eFM News

Apple is likely to launch its new iPhone 12 series in South Korea earlier than its usual schedule, sources said Monday.

Officials at local telecom operators are reportedly said to be preparing to sell the iPhone 12 in late October or early November.

The American tech giant has yet to confirm the release date of its latest smartphone, but foreign tech reviewers predicted that it could be unveiled on October 13 and go on sale about 10 days later in select markets.

Industry insiders said Apple is apparently looking to release its first 5G-supporting iPhone series in South Korea early since the country already offers various 5G services.

South Korea became the first country in the world to commercialize 5G in April 2019.

Apple is expected to release four models of the iPhone 12 -- the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Apple was the second-largest smartphone brand in South Korea with a 19 percent market share as of the second quarter, trailing far behind Samsung with a 67 percent market share, according to industry tracker Counterpoint Research.