While an announcement in the U.S. is expected on the 13th, the handover date for review units of the foldable iPhone Duo is believed to be that day or the following day. Reservations in Japan are scheduled to begin on the evening of the 16th, with sales starting on the 23rd. Reviews are not expected to be published in advance and are likely to be released from the 16th onward.
The article reports on the possibility that 13 October U.S. time will be Apple's new-product announcement date and that the date for handing over review units of the foldable iPhone Duo is being considered to coincide with it. Gruber's view and a Bloomberg report have emerged with the same date, pointing to a link between the 13th as the announcement date and the Duo handover date.
According to official information, reservations for Duo will begin at 9:00 p.m. Japan time on the 16th, with sales starting on the 23rd. Meanwhile, reviews are not expected to be published until the evening of the 20th at the earliest, meaning that review information could affect decisions made before reservations open. As a result, purchasing decisions may be divided between those made before reservations and those made after the reviews.
Based on Gruber's view that Apple favors hand-to-hand delivery of new products, the distribution of review units is described as tending to prioritize in-person handover. The company is strongly believed to intend to avoid the risk of loss during shipping, and the handling of the first foldable device is expected to proceed cautiously.
The article also discusses whether Apple will hold an event on the 13th or issue a release, potentially together with new products such as a home appliance hub and HomePod mini. It is also expected that the announcement could be separated from new Mac products, with the overall picture depending on whether invitations are issued.