When is the iPhone 16 release date?
Apple typically follows a consistent schedule for its product launches, though there’s a rumor suggesting the timeline could shift slightly this year. However, if the opening of a new Swedish Apple Store is any indication, things might remain on track.
Apple usually opens pre-orders for new iPhones the Friday following their announcement, which this year would likely be September 13. The release day is usually a week later, which would place the iPhone 16 release date on September 20. Coincidentally, this is also when Apple is set to open a new Apple Store at the Mall of Scandinavia near Stockholm, Sweden.
There’s also speculation that Apple could move up the timeline by a day. If accurate, pre-orders might open on Thursday, September 12, with the release happening on September 19.
It wouldn’t be very logical for Apple to open a brand-new store the day after the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max hit the market. This is especially true given that the Mall of Scandinavia is the largest shopping center in Sweden and one of the biggest in the Nordic region. It seems likely that Apple would aim to draw in as many customers as possible to boost early sales of the iPhone 16.
Yes, many people will likely order their new phones online, as it’s far more convenient—allowing you to pre-order a week in advance and skip the lines at the Apple Store. However, as we see every year, those initial iPhone batches can sell out fast, and sometimes the only option left is to grab one from a nearby Apple Store.
Picking up your iPhone in-store can also ensure you get it on release day, avoiding any delays from delivery services. Plus, you’ll have the chance to browse accessories like cases and the new Apple Watch 10 while you’re there.
Considering Sweden only has two other physical Apple Stores, it makes sense to link the store’s grand opening with the iPhone 16 launch. After all, new Apple Store openings are often seen as events themselves, and pairing it with the release of a new iPhone would likely take excitement to the next level.
Or maybe that’s not going to be the case, and Swedish Apple fans will have to wait until after iPhone 16 release day to check out the newest store. But it feels like this would be a wasted opportunity.
