iPhone 9 Pre-Orders Begin on Chinese Retail Platform

Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has quietly opened pre-orders for a device listed as the iPhone 9, marking the first concrete sign of the rumored handset hitting the market. The product page offers almost no information, showing only a phone wrapped in a red cloth and confirming it will lack 5G support and use the traditional Lightning connector.

Other retailers are also referencing the upcoming model. Verizon’s trade-in page mentions an iPhone 9, though without any specifications, while German accessory brand RhinoShield has begun listing cases specifically designed for the iPhone 9. Despite these references, Apple has not yet confirmed the device’s official name. Many industry analysts suspect it may launch as the iPhone SE 2020, with “iPhone 9” currently serving as a placeholder until Apple makes a formal announcement.

Recent leaks provide a glimpse into what consumers might expect. In January, OnLeaks shared renderings alleged to depict the iPhone 9, showing a design with curved edges and thick bezels around a 4.7-inch screen. A separate video leaked later displayed a device with a flat edge and an iPhone engraving below the Apple logo—a feature absent from recent models like the iPhone 11. Both leaks agree on a single-camera setup and a persistent home button with Touch ID, suggesting a blend of older aesthetics with updated internals.

Under the hood, rumors consistently point to the A13 Bionic processor, offering performance that could outpace many Android rivals in its price bracket. The device is also expected to incorporate a Liquid Crystal Polymer antenna for improved signal reception and to follow recent trends by omitting the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pricing and availability remain somewhat uncertain but indications are that the iPhone 9 will retain the affordable spirit of its predecessor, the iPhone SE, with a starting price of $399. Initial plans called for an early launch, but coronavirus-related production disruptions have likely shifted the timeline. Apple now appears ready to unveil the device, potentially in late April or early May.