In preparation for the iPhone 15 / Pro series, Apple's UK Apple Store informed employees one year in advance that they should not take time off.

CTOnews.com MacRumors reports that at least one Apple Store in the UK expects unusually high traffic next fall, which is expected to include the launch of the iPhone 15 / Pro series.

Apple Store employees in Milton Keynes, UK, have been told not to take vacations between September 15, 2023 and October 7, 2023, and December 2, 2023 and early January 2024.

While foot traffic to Apple Store retail stores is expected to increase in the fall around the launch of Apple's new devices, especially new iPhone models, and during the Christmas holidays, the latest indication appears to be an unprecedented change for the region.

Apple generally prohibits sudden vacations before the launch of new devices and before Christmas holidays, and notifies employees directly through Apple's internal communications app. The latest change is that Apple announced a ban on vacations about a year in advance, which seems illogical.

Store managers reportedly claimed the directive came from the "store-above" level, a change that had been presented to employees as an item to "ensure better preparation for next year," and it was unclear how broad the directive would apply.

CTOnews.com has learned that Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman broke the news that Apple will launch the iPhone 15 Ultra instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, possibly to further distinguish between Pro and Pro Max. In addition, it was revealed that the iPhone 15 / Pro has switched to USB-C interface and is equipped with a "pill" screen.