Regulatory filings hint at new iPhone models soon

Filings from the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) database suggest new iPhones might be coming, potentially sooner than we thought. Consomac, a French website, first spotted the filing which mentions model numbers A1920, A1921, A1984, A2097, A2098, A2099, A2101, A2103, A2104, A2105, and A2106. None of these models already exist in the database.

We figured Apple would introduce new phones at its usual September event. Three new devices are rumored to be coming this year, including two OLED models and one cheaper LCD model. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested the rumored 6.5-inch model, which we’re calling the “iPhone X Plus,” in January, and later, the phone’s possible display leaked, too, although we have no idea whether it’s legitimate.

But those will almost certainly have to wait until September. The biggest question right now is whether Apple will release an updated iPhone SE, which it likely wouldn’t wait to put on sale. Kuo has said it likely won’t happen, but if it does, it would come in the form of a minor specs boost. It’s hard to speculate with limited details, although it’s worth noting that the EEC has previously certified new Apple products ahead of their launch.

MacRumors reports that the database identified Apple’s new iPad in February, a month before its March launch, so it’s possible these new phones will be announced at WWDC if the database sticks with its close timeline, but that would be unusual for Apple.