Apple has begun preparations for the September launch event, allowing retail employees to enter a lottery for on-site work.

According to renowned technology journalist Mark Gurman, as Apple's largest product launch event of the year approaches, the company is allowing U.S. retail employees who wish to participate in the in-person event to sign up for a lottery. An internal memo shows that this lottery enables retail employees to apply to work on-site at the event, assisting with organizing queues, registering visitors, welcoming attendees, providing guidance, and supporting the security team. The company informed employees that this launch event will take place in the first half of September, but did not provide a more specific date. Historically, Apple's iPhone launch events are typically scheduled for the second Tuesday or Wednesday of the month. Since Labor Day in the U.S. falls on Monday, September 7, the possibility of the event being held on Wednesday is slightly higher. This September's launch event will be the first major product release under CEO John Ternus. Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as Apple's CEO starting September 1.