The Canon EOS R6 Mark III was originally expected to be announced in late May 2025. As anticipation grew among enthusiasts and professionals alike, many were preparing for a spring reveal of Canon’s next-generation full-frame mirrorless camera. However, recent updates from Canon Rumors suggest that the announcement may have been postponed—potentially due to a complex mix of geopolitical and economic factors.
Rumors of a Delay: What’s Changed?
Initially, Canon was reportedly gearing up for a significant product presentation in the second week of May 2025. This was expected to include not only the EOS R6 Mark III but also other new gear, possibly including successors to the EOS R7 and EOS R10. As of now, those plans seem to be on hold. Sources close to Canon Rumors claim that the internal presentation for the EOS R6 Mark III, originally scheduled for May, has been delayed, and there’s currently no rescheduled date.
While the delay itself hasn’t been officially confirmed by Canon, the shift in expected timelines has created a stir in the photography community—particularly as the industry watches ongoing economic developments unfold.
The Tariff Puzzle: A Key Factor?
One of the biggest questions is whether the delay is linked to the reciprocal tariffs currently looming over U.S. imports. Recent speculation across several rumor sites has raised concerns about how potential tariffs could affect the pricing and availability of consumer electronics, including cameras.
Though Canon hasn’t issued a formal statement, it’s worth noting that other tech companies, such as Nintendo, have already made adjustments in response to trade uncertainties. For instance, Nintendo recently delayed pre-orders for its anticipated “Switch 2” in the U.S., citing market concerns. Given these precedents, it’s reasonable to wonder whether Canon is similarly taking a cautious approach—waiting for more clarity before committing to major product announcements or releases.
Tariff implications differ based on a product’s country of origin, and many details—such as the final tariff rate and enforcement timeline—remain unclear. These unknowns could make it risky for Canon to launch new products in the U.S. without knowing how competitive their pricing can be.
U.S. Price Increases and Global Strategy
Adding to the complexity is the recent news that Canon USA plans to implement a 7–8% price increase across its entire lineup of cameras and lenses. Such a move suggests that Canon is bracing for costlier operations in the near future, possibly tied to inflation, tariffs, or broader supply chain issues.
Interestingly, planned price drops for the EOS R7 and EOS R10—which were scheduled for May 1 in the U.S.—have also been cancelled. These drops are still reportedly on track for the UK and Europe, highlighting the regional differences in Canon’s strategy. Typically, significant price reductions precede new product launches, so their cancellation may indicate a broader delay in Canon’s release roadmap.
Financial Results and Strategic Timing
Canon is set to announce its quarterly financial results on April 22, 2025. With the EOS R6 Mark III and other new products hanging in the balance, it’s possible the company will use this opportunity to provide more insight into its strategy moving forward.
One possibility is that Canon will use the upcoming months to reassess the global market situation—especially in light of the postponed tariffs, which now may not go into effect until July. Canon may choose to hold back on new product announcements until it has a clearer understanding of how these tariffs will play out and what impact they will have on sales and pricing.
What Comes Next?
Although the expected May announcement seems to be off the table for now, Canon Rumors reports that we may still see the EOS R6 Mark III announced before the 2025 holiday shopping season. That would imply a delay of at least six months, potentially pushing the official reveal into October or November.
Canon has historically targeted Q4 for major releases, aiming to take advantage of strong year-end sales. If the R6 Mark III and other rumored products—like the EOS R7 Mark II and EOS R10 Mark II—are released in time for the holidays, Canon could still capitalize on consumer demand.
In addition to cameras, at least one or two new RF lenses were expected in the late-May announcements. However, there’s no clear information yet about which lenses are in development or when they might arrive.
A Period of Uncertainty
As it stands, both Canon Inc. and Canon USA seem to be navigating a murky landscape. Dealers have reportedly expressed similar sentiments, stating that they aren’t sure what to expect over the next few months. With shifting tariffs, price fluctuations, and unpredictable demand, even large corporations like Canon may be forced into a holding pattern.
While the delay of the EOS R6 Mark III announcement is disappointing for eager fans, it may ultimately be a prudent move. Releasing a high-profile product in an uncertain market could backfire if pricing or availability becomes an issue. Instead, waiting for more favorable conditions could help ensure a stronger launch with wider global reach.
Final Thoughts
Although the Canon EOS R6 Mark III’s announcement appears to be delayed, all signs still point to its eventual arrival later this year. If Canon can successfully navigate the challenges of tariffs and global pricing strategies, the second half of 2025 could still be a major milestone in its mirrorless lineup.
In the meantime, photographers and gear enthusiasts will be watching closely for any signs of movement. Whether the delay turns out to be brief or extended, one thing is certain: Canon’s next move will be crucial in shaping the competitive landscape for the remainder of the year.
$200 off on Canon EOS R6 Mark II body at B&H, Adorama.
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Via:Â CanonRumors
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