Sources say AT&T is set to release the Lumia 950 on Friday, November 20

As Microsoft is getting ready to ship Windows 10 Fall Refresh and Windows 10 Mobile the big question is when the AT&T Lumia 950 is going to hit store shelves. We have seen some early in-store signage advertising the phone for AT&T hinting that the release is near.

In an article early last week, we noted that Friday, November 20 was shaping up to be the launch day. Since that time, we have had further confirmation that this is the target date for the only carrier-release version of the Lumia 950 in the U.S.

The day comes across as a rather logical one. AT&T always releases on Friday and this Friday (the 13th) is too soon, whereas Black Friday, which falls on the 27th, is too hectic. The timing puts the phone in a good spot for the so-called Holiday Season in the States, which lasts through New Year's Day.

Part of the launch delay we are told was to enable Windows Hello's iris scanner and to reach the TH2 marker for the OS. AT&T has yet to confirm Windows Hello will be available on day one. However, we know it is testing and likely to be available.

There is no word yet on pricing, although the $99 mark for on-contract sales sounds reasonable. Off-contract the Lumia 950 should retail for $549.

Lumia 950 specifications

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CategorySpecification
Operating SystemWindows 10 Mobile
Display5.2 inches (1440x2560)
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 808
MaterialsPolycarbonate
Qi WirelessYes
ConnectorType C
Fast ChargeYes
RAM3GB
Rear Camera20MP
Front Camera5MP
Internal Storage32GB
External Storagemicro SD
Battery3000mAh removable
ChargingQi wireless, USB Type-C, Quick Charge
Height145mm
Width73.2mm
Thickness8.2mm
Weight150 grams
Price$549

AT&T is unfortunately not expected to carry the Lumia 950 XL, something we noted way back in July. Microsoft, however, should be offering the unlocked Lumia 950 XL through its stores. There is also no word on any tie-in promotions, although something with the Microsoft Band 2 or new Display Dock for Continuum could happen.

AT&T has not yet announced pre-orders for the Lumia 950 but if may start this Friday or even Thursday, when Microsoft is expected to announce Windows 10 Mobile is shipping. AT&T announced the Lumia 950 back on October 6 when they also put up their 'coming soon' page.

Update: The Verge has now chimed in with Tom Warren confirming the November 20 launch date as well.

Stay tuned to Windows Central for any more news on this and other Windows 10 Mobile devices.

Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.