Apple has just sent out the event invites for its next-gen iPhone launch on September 12 while speculation is rife that the flagship iPhone 8 will hit the UK retail stores on September 22.

According to a recent tweet by prolific tipster Benjamin Geskin, the UK carrier O2 has confirmed to staff members that the iPhone 8 is expected to hit the local retail stores on Friday, September 22. It is notable that Geskin has not revealed the source of this information and hence the leak must be taken with a pinch of salt.

An earlier Wall Street Journal report suggested that the timing or location of the event could be changed at the last minute due to the ongoing construction work at the Apple Park. It is learnt that the company has chosen the Steve Jobs Theater as an alternative location for the upcoming iPhone launch event in Cupertino.  

An earlier report by French blog Mac4Ever suggests that several cellphone operators including SFR, Orange and others were pre-informed about the expected iPhone launch event on September 12. Apple has reportedly taken the initiative to keep its mobile phone operators fully aware of the company's marketing and inventory plans, ahead of the event.