the device sizes, we should also be seeing a change more akin to the iPhone 4. summary of what "news" there is so far:
2020 iPhones
5.4" OLED - iPhone 12
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
Looking forward to seeing the regulars back on here! You can use this thread to discuss the UK price points, pre-orders and dispatch of the new iPhones, unlocked from Apple and through UK network carriers.
When the time comes please post to let everyone know if you were able to get your pre-order through to Apple, and if you had any problems. Let us know when your online order status changes - e.g. Order Processing, Preparing for Shipment, Dispatched and eventually Delivered. Last year it was useful for people to update their signatures to display their current status to avoid the endless posts asking for 'whats your status?'
Feel free to discuss cases and accessories too!
FAQs
When is the Keynote?
The 2019 keynote will be TBC at 18:00(BST) @ the Steve Jobs Theater at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California.
Where can I watch the Keynote?
The Keynote can be streamed online on apple.com [Link TBC].
The event will also be live streamed on [Link TBC].
Where can I watch a replay of the keynote?
The replay of the keynote can be watched [Link TBC]
There is also a spoiler free link to the replay [Link TBC]. I usually bookmark this page to go directly to later on in the day to watch the announcement without hearing/reading anything else.
What time do pre-orders start?
** Please note there's a change to the pre-order launch **
Pre-orders usually start the friday following the keynote, so that would assume be either:
When is the official launch?
When there are no delays in production etc, models are usually available one week after pre-orders start. If this continues to be the case then it wold be:
Historically the app is has been more stable when pre-orders first start, compared to the desktop store. Honestly I've never had much luck in the last few years of ordering to get the first batch of phones.. I've given up trying to guess!
The 2019 ordering process was straightforward for most with no dramas... long may that continue!
How do I pre-order and join iPhone Upgrade Programme?
You will have 2 options, either as an existing member or new.
Existing Members
as an existing member you can check if you are eligible to upgrade and if so, go ahead and reserve.
New Members
You can reserve, if available, the phone of your choice
you will not have to pay or use a card during this process as it is a reservation for an instore appointment. Remember that acceptance onto IUP is subject to application and credit check etc.
the following are screen showing the order flow from the iPhone 11 launch.
please note the banner at the top where you can check upgrade eligibility for an existing member or reserve for a new IUP member
you can then choose the model
and then the store followed by the time (out of what is available)
then its a case of turning up, checking and taking the appropriate ID needed and going through the application!
there is also a join now link from the main IUP page: https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program
Can I reserve for collection in store?
With previous launches there has ben an option to reserve for in-store pickup. After the official release day there has also been an option to check stock at individual stores and reserve.
How do I know if stores have certain stock available?
iStockNow also have great tracking and notifications for stock and also cover non-apple retailers.
Will my iPhone order be delivered on the Launch Date?
This will all depend on any stock constraints. If you are lucky to get in a pre-order and the estimated delivery shows for the launch date, then you will get your phone on that day. If the shipping dates start to push out then you will have to unfortunately wait. Apple's estimated delivery dates are pretty accurate but they have had recent history in bringing forward some orders which has missed the initial launch day release
Is there a limit to how many iPhones I can order?
Apple typically imposes a limit of ordering 2 iPhones per Apple ID.
Will my order be delayed if I order a case/Apple Care with the iPhone?
In the past, people have experienced delays in receiving their orders if they order any accessories along with the phone. It is recommended that you order the iPhone separate to any accessories to avoid the potential delay.
Once I pre-ordered, Apple placed a hold on the funds in my account but released it a few days later without taking the money. Is there something wrong with my order?
When you pre-order from Apple and pay by credit or debit card, Apple will at some point place a ‘hold’ on the amount with your card company. This checks you've got the funds, and stops you spending them. However, a hold only lasts a few days, after which time your card company will automatically make the funds available to you to spend again. When you see this happen, it is nothing to worry about, it DOES NOT mean Apple has cancelled your order. Apple will not take the money out of your account until the day of shipping.
Apple has taken funds buy my order still shows 'preparing for dispatch'?
Pre-orders which are due for launch day delivery will usually see a change of order status to dispatched the day before delivery. Launch day stock is typically sitting at Apple's logistics partner, Syncreon, in Hinkley. The devices are handed over to a local courier (DPD or UKMail) from around the afternoon onwards on the day before. From this point your tracking would become active.
What courier will my order be delivered by?
On past releases, people who have been lucky enough to snag a launch day pre-order are likely to have their orders shipped from Syncreon in Hinkley. These deliveries and then usually handled by UK Mail and UPS.
Orders which have missed the launch date typically come direct from factory via UPS.
My order has been shipped with UPS, how can I track it?
On your order page there will be a tracking number starting with 1Z, simply copy and paste it into the tracking box on the UPS website and it should display your tracking results. Please note that tracking numbers may take some time to become active.
My order has been shipped with UK Mail, how can I track it?
If your tracking number starts with '309', enter it into the UK Mail Tracking Page. Entering your post code is not required, however if you do enter it then you'll be able to change your delivery date or select to pick your order up at your nearest depot. If your tracking number doesn't start with '309', select the 'Customer reference' option and then enter your tracking details along with your post code. UK Mail should text you with a one hour delivery window, and you can view delivery progress online.
My order has been shipped with Syncreon, how can I track it?
Enter your 'Delivery Number' in the 'Order No/Delivery No' box on the Syncreon tracking page, and your Apple order number (starts with W) in the ’Web Order No’ box. If your tracking number starts with '309' you will then be able to track it to delivery on the UK Mail Tracking Page. Please note that tracking numbers may take some time to become active.
How can I pay for my iPhone?
Apple has a few different ways to pay or finance your purchase. These are:
** I'm not seeing much information about IPP this year, though there is a 0% loan option through Barclays. Will update when I find out more **
previously there following options where available:
iPhone Payments - https://www.apple.com/uk/legal/sales-support/iphonepayments_uk/ (apple.com has broken links to this so interesting to see if this gets fixed)
iPhone Upgrade Programme - https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program
Apple Finance - https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/browse/financing
Barclays
Pay in Full
Are there any Music Magpie Voucher Codes?
added here when found!
Is there a link to previous UK launch threads?
2019 - iPhone 11/11Pro here
2018 - iPhone Xs/Xs Max/Xr here
2017 - iPhone X/8/8+ here
2016 - iPhone 7/7+ here
2015 - iPhone 6s/6s+ here
how are people set this year... I'm currently a Level 1 on the scale... the "I don't really see much appeal about the new phone and my current one is fine"... I know this will be up to level 2/3 ("hmm should I try the max size again (for the 3rd year and reverting back)") in a few weeks!
looking forward to the regulars and new comers alike! always an enjoyable thread for a few months
I'll update this with more accurate information as it comes in.
(Times and prices etc will be BST and in Pounds (£) respectively.)
Please consider checking the FAQ section at the bottom of this thread before asking a question. I’ll keep it updated with the most popular questions so that the answers are quick and easy to find.
Latest news
Latest summary by Macrumors for this year's devices can be found here.
The current situation we're all living though seems to have had a not so unexpected impact to when this years phones will be released. Rumors suggest dates in September and October for the Pro models.
What we should be getting this year is a design update! 🎉🎉🥳 the first since the launch of the iPhone 10. Along with rumoured changes to the device sizes, we should also be seeing a change more akin to the iPhone 4. summary of what "news" there is so far:
- iPhone 12 coming in a 5.4" and 6.1" model
- iPhone 12 Pro coming in a 6.1" and 6.7"
- All models being OLED
- 120Hz refresh rate on higher models
- Design changes more akin to the iPad Pro range
reduced notch(not based on some news today)- LiDAR on Pro models
- 5G support!
- A14 Chip
- no power adapter in box! (boo!)
- new 'braided' usb-c to lightening in box (yay!)
2020 iPhones
5.4" OLED - iPhone 12
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
- 64GB - TBC
- 128GB - TBC
- 256GB - TBC
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
- 64GB - TBC
- 128GB - TBC
- 256GB - TBC
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
- 64GB - TBC
- 256GB - TBC
- 512GB - TBC
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
- 64GB - TBC
- 256GB - TBC
- 512GB - TBC
Looking forward to seeing the regulars back on here! You can use this thread to discuss the UK price points, pre-orders and dispatch of the new iPhones, unlocked from Apple and through UK network carriers.
When the time comes please post to let everyone know if you were able to get your pre-order through to Apple, and if you had any problems. Let us know when your online order status changes - e.g. Order Processing, Preparing for Shipment, Dispatched and eventually Delivered. Last year it was useful for people to update their signatures to display their current status to avoid the endless posts asking for 'whats your status?'
Feel free to discuss cases and accessories too!
FAQs
When is the Keynote?
The 2019 keynote will be TBC at 18:00(BST) @ the Steve Jobs Theater at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California.
Where can I watch the Keynote?
The Keynote can be streamed online on apple.com [Link TBC].
The event will also be live streamed on [Link TBC].
Where can I watch a replay of the keynote?
The replay of the keynote can be watched [Link TBC]
There is also a spoiler free link to the replay [Link TBC]. I usually bookmark this page to go directly to later on in the day to watch the announcement without hearing/reading anything else.
What time do pre-orders start?
** Please note there's a change to the pre-order launch **
Pre-orders usually start the friday following the keynote, so that would assume be either:
- TBC
When is the official launch?
When there are no delays in production etc, models are usually available one week after pre-orders start. If this continues to be the case then it wold be:
- TBC
Historically the app is has been more stable when pre-orders first start, compared to the desktop store. Honestly I've never had much luck in the last few years of ordering to get the first batch of phones.. I've given up trying to guess!
The 2019 ordering process was straightforward for most with no dramas... long may that continue!
How do I pre-order and join iPhone Upgrade Programme?
You will have 2 options, either as an existing member or new.
Existing Members
as an existing member you can check if you are eligible to upgrade and if so, go ahead and reserve.
New Members
You can reserve, if available, the phone of your choice
you will not have to pay or use a card during this process as it is a reservation for an instore appointment. Remember that acceptance onto IUP is subject to application and credit check etc.
the following are screen showing the order flow from the iPhone 11 launch.

please note the banner at the top where you can check upgrade eligibility for an existing member or reserve for a new IUP member

you can then choose the model

and then the store followed by the time (out of what is available)
then its a case of turning up, checking and taking the appropriate ID needed and going through the application!
there is also a join now link from the main IUP page: https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program
Can I reserve for collection in store?
With previous launches there has ben an option to reserve for in-store pickup. After the official release day there has also been an option to check stock at individual stores and reserve.
How do I know if stores have certain stock available?
iStockNow also have great tracking and notifications for stock and also cover non-apple retailers.
Will my iPhone order be delivered on the Launch Date?
This will all depend on any stock constraints. If you are lucky to get in a pre-order and the estimated delivery shows for the launch date, then you will get your phone on that day. If the shipping dates start to push out then you will have to unfortunately wait. Apple's estimated delivery dates are pretty accurate but they have had recent history in bringing forward some orders which has missed the initial launch day release
Is there a limit to how many iPhones I can order?
Apple typically imposes a limit of ordering 2 iPhones per Apple ID.
Will my order be delayed if I order a case/Apple Care with the iPhone?
In the past, people have experienced delays in receiving their orders if they order any accessories along with the phone. It is recommended that you order the iPhone separate to any accessories to avoid the potential delay.
Once I pre-ordered, Apple placed a hold on the funds in my account but released it a few days later without taking the money. Is there something wrong with my order?
When you pre-order from Apple and pay by credit or debit card, Apple will at some point place a ‘hold’ on the amount with your card company. This checks you've got the funds, and stops you spending them. However, a hold only lasts a few days, after which time your card company will automatically make the funds available to you to spend again. When you see this happen, it is nothing to worry about, it DOES NOT mean Apple has cancelled your order. Apple will not take the money out of your account until the day of shipping.
Apple has taken funds buy my order still shows 'preparing for dispatch'?
Pre-orders which are due for launch day delivery will usually see a change of order status to dispatched the day before delivery. Launch day stock is typically sitting at Apple's logistics partner, Syncreon, in Hinkley. The devices are handed over to a local courier (DPD or UKMail) from around the afternoon onwards on the day before. From this point your tracking would become active.
What courier will my order be delivered by?
On past releases, people who have been lucky enough to snag a launch day pre-order are likely to have their orders shipped from Syncreon in Hinkley. These deliveries and then usually handled by UK Mail and UPS.
Orders which have missed the launch date typically come direct from factory via UPS.
My order has been shipped with UPS, how can I track it?
On your order page there will be a tracking number starting with 1Z, simply copy and paste it into the tracking box on the UPS website and it should display your tracking results. Please note that tracking numbers may take some time to become active.
My order has been shipped with UK Mail, how can I track it?
If your tracking number starts with '309', enter it into the UK Mail Tracking Page. Entering your post code is not required, however if you do enter it then you'll be able to change your delivery date or select to pick your order up at your nearest depot. If your tracking number doesn't start with '309', select the 'Customer reference' option and then enter your tracking details along with your post code. UK Mail should text you with a one hour delivery window, and you can view delivery progress online.
My order has been shipped with Syncreon, how can I track it?
Enter your 'Delivery Number' in the 'Order No/Delivery No' box on the Syncreon tracking page, and your Apple order number (starts with W) in the ’Web Order No’ box. If your tracking number starts with '309' you will then be able to track it to delivery on the UK Mail Tracking Page. Please note that tracking numbers may take some time to become active.
How can I pay for my iPhone?
Apple has a few different ways to pay or finance your purchase. These are:
** I'm not seeing much information about IPP this year, though there is a 0% loan option through Barclays. Will update when I find out more **
previously there following options where available:
iPhone Payments - https://www.apple.com/uk/legal/sales-support/iphonepayments_uk/ (apple.com has broken links to this so interesting to see if this gets fixed)
- 20 Monthly payments at 0% APR
- £69 up front
- No Apple Care
- No yearly upgrades
- In-store only. (I'm sure people were able to pre-order online, and then 'refund' and buy again)
- Subject to status
iPhone Upgrade Programme - https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program
- 20 monthly payments at 0% APR
- £69 up front
- Apple Care+ has to be taken
- Able to upgrade phone after 11 payments when trading in existing phone
- In-store only. (you can pre order online for in-store pick up and sign up to IUP)
- Subject to status
Apple Finance - https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/browse/financing
Barclays
- online financing decision
- 14.9% APR
- Choose an instalment period of 3 to 18 or 24 equal monthly payments.
- online financing decision
- 14.9% interest rate p.a. fixed for the duration of the instalment plans.
- Choose an instalment period of 6 to 12, 18 or 24 equal monthly payments.
- Standard rate of 19.9% applies to transactions made outside of any instalment plans.
Pay in Full
- Pay in full online or in store using credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, PayPal or Apple Store Gift Cards
Are there any Music Magpie Voucher Codes?
added here when found!
Is there a link to previous UK launch threads?
2019 - iPhone 11/11Pro here
2018 - iPhone Xs/Xs Max/Xr here
2017 - iPhone X/8/8+ here
2016 - iPhone 7/7+ here
2015 - iPhone 6s/6s+ here
how are people set this year... I'm currently a Level 1 on the scale... the "I don't really see much appeal about the new phone and my current one is fine"... I know this will be up to level 2/3 ("hmm should I try the max size again (for the 3rd year and reverting back)") in a few weeks!
looking forward to the regulars and new comers alike! always an enjoyable thread for a few months