Microsoft’s flagship Windows 10 phones Lumia 950 and 950 XL set to release on 20 November

Vaughn Highfield November 10, 2015

Microsoft surprised everyone at its October devices event when it finally unveiled its two powerful new Windows 10 Mobile-powered Lumia handsets.

Microsoft’s flagship Windows 10 phones Lumia 950 and 950 XL set to release on 20 November

At the time it was slated to have a release date of “by the end of the year”, but thanks to leaked promotional details from American mobile network operator AT&T we know it’s arriving stateside on 20 November. The news comes from Windows Central who spotted the original promotional material and has since had it confirmed as the carrier-release version date.

The Verge has also confirmed that 20 November is when we can expect both the Lumia 950 and 950 XL to become available in Microsoft Stores in the US. Currently there’s no word on a UK release date, although we have reached out to Microsoft for comment on the matter.

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As Windows Central points out, a 20 November release date is a smart move by Microsoft. As it falls the week before the chaos that is Black Friday, Microsoft can shift some phones to die-hard Lumia fans on launch and at Thanksgiving, then promoting it heavily over the bargain-basement sales weekend. After that, it’s in prime position in the lead-up to Christmas and the rest of the US holiday period.

In the UK it would make sense for Microsoft to aim for a release around the same time, capitalising on the growing trend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in Britain.

Of course, its release date really hinges on just how reliable and stable Windows 10 Mobile is – something Microsoft hasn’t really been talking about with quite the same fervour since its desktop Windows 10 launch.

Do you think Microsoft’s new Lumia phones will make our list of the best smartphones in 2015? Take a look and judge for yourself.