Can I say "released" instead of "issued"? If not, what would be the main difference between these words?

Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
No, you couldn't, but I can see why you'd think that! The main difference is that when you "issue" something, you are distributing or supplying something, which creates a "flow" or "output" of the product. Whereas, when something is "released", it is presented as new and complete to the public! With the example of a technological device, the product can be "released" on a specific day and made public. From that day, the product is "issued" to stores or people. Ex: They finally released the new company phone! I can't wait to buy it. They've already issued 20,000 of them. Ex: They're issuing the product to stores throughout the country.