iPhone 9 cases at Best Buy point to a release as early as this week

iPhone SE 2 Fake Mockup Source: iMore

What you need to know

The iPhone 9 may be announced as soon as this week.
iPhone 9 cases are already showing up at Best Buy stores.
Employees are being instructed that the cases can be sold starting April 5th.

The iPhone 9 has long been rumored to be released this spring and was most likely going to be announced at the March event that Apple had to cancel due to coronavirus concerns. Many speculated that the phone may be delayed indefinitely, but recent developments at retailers like Best Buy indicate we may in store for a release sooner than we thought.

As reported by 9to5Mac, Best Buy stores have begun to receive phone cases for the unannounced iPhone. One case from Urban Armor Gear is described as being designed for the "New iPhone 4.7", 2020". Employees at the stores are currently being instructed to keep the cases out of inventory until April 5th, spelling a potential sell date as early as this Sunday.

Source: 9to5Mac

This could potentially point to Apple announcing the new low-cost iPhone as early as sometime this week unless the merchandise date that Best Buy currently has is based on earlier estimates, in which case it will surely be pushed back.

While Apple announcing a flagship iPhone in a press release seems unlikely, it is not out of the realm of possibility Apple would use this method to unveil its new low-cost iPhone. Just last week, the company announced the new iPad Pro and MacBook Air by press release, and both products were available for immediate purchase.

The iPad Pro and Macbook Air were both announced on a Wednesday, so if what Best Buy is currently being told remains true, we may only be a couple of days away from being introduced to the iPhone 9.