iPhone 5S Launch Confirmed by AT&T Blackout Dates

Even more evidence points to a September 20 release date for the Apple iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C this fall. Not only has T-Mobile blacked out vacation dates for employees around this time, now BGR confirms AT&T has done the same. The second half of September will also be reserved for the iPhone, with no other high-profile devices seeing initial release.

ATT blackout iPhone 5S

This comes as no surprise, as AT&T has blacked out employee vacation dates around each iPhone launch since the very beginning in 2007. Back then, the carrier had an exclusive deal with Apple to offer the iPhone stateside. Apple's next generation iPhone media event is widely expected to occur on September 10. Additional reports have confirmed a September 20 release date in Japan and other countries outside of the US.

When it comes to the iPhone 5S, the device is expected to launch alongside a less expensive iPhone 5C. While the iPhone 5S will feature a similar aluminum construction to the iPhone 5, the device will ship in several new colors. In contrast, the iPhone 5C will have a plastic chassis, much like the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 5C will be slightly larger than the iPhone 5S, and contain the same internal parts as the current model iPhone 5.

It's not clear whether or not AT&T will continue to offer the iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S once the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S are launched. Apple could be phasing out the older models and unifying all iOS devices under the Lightning connector regime.

Look out for Apple's media event on September 10th for more details. Invites to the event should surface within days, possibly right after the Labor Day holiday this weekend.