Verizon is reportedly blocking retail employees from taking a vacation day Sept. 20, fueling speculation that the next iPhone will go on sale that day.

Apple news site 9to5Mac cites unnamed sources saying Verizon is restricting vacations from Sept. 18 through Sept. 22. That follows a report this week that said T-Mobile is blocking vacations around the same time.

In the past, electronics retailers have been known to block their employees from taking days off when major products are set to go on sale. So now, many believe these reports could mean Friday, Sept. 20 will be the day Apple releases the next iPhone.

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Although T-Mobile and Verizon are reportedly blocking numerous days, Sept. 20 is believed to be the release date because Apple usually launches its most popular device on Fridays.

This year, Apple is expected to release the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C.

The iPhone 5S is expected to be a slightly upgraded version of the iPhone 5, and to be available in a gold color.

The iPhone 5C, meanwhile, is expected to be a low-cost option that will feature a plastic shell and be available in many color options.


No word on whether AT&T or Sprint, the other two major U.S. carriers of the iPhone, are blocking vacations around that time.

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