Be honest, this can't be entirely unexpected.
When was the last time a John Foxx album was released on time?
Electrofear, COIII, From Trash, Sideways (at least) have all rather 'drifted out' without any concrete 'plan'.
It's frustrating and hard for us to understand

but it shouldn't be unexpected.
Maybe September 3rd was the date the adverts started appearing in the music press to whet the general appetite?
A cynical person might suggest that its all part of a cunning plan to increase our anticipation…