Online Apple Store is Out of iPhones

[Blakely028]

Hi there, I was generally browsing through the Apple UK Store and I had clicked onto the iPhone store page, and I got this image:

Whatcya think?

[cjmal]

Same in the US.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&node=home/shop_iphone/family/iphone&sf=wHF2F2PHCCCX72KDY

[btnnaz]

Why else would both the us and uk online store be sold out

[nick9191]

Yeah the iPhone is no longer available in the UK anywhere, its been discontinued

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/08/iphone-no-longer-available-in-uk/

Although apparently the 16gb version is now back in stock on O2.

[btnnaz]

US store just changed it to 5-7 days shipping

[btnnaz]

huh weird just changed back to unavailable whats going on here?

[sananda]

Yeah the iPhone is no longer available in the UK anywhere, its been discontinued

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/08/iphone-no-longer-available-in-uk/

Although apparently the 16gb version is now back in stock on O2.

that was about o2, this is more significant as it's about apple.

[sananda]

very strange!

[SFStateStudent]

Isn't June only 3 weeks away? :p

[yoyo5280]

All I can say is...I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE UK!!! I WANT IT iN JAPAN!!!:mad::mad::mad:

[btnnaz]

someone should call and ask why they re sold out

[sushi]

All I can say is...I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE UK!!! I WANT IT iN JAPAN!!!:mad::mad::mad:
Likewise.

And I am afraid that we have a long wait for it to arrive here.

[iBookfan]

Oh my god! I sure hope that ist a sign of a 3g phone arriving sooner than we thought! :confused:

[btnnaz]

WTF now att personal wireless website is down

[iBookfan]

WTF now att personal wireless website is down

Closer and closer to a release?

[Chaszmyr]

If it were coming Tuesday press invitations would already have been sent out and they haven't. It could theoretically be announced as soon as Friday, I suppose, but I think chances are there just won't be any iPhone sales between now and WWDC. Some of you will recall that Apple once suspended iMac sales for an even longer period of time before a new model came out, and with a high profile product like the iPhone Apple has added incentive to not anger new customers by making their newly purchased phone obsolete by announcing a whole new model a week or two later.

[SFStateStudent]

WTF now att personal wireless website is down

I just went to AT&T personal wireless and it seems to be OK in the US:

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-plans/index.jsp?source=IC4425L3100u9100
:confused:

[sananda]

I think chances are there just won't be any iPhone sales between now and WWDC.

which would be an odd way to run a business.

[iBookfan]

If it were coming Tuesday press invitations would already have been sent out and they haven't. It could theoretically be announced as soon as Friday, I suppose, but I think chances are there just won't be any iPhone sales between now and WWDC. Some of you will recall that Apple once suspended iMac sales for an even longer period of time before a new model came out, and with a high profile product like the iPhone Apple has added incentive to not anger new customers by making their newly purchased phone obsolete by announcing a whole new model a week or two later.

Apple would NOT close a iPhone sale for a periode. It would cost them a fortune...

[Chaszmyr]

Apple would NOT close a iPhone sale for a periode. It would cost them a fortune...

That's funny, I'm pretty sure that's what they've just done. Can you order the iPhone right now? No. Is there a new model coming out today? Also no.

[iBookfan]

That's funny, I'm pretty sure that's what they've just done. Can you order the iPhone right now? No. Is there a new model coming out today? Also no.

Maybe a new model WILL come out sooner. Not today, but maybe in next week. All I'm saying is that it would be odd to close the sale for a month

[cjmal]

which would be an odd way to run a business.

Not if they know that they'll more than make up for lost sales during that period as soon as the new iPhone is released.

[iBookfan]

Not if they know that they'll more than make up for lost sales during that period as soon as the new iPhone is released.

No way! Thats not the way a business-mann runs his business! He'll try to get every penny of peoples pockets by selling as much as he can.

[joeshell383]

Apple would NOT close a iPhone sale for a periode. It would cost them a fortune...

Generally a company would not do such a thing, but as we all know, Apple is not like other companies. There are a lot a variables at play including marketing/hype, consumer backlash and remorse (which Apple is very familiar with and susceptible to), actual future price/product/model changes, production/inventory, and secrecy.

The situation trickles to this: Will a material amount of revenue (or profit, marketshare, etc.) be lost by would-be iPhone purchasers buying something else in the mean time? If the answer is no, than Apple can hold off until that point is reached. Even if that point is reached before WWDC, I have a hard time imagining Steve just putting it out there without his introduction; so I imagine the earliest will be WWDC anyway.

[iBookfan]

Generally a company would not do such a thing, but as we all know, Apple is not like other companies. There are a lot a variables at play including marketing/hype, consumer backlash and remorse (which Apple is very familiar with and susceptible to), actual future price/product/model changes, production/inventory, and secrecy.

The situation trickles to this: Will a material amount of revenue (or profit, marketshare, etc.) be lost by would-be iPhone purchasers buying something else in the mean time? If the answer is no, than Apple can hold off until that point is reached. Even if that point is reached before WWDC, I have a hard time imagining Steve just putting it out there without his introduction; so I imagine the earliest will be WWDC anyway.

Great answer. It all about Apples trust to their consumers :) - US;) (not like US, but you and me :D)

[sananda]

Not if they know that they'll more than make up for lost sales during that period as soon as the new iPhone is released.

that's not something that they would be able to know. if all prospective iphone buyers were like us (members of a mac rumours website) then they could perfectly reasonably speculate that they would simply put off the buying until such time as the new phone were out and there would be no loss to apple. but we are in the minority. many people will simply be looking to buy a phone and will choose from those that are available on the day they are making their choice (or shortly after). the risk is that all those type of sales may be lost. and the risk does not just apply to apple but also to their telephone company partners. for instance, for the past two weeks o2 has been turning away prospective iphone customers who want to enter into valuable 18 month contracts.

i will be very surprised if iphones are not available for a month.

[iBookfan]

that's not something that they would be able to know. if all prospective iphone buyers were like us (members of a mac rumours website) then they could perfectly reasonably speculate that they would simply put off the buying until such time as the new phone were out and there would be no loss to apple. but we are in the minority. many people will simply be looking to buy a phone and will choose from those that are available on the day they are making their choice (or shortly after). the risk is that all those type of sales may be lost. and the risk does not just apply to apple but also to their telephone company partners. for instance, for the past two weeks o2 has been turning away prospective iphone customers who want to enter into valuable 18 month contracts.

i will be very surprised if iphones are not available for a month.

Yep. A lot of people don't check thes rumor-sites out, and will just be buying the model in the stores. Even I, didn't use to check rumors. But if no iPhone is availible people is just buying ex a blackburry or similar products.

[iWizzard]

US store just changed it to 5-7 days shipping

And now back to Unavailable.

[punitnaker]

I believe an announcement is imminent! There is no way that apple would not sell the iPhone for a month. I know they were planning on winding down stock but it would be a big mistake not to sell the phone for this period.

It was fairly obvious when O2 discontinued the iPhone but now that Apple is also advertising this in both the US and UK store it's fairly obvious whats going on.

But i do believe that Apple will make a big deal about the release of the 3G iPhone, so we should be waiting to hear about a media event coming up any minute!!

[sananda]

it's certainly a possibility i think, punitnaker.

[icantbelieveit]

ok its still on 'Ships: Currently Unavailable' for both the UK and US store. And in the UK carphonewarehouse online are out of stock of both versions with o2 just having the 16GB avaliable. Now, this is really odd, especially as Apple have joined in not selling them which makes it more official as their instructions would probably come from the top.

So i used the chat system to talk to an Apple UK store help person, and i asked if they have any info as to when iphones may be available again. Their straight answer was "We have no details on that no" and i said i can't seem to get them anywhere and he said "I know what you mean". So it looks like the representatives are really being kept in the dark which is strange as surely for any other item they'd have some sort of stock information to inform customers.

Version 2 must be coming pretty soon!! And even though all hints point at early June announcement at Jobs's Keynote, that's quite a long way away with no sales of the iPhone for Apple!

[tomegun]

What about this? If they were to continue selling the iPhone up until the new one is released, how many people would take their week-old iPhone back and pay the restocking fee to get the new one?

I guess one way to stop this would be to not sell any iPhones for a period of time which would mean the last people to buy them couldn't just take them back.

Maybe a reach, but a lot of stuff on this site is.:D

[Mikey B]

The iPhone is NOT out of stock at O2 or the UK Apple Store.

http://shop.o2.co.uk/promo/iphonetariffs

[sananda]

The iPhone is NOT out of stock at O2 or the UK Apple Store.

http://shop.o2.co.uk/promo/iphonetariffs

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=482088

[sananda]

What about this? If they were to continue selling the iPhone up until the new one is released, how many people would take their week-old iPhone back and pay the restocking fee to get the new one?

I guess one way to stop this would be to not sell any iPhones for a period of time which would mean the last people to buy them couldn't just take them back.

Maybe a reach, but a lot of stuff on this site is.:D

drastic when they can sell the returns as refurbs and not make a loss.

[Mikey B]

I was wrong about the Apple Store. Interesting...

But, O2 does still have stock as does AT&T so I wouldn't read too much into it yet. There are many reasons why the iPhone would be temporarily unavailable online that aren't foreshadowing a 3G release.

[evilboy]

Likewise.

And I am afraid that we have a long wait for it to arrive here.

Well, you can always get a 3G iPhone from Europe/USA and use in Japan with SoftBank or Docomo. It will be a long wait since both are super control freaks and I bet are fighting for branding and paid service content aka Softbank's My Yahoo, S-Applis and such - installed on iPhones. All of the Japanese phone makers are under the carriers strict regime, thus Apple might have a really hard time getting his toy on sale in Japan.

[sananda]

I was wrong about the Apple Store. Interesting...

But, O2 does still have stock as does AT&T so I wouldn't read too much into it yet. There are many reasons why the iPhone would be temporarily unavailable online that aren't foreshadowing a 3G release.

well o2 only have 16GB and nothing in apple online stores in two separate continents at exactly the same time. something is afoot.

[icantbelieveit]

i can see the lack of iphones available direct from Apple as a bigger sign of a soonish release of the next version as it's directly down to them how much stock they have, sell etc. With AT&T and o2 they just bought the stock from Apple and so will sell it until its all gone or they'll lose out.

[Mikey B]

well o2 only have 16GB and nothing in apple online stores in two separate continents at exactly the same time. something is afoot.

Honestly, you think the new phone is going to come out before the WWDC? And the 2.0 software update? I can easily see it happen after WWDC, but not before. That's not Apple's MO. But who knows?

[sananda]

i can see the lack of iphones available direct from Apple as a bigger sign of a soonish release of the next version as it's directly down to them how much stock they have, sell etc. With AT&T and o2 they just bought the stock from Apple and so will sell it until its all gone or they'll lose out.

and apple are so good at stock levels. except when they ran out of imacs before the new one was released.

[sananda]

Honestly, you think the new phone is going to come out before the WWDC? And the 2.0 software update? I can easily see it happen after WWDC, but not before. That's not Apple's MO. But who knows?

i haven't got a clue. except that i definitely think it's coming out in the next few weeks rather than months.

i won't be surprised if it comes out next week or if it comes out next month.

[Dagless]

Still unavailable in the UK store, something's a cookin!

[Jacqui83]

I hope it's available soon, the 3G iPhone that is. I can't wait until June WWDC for it to be released seriously!

And I agree it is not logical for them to keep it unavailable until June to sell it.

[Ish]

Looks as though they're both still available at the Apple online store in France and Germany. Hope for everyone waiting it comes out soon though. My (non iPhone) contract doesn't finish until November.

[sananda]

Looks as though they're both still available at the Apple online store in France and Germany. Hope for everyone waiting it comes out soon though. My (non iPhone) contract doesn't finish until November.

the french online apple store says you have to buy from france telecom. my german isn't up to much but it looks like the same deal at the german online apple store (except obviously you are directed to t-mobile).

[Auzburner]

A real reason for why this is happening is that Apple wants to avoid all of the returns when people dumb enough to buy the EDGE iPhone the day before the 3G and they come in the next day saying they want to exchange the phone. Strategic - and save lots of money, they may start to sell the EDGE one again when the 3G come out...

[sananda]

A real reason for why this is happening is that Apple wants to avoid all of the returns when people dumb enough to buy the EDGE iPhone the day before the 3G and they come in the next day saying they want to exchange the phone. Strategic - and save lots of money, they may start to sell the EDGE one again when the 3G come out...

the day before is one thing, for a number is weeks is another matter altogether. the 8GB has already been unavailable at all o2 and cpw shops for two weeks. and if we're not expecting a new model until WWDC, that's another four weeks. that's a long time especially when you take into account it's only been out in the UK since november.

[Ish]

the french online apple store says you have to buy from france telecom. my german isn't up to much but it looks like the same deal at the german online apple store (except obviously you are directed to t-mobile).

Thanks! I've been learning some French but obviously not enough! :)

[netdog]

May 19th

[EvanLugh]

There's a report here (http://iappblog.com/iphone-uk-currently-unavailable), if you want to read. :o

12th May i'm thinking.

[sushi]

Well, you can always get a 3G iPhone from Europe/USA and use in Japan with SoftBank or Docomo. It will be a long wait since both are super control freaks and I bet are fighting for branding and paid service content aka Softbank's My Yahoo, S-Applis and such - installed on iPhones. All of the Japanese phone makers are under the carriers strict regime, thus Apple might have a really hard time getting his toy on sale in Japan.
We'll see. Not sure if it will just be a SIM card issue or something more.

Also, the data plans in Japan leave a lot to be desired. They start out low, but that level is easily exceeded. Then you pay for what you use up to a point where you max out. That level is rather high for all carriers.

[EvanLugh]

France are unavailable too - this has gotta' be 3G baby!

[g8bo]

would be a nice surprise! first making the impression of a "(very) late 08" and then, it's suddently (t)here! =)

[Mikey B]

Theyre back online. In the US at least. I know everyone wants a new iPhone but this is a false alarm.

[icantbelieveit]

not sure how people see them as back available in US store: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&node=home/shop_iphone/family/iphone

[Bad Ash]

Theyre back online. In the US at least. I know everyone wants a new iPhone but this is a false alarm.

Just checked... still "UNAVAILABLE".

[sananda]

Theyre back online. In the US at least. I know everyone wants a new iPhone but this is a false alarm.

not sure how people see them as back available in US store: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&node=home/shop_iphone/family/iphone

says currently unavailable for me.

[EvanLugh]

Germany, France gone aswell. (http://iappblog.com/iphone-uk-currently-unavailable)

[sananda]

Germany, France gone aswell. (http://iappblog.com/iphone-uk-currently-unavailable)

were they previously available at the german or french apple online stores or did they always direct people to france telecom and t-mobile?

[EvanLugh]

were they previously available at the german or french apple online stores or did they always direct people to france telecom and t-mobile?

Yep they were available as far as i'm aware.

[crazychris3992]

.:rubbing my hands with happiness:. 3G is coming in the way I see it. maybe I should try selling my EDGE one while i can or give it to my dad for father's day.:D

[sananda]

Yep they were available as far as i'm aware.

are you sure (ie you have visited both stores personally and seen them available to put in a basket) or are you guessing?

[Mikey B]

I was wrong. Cached page on my other computer when I was looking last night. Regardless I still think it means nothing. I bet theyll be back up today I hope Im wrong though. When the whole store is down though, its on!

[Bad Ash]

I honestly can not see Apple just saying "surprise!" and make a new iPhone available within the next week or so. It would be nice but highly doubtful.

[gloss]

I was wrong. Cached page on my other computer when I was looking last night. Regardless I still think it means nothing. I bet theyll be back up today I hope Im wrong though. When the whole store is down though, its on!

I think the fact that they're unavailable for purchase on the U.S. store with no estimated return time might mean something.

[EvanLugh]

are you sure (ie you have visited both stores personally and seen them available to put in a basket) or are you guessing?

I've not seen it nor am I guessing, I think it was mentioned on Engadget when it came out. I may be wrong but still, have a look at some other sites ie engadget, people are going a little crazy. :rolleyes:

[sananda]

I've not seen it nor am I guessing, I think it was mentioned on Engadget when it came out. I may be wrong but still, have a look at some other sites ie engadget, people are going a little crazy. :rolleyes:

whatever the situation in france and germany, both the uk and us stores being unavailable is enough for us to think something's up.

just had a look at engadget. not sure why it isn't up on macrumors yet, we have been talking about it for a few hours.

[EvanLugh]

whatever the situation in france and germany, both the uk and us stores being unavailable is enough for us to think something's up.

just had a look at engadget. not sure why it isn't up on macrumors yet, we have been talking about it for a few hours.

He's asleep according to AIM :rolleyes:

[CalmEnvy]

Can't wait on news on the new iPhone. They better release the damn details and price for the Canadian release later on this year.

[Pressure]

It is interesting that it states: "Currently unavailable"

Hopefully we will see a worldwide launch soonish :)

[EvanLugh]

Thing is though, iPhone 2 is in june they can't sell iPhone 2 without the software update, surely?

[gloss]

Thing is though, iPhone 2 is in june they can't sell iPhone 2 without the software update, surely?

Why not? :)

[nintendude]

The iPhone is NOT out of stock at O2 or the UK Apple Store.

http://shop.o2.co.uk/promo/iphonetariffs



never mind post, didn't see multiple pages

[nintendude]

Thing is though, iPhone 2 is in june they can't sell iPhone 2 without the software update, surely?

true and wouldn't they have to go through the FCC first?

[EvanLugh]

Why not? :)

Well I suppose you've got a point, but they can't sell you iPhone 2 and say, " Wait for a month to get your GPS or whatever". It's just mean I tell you, mean. :mad:

[btnnaz]

Ok this sounds kinda fishy to me I just did a chat with an online support agent on the apple store site and this is what i got.

Hi, my name is Erica G. Welcome to Apple!

Good afternoon.

Would you like help with your shopping?

Hi, do you know why all the iphones are out of stock

At this time, we have no information in regards to the availability of the
iPhone.

Oh ok well i was just looking to buy one online because i dont have an apple

or att store near my house. Any idea when they willl be back in stock?

Unfortunately no, we have no information.

ok thanks

Thank you for visiting the Apple Store. We appreciate your business.

[EvanLugh]

Ok this sounds kinda fishy to me I just did a chat with an online support agent on the apple store site and this is what i got.

Hi, my name is Erica G. Welcome to Apple!

Good afternoon.

Would you like help with your shopping?

Hi, do you know why all the iphones are out of stock

At this time, we have no information in regards to the availability of the
iPhone.

Oh ok well i was just looking to buy one online because i dont have an apple

or att store near my house. Any idea when they willl be back in stock?

Unfortunately no, we have no information.

ok thanks

Thank you for visiting the Apple Store. We appreciate your business.

Probably because sales team only deal with sales (not availability). I might be wrong but I can't see them knowing.

[icantbelieveit]

Even though i would love this to mean the 3G iphone's release is imminent, and can't really think any other reason for iphones to be unavaliable in the UK and US at the same time, doesn't really seem like a coincidental stock flow problem to me, but im thinking it surely cant be?? I mean look at all the info we have, the orders for iphones placed for a small amount at the end of May, lots from June onwards, AT&T blocking out any employee holiday between Sunday 15 June and Tuesday 15 July, WWDC being the obvious place for Jobs to announce the new version etc etc. Everything points to June, so I'm thinking this really cant mean the new iphone next week, even though I would love it if it was!

[EvanLugh]

ITS OUT IPHONE 2 IS OUT!!!












http://www.borev.net/banana.jpg
Okay i lied but i bet you went to apple.com. Saaaad. :D

[AppleWoW]

ITS OUT IPHONE 2 IS OUT!!!












http://www.borev.net/banana.jpg
Okay i lied but i bet you went to apple.com. Saaaad. :D

heh...jerk =P

[punitnaker]

The US, UK, German and French Apple Stores are all saying that the iPhone is currently unavailable. German and French stores do direct you to visit the respective carrier websites, and O2 and AT&T still have stock because they must have purchased stock well in advance. It is not in the carrier's interest to stop selling as they'll never shift those units after iPhone 2 comes out.

I believe that there will be some sort of announcement within a week or so. Then a June release as things go through the FCC.

However, my guess is as good as anyone else's so i put aside my £300 from now just in case :D. I had great satisfaction buying on UK iDay, I'm sure Apple will build the hype, excitement and queues from the 2nd Gen iPhone too. :apple:

[JoeJoe]

Couldn't it mean that they will start taking on-line orders that don't ship til mid-June?

[btnnaz]

Couldn't it mean that they will start taking on-line orders that don't ship til mid-June?

I hope. but usually they would have some big annoncement first.

Anyone call their apple stores? are they sold out too?

[psychofreak]

Probably because sales team only deal with sales (not availability). I might be wrong but I can't see them knowing.
You're not wrong, they have no more info than us.

[EvanLugh]

You're not wrong, they have no more info than us.

Thanks.. I wasn't sure because I think I read somewhere that they don't know anything about releases etc. I'm also wrong a lot of the time, so thanks for the back up :o

I'm annoyed, I found this at 3/4PM and the other guy got the glory. Ah well, sad anyway. :cool:

[AppleWoW]

Ok this sounds kinda fishy to me I just did a chat with an online support agent on the apple store site and this is what i got.

Hi, my name is Erica G. Welcome to Apple!

Good afternoon.

Would you like help with your shopping?

Hi, do you know why all the iphones are out of stock

At this time, we have no information in regards to the availability of the
iPhone.

Oh ok well i was just looking to buy one online because i dont have an apple

or att store near my house. Any idea when they willl be back in stock?

Unfortunately no, we have no information.

ok thanks

Thank you for visiting the Apple Store. We appreciate your business.

You should of asked when you could place an order for your 3G iPhone. ;)

[swingerofbirch]

I can tell you as a matter of fact that representatives of Apple have no more information than the customers and at times get release info even sometimes after it's been released on the online store.

[punitnaker]

I can tell you as a matter of fact that representatives of Apple have no more information than the customers and at times get release info even sometimes after it's been released on the online store.

i was working for an apple store during MWSF 2006 when they announced the macbook pro. We were only briefed on the new products the following morning when we all got to work. But that didn't stop the genius' behind the bar keeping an eye on the live macrumors feed :rolleyes:

[btnnaz]

Yeah and i dont think its just a coincidence that both stores are sold out of both models:cool:

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/05/10/133136-iphone.png

Both the U.S. and U.K. online Apple Stores (http://store.apple.com) are currently out of both the 8GB and 16GB iPhones.

Customers trying to order the iPhone will find that both modems are "currently unavailable." This comes just days (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/08/iphone-no-longer-available-in-uk/) after UK's O2 carrier's website also reflected that the 8GB and 16GB iPhones were "no longer available". Some speculated O2's lack of iPhones might may have been a decision to deplete regional stock while awaiting the next generation iPhone, but it appears even Apple's U.S. supply of iPhones has dwindled down. Reports from U.S. retail stores have confirmed the same.

Apple has been widely rumored to introduce their next-generation iPhone at their Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/13/apple-announces-wwdc-2008-june-9-13-2008/), though that event is still almost on month away. While it remains possible that this is a temporary supply issue, the proximity to WWDC will certainly generate a lot of speculation.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/10/online-apple-store-is-out-of-iphones/)

[Zwhaler]

Yes! Here we come iPhone 3G. Can't wait :)

[cheekybobcat]

Maybe Apple is screwing with everyone and actually is planning on releasing the 3G..tomorrow :)

[EvanLugh]

Maybe Apple is screwing with everyone and actually is planning on releasing the 3G..tomorrow :)
On a sunday? :rolleyes:

[savanahrose]

A real reason for why this is happening is that Apple wants to avoid all of the returns when people dumb enough to buy the EDGE iPhone the day before the 3G and they come in the next day saying they want to exchange the phone. Strategic - and save lots of money, they may start to sell the EDGE one again when the 3G come out...


I would buy the edge phone. The last time I checked, I could not get 3g in my area. That isn't to say that they don't have it now. I haven't checked.

No 3g here in charleston, just in columbia

[AceFernalld]

Has anyone thought of the fact that they could release the 3G iPhone without 2.0, and upgrade it and 2.5G iPhones to 2.0 when it (2.0) comes out?

[avaloncourt]

What about this? If they were to continue selling the iPhone up until the new one is released, how many people would take their week-old iPhone back and pay the restocking fee to get the new one?

I guess one way to stop this would be to not sell any iPhones for a period of time which would mean the last people to buy them couldn't just take them back.

Maybe a reach, but a lot of stuff on this site is.:D


That is exactly what I was thinking. If they create a blackout period where no phones are sold they are creating a hole equivalent to the allowable return time preventing people from buying an iPhone, returning it and then getting the new one. It would be easier on their bottom line.

[Project]

Has anyone thought of the fact that they could release the 3G iPhone without 2.0, and upgrade it and 2.5G iPhones to 2.0 when it (2.0) comes out?

Smart thinking. Though I think Apple will still release both at the same time.

[gugy]

WOW,
I was expecting the iPhone to be announce at WWDC. Now with this shortage, it might come even sooner. :eek:

I would like:
3G, GPS, Better camera.
16gig $399
32gig $499

And if AT&T wants to subsidized for a 2 year contract. Even better! :D

[Matthew Yohe]

Yeah, Apple keeps its own people in the dark right up until the last moment. I talked with the geniuses on the floor of MacWorld right after the Keynote, and they said "We only knew about the Macbook Air about 10 minutes before you got here."

[Tattoo]

The iPhone is NOT out of stock at O2 or the UK Apple Store.

http://shop.o2.co.uk/promo/iphonetariffs


16GB for just £329

Please note: iPhone is currently out of stock.

Includes free standard delivery.
Only with a new minimum term 18 month Pay Monthly
O2 tariff for iPhone.

[jlbrown23]

What about this? If they were to continue selling the iPhone up until the new one is released, how many people would take their week-old iPhone back and pay the restocking fee to get the new one?

I guess one way to stop this would be to not sell any iPhones for a period of time which would mean the last people to buy them couldn't just take them back.

Maybe a reach, but a lot of stuff on this site is.:D

Actually, I think you have it more or less exactly right.

Remember how much whining there was when Apple lowered the price of the iPhone? Ever see how many people say "I just bought my new iPhone, and if Apple comes out with a better one now I will be pissed!" They don't want to be selling people outdated iPhones the day before they announce the new ones because it will create some bad publicity. I'm sure that sales have slowed down - especially because anyone in the know is aware that a 3G phone is imminent - so they are probably at a point where the trouble they will have from irate customers is greater than the money they would make in sales.

I know I have been waiting for a 3G iPhone, and plan on buying one in the first week or two it is out(and there are probably a LOT of people doing the same). It helped my patience that I had over a year left on my Verizon contract when the original iPhone came out - I can eat a few months of the contract, but 1+ years maybe not.

[tangledweb16]

Actually, I think you have it more or less exactly right.

Remember how much whining there was when Apple lowered the price of the iPhone? Ever see how many people say "I just bought my new iPhone, and if Apple comes out with a better one now I will be pissed!" They don't want to be selling people outdated iPhones the day before they announce the new ones because it will create some bad publicity. I'm sure that sales have slowed down - especially because anyone in the know is aware that a 3G phone is imminent - so they are probably at a point where the trouble they will have from irate customers is greater than the money they would make in sales.

I know I have been waiting for a 3G iPhone, and plan on buying one in the first week or two it is out(and there are probably a LOT of people doing the same). It helped my patience that I had over a year left on my Verizon contract when the original iPhone came out - I can eat a few months of the contract, but 1+ years maybe not.

People always bitch about that.... and Apple rarely cares.

[riscy]

^^ Sounds likely - this is too much of a coincidence that the iPhone is suddenly unavailable.

The next few weeks will be very interesting.

[mac2mac]

Has anyone thought of the fact that they could release the 3G iPhone without 2.0, and upgrade it and 2.5G iPhones to 2.0 when it (2.0) comes out?

They could but i cant see apple selling the new iphone without any new software features they need something to show off other than the hardware:D

[mingisback]

Lets all digg this and make it front page news.

http://digg.com/apple/Online_Apple_Store_is_Out_of_iPhones

:)

[FreeState]

Anyone call their apple stores? are they sold out too?

I have a friend that works at an Apple Store in San Diego and he told me weeks ago that they have been sold out for a month or more already. (Most of the sells were going to foreigners here on vacation that were unlocking them). He told me just this week they were still sold out - Ill ask him on Monday when I see him again if they are still sold out.

[inkswamp]

If it were coming Tuesday press invitations would already have been sent out and they haven't. It could theoretically be announced as soon as Friday, I suppose, but I think chances are there just won't be any iPhone sales between now and WWDC.

Why is it so hard to believe that they might just release it without an event?

Some of you will recall that Apple once suspended iMac sales for an even longer period of time before a new model came out,

Yeah, but Apple doesn't really care about their consumer-level computers anymore so that's hardly relevant.

[mjstew33]

Why is it so hard to believe that they might just release it without an event?

Because the iPhone is Apple's baby.

[PBGPowerbook]

Why is it so hard to believe that they might just release it without an event?



HAHAHAHAHAHA. Wanna bet on this one?

[monica23]

I think the rumor about the iPhone coming out in May is a very good possibility given now that the online Apple Store is sold out. It was actually published several weeks ago:

Link (http://switchtoamac.com/site/3g-iphone-in-may-new-mobile-device-at-wwdc-2008.html)

Would be interesting to see what everyone thinks about it coming out before WWDC given the current online store lack of availability.

[DaBrain]

which would be an odd way to run a business.

Not too worry! It's a pretty good way to build up all the hype again. There will people wrapped around each Apple store location waiting to get the soon to be announced new 3G iPhone!--)))) :D

[tuftywhite]

come to daddy

I've been waiting so long.

:)

[puckhead193]

awesome new phone coming my way :D

[inkswamp]

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Wanna bet on this one?

And what... you're saying they haven't quietly released things in the past that could have warranted an event? They've done it many times.

We're right on the verge of WWDC. Why would they pre-emptively steal the thunder from one of their biggest moments of every year with an event about the iPhone when the real update is the software (the App store, the enterprise features, the SDK and the next rev of the iPhone OS) not the hardware. I think it's entirely likely they would release it and let the press and blogs go ape-***** about the out-of-the-blue release and then hype up the new software features at WWDC where it makes sense.

[ensee]

My 2 pennies/cents/denomination of your choice:

1. Apple doesn't want the hassle of swapping/refunding any iPhones purchased in the three weeks before the new one launches. This makes sense but it will raise temporary concerns that they do not have handle on the supply chain - again.

2. The price cut - in the UK at least - was more successful than hoped, stoked interest 16GB model and stock ran dry.


Either way - it builds hype. That's better than anything Apple's vast ad budget could manage.

[schield]

When I go to the ATT wireless page and click "Buy Now", the following page will not load. Anyone else have this problem as well?

[Tallest Skil]

1. Apple doesn't want the hassle of swapping/refunding any iPhones purchased in the three weeks before the new one launches.

if they didn't want the hassle, they would have cut it at 14 days, not 30. That'd give them more money to deal with.

[AppleWoW]

When I go to the ATT wireless page and click "Buy Now", the following page will not load. Anyone else have this problem as well?

nope just did it on the 16GB iPhone so must of been an error or something like that

[extraextra]

When I go to the ATT wireless page and click "Buy Now", the following page will not load. Anyone else have this problem as well?

No, it's letting me buy the iPhone.

115349

[Eyecube]

In France and Germany, iPhones were never sold directly from the Apple Store. You had to go by the phone operator. At least in France, not in Germany. So what the French Apple store says doesn't mean anything. Someone would have to go to a store to see if they still have some in stock. But then again, as it's many different shops, they probably will.
I can imagine it's the same for Germany.

Maybe the iPhone is coming out now and the WWDC is for the new redesigned Macbooks :)

[newyorksole]

I have so many questions

The Major one is when the heck this thing will be released and will it have the 2.0 software or just new features until the 2.0 software is available. Also if Apple is ready to get people returning lots of iPhones.

[irun5k]

Because the iPhone is Apple's baby.

Yeah, and even if it wasn't- does anyone remember the event when Steve announced the iPod HiFi and a leather iPod case?

Now, the device that Steve loves more than a father loves a child.... Me thinks they'd have press coverage if they did something simple like changed the size of the iPod logo on the back of the iPhone.

[Tallest Skil]

Maybe the iPhone is coming out now and the WWDC is for the new redesigned Macbooks :)

Keep dreaming, square eyes.:D

[Jacqui83]

I hope it's available soon, the 3G iPhone that is. I can't wait until June WWDC for it to be released seriously!

And I agree it is not logical for them to keep it unavailable until June to sell it.

[mjstew33]

Yeah, and even if it wasn't- does anyone remember the event when Steve announced the iPod HiFi and a leather iPod case?

Now, the device that Steve loves more than a father loves a child.... Me thinks they'd have press coverage if they did something simple like changed the size of the iPod logo on the back of the iPhone.

Well, they did release the 1st MacBook without any event...

But, iPhone 2 is something too big to not have an event for. Especially the software they are developing.

[twoodcc]

dang, i didn't picture this. crazy stuff

[Dagless]

New iPhone announcement in 3...2...1...

Or just in a few days. No way are Apple waiting till WWDC to sell another iPhone (from their store at least).

[L3X]

I figured it out.

The iPhone2 is Apple's baby. As a gift to Apple (the mom), iPhone2 will be released. :D

Seriously, it better be soon. There are thousands of people daily that renew their plan and/or buy cell phones. Apple will not lose out on the chance to capitalize on as many cell phone sales as possible.

Picture business person trying to decide between iPhone and Blackberry this week and the subsequent weeks. He decides to buy the iPhone, then he learns it's sold out but he needs a phone now. He happily goes with the Blackberry. (not everyone reads this forums and is anticipating iPhone2 like we are and will wait for it when they need a phone now)

I say a press-release Monday with an invitation to an event on Friday May 16th at :apple: HQ.

[rowensiv]

i can actually see apple releasing this early to throw everyone off (due to wwdc being in a few weeks)... something's up, and i think we'll figure it out this next week :D

ive been looking forward to a 3g iphone for a looong time... im ready for them :cool:

[Telp]

Closer and closer to a release?

I can't wait till tuesday. :p seriously though I hope this means that this is coming sooner than we thought.

[Mykbibby]

What if Apple is going to announce the new iPhone at a media event in the next week or so because of the FCC, stop selling the current phone, and then release it June 27th. We know for sure June 27th is the day, because of the vacation by AT&T.

[kb152]

Honestly, you think the new phone is going to come out before the WWDC? And the 2.0 software update? I can easily see it happen after WWDC, but not before. That's not Apple's MO. But who knows?

as an current iphone owner, i am tempted to get the new model. however, i am aware that the software release in june will itself give me a nearly new phone for free. i've been considering not buying a new iphone because of that.

maybe apple is betting on impulsive purchases on the part of current iphone owners if the new model is released ahead of the software update?

[sananda]

We know for sure June 27th is the day, because of the vacation by AT&T.

no, we don't.

[sminman]

It's a way to keep a product in demand.

Just think how many they will sell once they are back on the market.

[LizKat]

Apple would NOT close a iPhone sale for a periode. It would cost them a fortune...

Not really. It's been costing them a fortune in good will and bad press because of the stupidity (or more to the point, the cupidity) of people who think to get something for nothing by buying something that's clearly end-of-lifing and then crying like a baby with fingers shut in a car door after Apple rolls out the new model.

So hey. If I were Apple right about now, I'd do more than let the inventory run out. I'd run up a big flag outside all the brick stores and a banner across the online store too: OUT of PHONES. NEW ONE COMING SOON.

See the average prospective customer will go "Oh wow, that's great, a new iPhone is coming out soon, just like the rumors said. Wowee zowee!!!"

It's only the whiners who will say "Oh no, I wanted to buy an old one so I could hassle Apple about selling old phones when a new one is coming soon."

So what does Apple have to lose by depleting inventory? All the whiners whine anyway. Who cares if they are whining over no phones or their imagined insult at having bought an older model at the last possible minute before a new one is available.

[D 5]

One month exactly till the 2nd coming. June 10, 2008

Have your credit cards ready for pre-orders...

[Tallest Skil]

NEW ONE COMING SOON.

The day that Steve Jobs says the word new before he's holding the product he's talking about is the day Ballmer becomes Google's CEO. :p

[CmdrLaForge]

Maybe they don't ship because they have a supply issue and not because a new phone is coming out soon.

[sananda]

So what does Apple have to lose by depleting inventory?

income. the same thing the partner networks have to lose.

[coolant113]

i wonder if the apple stores themselves are still selling iPhones. I wonder if Apple will tell them that they cant sell any of the ones that they have?? we can only wait and speculate:apple::apple:

[fastbite]

So it must be the best time to sell on Ebay and get the max possible, ready to jump on the new one as soon as it is release. But what about if this is just a blip and the new model is not release in the UK until August (after the US release in June). Them I may be screwed for 3 months at least. What's your opinion?

[sassenach74]

What if Apple is going to announce the new iPhone at a media event in the next week or so because of the FCC, stop selling the current phone, and then release it June 27th. We know for sure June 27th is the day, because of the vacation by AT&T.

First post on mac rumors, hi

I don't think anybody here can say we know anything for sure, there is a possibility that that *rumor* (the at&t email about vacations) was thrown out there (the net) to throw people off or it could be totally made up, nothing is fact....even the belief the next iphone is going to be 3g is a presumed fact (99.9% a given, but not entirely fact). I'm not trying to provoke anybody here or steal anybodys thunder, I'm as keen as the next man or woman to get a hold of the new iphone.

I waited out on the first gen iphone, have an ipod touch and love it to bits, which has turned me to the iphone and Apple as a company in a big way. I'm guessing this is true for quite a few people who never previously owned anything Apple. Just last night I was looking at the Apple site, eyeing up the laptops and desktops, I would never have done this if it wasnt for the ipod touch/iphone.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings.

Neil.

[bc008]

this looks promising..

will apple have some sort of upgrade program? i hope so :) i would willingly pay the price of a new phone if i got to keep my current ATT plan

[cohibadad]

Apple underestimated demand.

[JGowan]

Apple would NOT close a iPhone sale for a periode. It would cost them a fortune...
Sorry but you're wrong - it's possible that they could lose some sales to a few who have to replace their current phone (due to work and perhaps moving to a new location) ... Everyone else will be willing to wait, most knowing that iPhone 2.0 is eminent and they are going to get a gas of a deal.

[isepic]

The iPhone is NOT out of stock at O2 or the UK Apple Store.

http://shop.o2.co.uk/promo/iphonetariffs

It is out of stock, maybe they are going up and down with small stock?
http://bayimg.com/NaJnfaaBJ <---what I see, the 8GB is out of stock now, but the 16GB is in stock, but earlier, I saw both were out of stock.

[netdog]

Why is it so hard to believe that they might just release it without an event?


May 19th. Still time for an event to be announced.

[BongoBanger]

Apple underestimated demand.

Perhaps, but given last quarter's unit sales that doesn't seem likely.

Looks like one of two things: Bad supply chain logistics or, more likely, stock wind down.

[spazattack674]

One month exactly till the 2nd coming June 10, 2008

Have your credit cards ready for pre-orders...

That would be so funny, because that is the day that my T-Mobile contract expires and when I can finally get the iPhone (or iPhone 2 at this point)

[LizKat]

income. the same thing the partner networks have to lose.

they'd rather lose the income than gain the bad press. it's a smart move.

anyway how many can they be selling if we're so deep in the alleged recession.

[bacaramac]

My thought is if Apple does release the iPhone prior to 2.0 software, they will probably release 1.1.5 and only include changes to support the new hardware in the software. Then when 2.0 comes out, you get all the new software features.

[chopcho]

3G iPhone in May!

June is for the iPhone Nano and the software!

;)

[Baumi]

German and French stores do direct you to visit the respective carrier websites

For the record: At least in Germany, it's always been that way: You were never able to order the iPhone via Apple, you always had to use either T-Mobile's website or go to one of their stores.

And as far as availability is concerned: The subsidized sale for the 8 GB model is still going on (and scheduled to end June 30th) while the 16 GB model is now also available for online purchase, although without any subsidies. (For a couple of weeks, you could only order it via their hotline and not via web.) No "out of stock" notices anywhere.

Jens

[Mykbibby]

I just checked the page now, and I got the following...

[forafireescape]

I don't understand why they would just stop having them though...did they do this when they came out with new iPod models? :confused:

[SirOmega]

Well, they did release the 1st MacBook without any event...

But, iPhone 2 is something too big to not have an event for. Especially the software they are developing.

I agree. I've been looking at my Calendar, and it shapes up like this...

1. It was about this time last year Apple announced that the device was FCC approved.
2. It was also this time Apple started putting out teaser info (starting with the FCC, leading up to more information on just about a weekly basis, eventually ending up with the videos in the few weeks before launch).
3. You'd want to cut off sales before far in advance of the 14 day window, and by natural attrition (being out of stock). People just outside the 14 day window would raise holy hell - even if it were just the announcement. Please note we are exactly one month from Steve's keynote at WWDC.

However, six weeks is not only a very long time to go without iPhone sales, its nearly half of a quarter, and would hurt Apple's bottom line. So at this point, we know Apple better have a damn good reason come mid-July to explain to the shareholders why the units sold in this quarter were down so much and why they chose to cut off sales so early (because in reality they only sold phones 7 weeks out of the 13 week quarter).

I think we'll see an Apple Special Event on May 28th (Wednesday - not Tuesday because the Monday of that week is Memorial Day in the US). Steve will come out on stage and talk about how great the iPhone is doing, he'll go over numbers, possibly even introduce the new (slightly thinner and cooler) MacBook and MacBook Pro lineups (to ship early/mid June with the Montevina chipset). Then the big announcement of the 3G iPhone.

We might even be privilidged to see a iPhone Nano. The fact that their discontinuing the current EDGE iPhone means that the new lineup will be completely 3G, and perhaps we see a smaller phone (the one that was rumored a while ago) that will be EDGE or just UMTS (not HSDPA).

At WWDC, we'll see the final SDK release before the release of the 3G iPhone and 2.0 software. No more "beta" tag on the SDK and developers will have a little over 3 weeks to prepare their application for sale on the night of June 27th when the 2.0 firmware goes live.

[forafireescape]

I just checked the page now, and I got the following...

Really? I just checked the US Store and it still says currently unavailable.

[Matthew Yohe]

I just checked the page now, and I got the following...

Clear your cache.

[Phormic]

I'd say we can be fairly confident that Apple severely underestimated demand during the run-in period to the new model.

A nice problem to have mind you.

[AppleWoW]

yup still down:

[Mykbibby]

That's strange, now its unavailable again. There must have been something wrong with my computer...

[B. Hunter]

I believe an announcement is imminent! There is no way that apple would not sell the iPhone for a month. I know they were planning on winding down stock but it would be a big mistake not to sell the phone for this period.

It was fairly obvious when O2 discontinued the iPhone but now that Apple is also advertising this in both the US and UK store it's fairly obvious whats going on.

But i do believe that Apple will make a big deal about the release of the 3G iPhone, so we should be waiting to hear about a media event coming up any minute!!

I agree. They could announce a new iPhone(s) soon.
And have a release date around WWDC or something like that.

[carloslegarda]

Apple is not the only one to do this:

Before the Star Wars Special Edition movies came out the original movies were pulled out of even rental shops.

Disney does this too. They make certain titles unavailable even on DVD after a certain period of time and then re-release them again.

Making iPhones unavailable even a month before release is a VERY good move. This gives the current owners a chance to sell their iPhones to people who can't wait for a new one for a higher price than they normally would because of decreased supply (and increased demand), in preparation for buying the latest iPhone.

[jsnuff1]

Ok I just got off the phone with apple, take this with a grain of salt, but the first guy went through the normal apple BS of they dont have any information and when I asked when its going to be available, he did the whole I cant comment on future products. The only thing I asked him was I wanted to buy an iphone, never asked him if a new one is coming out, so I thought that was weird that he would mention a future product.

Called again and the second guy said the same thing, and when I asked him how long this will last he was like "it shouldnt take more than a day to do the UPDATES" then he quickly caught himself and said its probably a technical or supply issue.

So who knows.

[shiunn]

Apple is not the only one to do this:
Making iPhones unavailable even a month before release is a VERY good move. This gives the current owners a chance to sell their iPhones to people who can't wait for a new one for a higher price than they normally would because of decreased supply (and increased demand), in preparation for buying the latest iPhone.

Good idea! never thought of this supply VS demand issue from this development.
But what about the remaining months in our contract? We can put the simcard into iphone 2, but we won't be getting 3G.
any way/idea around that issue? I can only hope O2 will allow existing users to upgrade to use 3G speed.

[iPhoneHome]

Total Imagination Going Bonkers: They might want to have the 3G iPhone out for a while so that we are accustomed to it before WWDC. I would guess that they might focus on all of the cool apps that have been developed and Launch the Apps Store the same day as WWDC.

This makes sense because if they release the iPhone on the same day that apps are available they will not sell many apps because everyone just spent their monthly car payment on a phone.

Apple is about maximizing every sale and this would be a proper scenario to make that happen.

[stownsend3]

Total Imagination Going Bonkers: They might want to have the 3G iPhone out for a while so that we are accustomed to it before WWDC. I would guess that they might focus on all of the cool apps that have been developed and Launch the Apps Store the same day as WWDC.

This makes sense because if they release the iPhone on the same day that apps are available they will not sell many apps because everyone just spent their monthly car payment on a phone.

Apple is about maximizing every sale and this would be a proper scenario to make that happen.

A good thought. If they release iPhone 2 and the App Store in the same day, as well as having consumers sign up for 2 year contracts, it would seem way too much to ask a consumer to purchase at once. Besides, those stimulus checks are getting well spread out by now, and who wants to hold onto it for another month?

[Mykbibby]

Ok I just got off the phone with apple, take this with a grain of salt, but the first guy went through the normal apple BS of they dont have any information and when I asked when its going to be available, he did the whole I cant comment on future products. The only thing I asked him was I wanted to buy an iphone, never asked him if a new one is coming out, so I thought that was weird that he would mention a future product.

Called again and the second guy said the same thing, and when I asked him how long this will last he was like "it shouldnt take more than a day to do the UPDATES" then he quickly caught himself and said its probably a technical or supply issue.

So who knows.

BS.

[jsnuff1]

Apple is not the only one to do this:

Before the Star Wars Special Edition movies came out the original movies were pulled out of even rental shops.

Disney does this too. They make certain titles unavailable even on DVD after a certain period of time and then re-release them again.

Making iPhones unavailable even a month before release is a VERY good move. This gives the current owners a chance to sell their iPhones to people who can't wait for a new one for a higher price than they normally would because of decreased supply (and increased demand), in preparation for buying the latest iPhone.

It might be a good move for you since youll be selling your iphone for a high price. How does this benefit apple? If they released the new iphone today, you would buy the new one, and so would that person that couldnt wait.

There is no way to justify a one month selling hiatus as a good business move.

[Crewtop]

Was just at the downtown San Francisco store and the iPhone is still on display (with a line to get to them). So, they are at least showing them.

[SirOmega]

Total Imagination Going Bonkers: They might want to have the 3G iPhone out for a while so that we are accustomed to it before WWDC. I would guess that they might focus on all of the cool apps that have been developed and Launch the Apps Store the same day as WWDC.

Absolutely not. Why on God's green earth would you launch the App Store when the developers are all OUT OF TOWN at a conference. Yea, the developer at WWDC would have to scramble to get their product ready and wont be attending classes the next few days but rather getting their **** together to launch their app and then support it (fix bugs, etc).

No. This will not happen.

[jsnuff1]

BS.

Whats BS? What i said or what they told me? I just repeated what they told me when i called. As i said take it with a grain of salt since they probably know as much as we do.

[WannaGoMac]

To all the people thinking Apple is doing this to prevent angry iPhone users 1 month ahead of an announcement, your arguement just doesn't make sense.

Does Apple do this before Laptop refreshes? No they don't. Apple doesn't care about the people who buy a laptop that ends up outside the 14 days exchange window . So, why would the iPhone merit *special* treatment?

If anything, I would think this unavailability means an announcement or refresh before the June meeting. Though, I don't expect it to happen outside a Jobs keynote.

[HD303]

I called Apple because I want to buy an iPhone for my step daughter for Graduation. I was told, "Yes the phone is unavailable" I pressed as to why since it did not make very good business sense to advertise such a popular phone and not have them available. The rep stated again "I am sorry but the phone is unavailable and we are sorry for your inconvenience" I also tried to pry out when I could order the phone or when they would have them available for purchase, again the response was the same. I asked if I should go to the Apple store in my area and the rep said I should call to make sure they have phones in stock. They are pretty tight lipped about what's going on.

[kajitox]

Though the Disney comparison seemed good, what you don't recognize is that if someone wants to find the Little Mermaid, it's not like buying Mulan will suffice. The customer just has to wait for the Little Mermaid. However, when buying a phone, if you go for the iPhone and it's unavailable (and you don't know a new one is on its way) then you could look at a BlackBerry and buy that instead. I think that when you guys think about the money they may or may not lose, you have to take into account that not all consumers (actually few) are as patient as we are.

I really do like the idea that they would release the iPhone revisions earlier in order to get people more exited about the 2.0 software update. And to be honest, I can't see the stock being unavailable for an entire month without any kind of formal announcement of a new version. Sure, it would create more hype, but the normal customer isn't going to get hyped, they're going to start thinking about getting a BlackBerry or a Palm device. What would create even more hype would be an early announcement of an upcoming product, hype about the 2.0 software, then a big release. This way, the normal customer would know (through print advertising, internet ads, apple.com, TV commercials) and would wait for the new version rather than settling for a different phone. Now, Apple has a big release, more hype, and hasn't lost money...

[bpl323]

Seems odd they'd run out of these so far ahead of WWDC.

[Phormic]

This is a pretty bad inventory management screw up and something we haven't seen from Apple for quite a few years. In the past you used to see an excess of some models and others not available for love or money but for no iPhones to be available for what should be a close to a full month is evidence of a severe miscalculation.

They expected sales of the old model to completely tank with speculation on the new 3G model ramping up. This obviously hasn't happened. In fact with the queues evident at New York stores, demand seems as strong as ever.

[ski2moro]

WWDC aside...What is the status of the new software? Is it ready to go?

[JapanScott]

All I can say is...I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE UK!!! I WANT IT iN JAPAN!!!:mad::mad::mad:

I second that emoticon !


I want the iPhone now!
I want it thru SoftBank!
And I want a reasonable service plan !

[SirOmega]

To all the people thinking Apple is doing this to prevent angry iPhone users 1 month ahead of an announcement, your arguement just doesn't make sense.

Does Apple do this before Laptop refreshes? No they don't. Apple doesn't care about the people who buy a laptop that ends up outside the 14 days exchange window . So, why would the iPhone merit *special* treatment?

Because of the uproar last time over the price cut?

Also, people expect the computer industry to make your current machine out of date, but even that doesn't happen in 2 months like the price cut last September.

Even the Mac hardware (usually) goes 4-6 months between updates. And usually the upgrades are incremental - the CPU is 10% faster, 10% bigger HDD, etc. The pending upgrade to the iPhone would be 5x-10x the internet speed, possibly larger capacity, GPS, etc.

[Matthew Yohe]

Because of the uproar last time over the price cut?

Also, people expect the computer industry to make your current machine out of date, but even that doesn't happen in 2 months like the price cut last September.

Even the Mac hardware (usually) goes 4-6 months between updates. And usually the upgrades are incremental - the CPU is 10% faster, 10% bigger HDD, etc. The pending upgrade to the iPhone would be 5x-10x the internet speed, possibly larger capacity, GPS, etc.

This isn't about a price cut, so you don't have an argument.

[SULLY23]

Maybe what Apple is doing is ending the sale of "unlocked" phones in the U.
S. early -- you can still buy from AT&T -- Apple makes more $$ with those sales -- maybe Apple and AT&T have reached this agreement because AT&T feels it can sale X amount more phones and have agreed to order more ---
the folks who were buying all those "to be unlocked" phones and taking them out of the U.S. are certainly unlikely to buy another phone in meantime

[redgaz26]

theres no more iphones left and which means there's no more left to sell.
they've already made the new ones and there ready to ship when steve says so!
end of:D:D

[Nitromaster]

All I can say is roll on Tuesday :)

[andrewlb3]

theres no more iphones left and which means there's no more left to sell.
they've already made the new ones and there ready to ship when steve says so!
end of:D:D

ya, i agree. This leaves a 3 week window to clear out stock in Apple stores and prepare for the first shipment in early/mid June. I want to believe more than anyone that the 3g you-know-what will be released before WWDC in May, because I've holding onto my Moto SLVR for 10 months waiting for this update, but it doesn't seem plausible in light of the AT&T employee vacation blockout (which no, is not a sure indicator), and the lack of press invitations to a non-WWDC event. I see a WWDC anouncement almost certain, with online orders starting that day, and shipments rolling out in 7-14 days.

I'm So tired of waiting, and of "3G iPhone Pics"! just release it please.. now.

[SirOmega]

This isn't about a price cut, so you don't have an argument.

How do you think people would react if they spend $500 on a 16GB iPhone, only to find out three weeks later that the 3G iPhone is coming out and their phone is now old tech? $500 is a lot of money. People buying computers expect this (technology being updated regularly). People buying cell phones don't. And the jump to 3G is going to be a big deal in terms of features and performance.

Think of the timeline in this way:
-Apple stops selling iPhones May 26th
-Apple announces 3G iPhone June 10 at WWDC (15 days after they stop selling them) for launch on June 27th
-People see that the new iPhone is only 3 weeks away and demand returns because they've only had it for a little over 2 weeks.

Now the timeline Apple seems to be executing
-Apple stops selling iPhones May 10th
-Apple announces 3G iPhone at WWDC
-The most recent iPhone buyers would have had their phone for a month and its easy for Apple to say that you've had your phone for a month and we cant take it back after you used it for so long.

You have to remember that everything is amplified because its Apple. If Samsung did something like this for some cellphone no one cared about, it wouldn't make news. But its Apple.

[born4sky]

Who is going to buy new iPhone following week it's out?
what if you don't like new desighn but it do have GPS and 3G ?

[J273]

Do you still think where highly likely to have GPS in the iphone 2?


Or is that highly unlikely?


Thanks

[redgaz26]

it'll be there im pretty sure, i think this is going to be bigger than we thought.

[Nitromaster]

Do you still think where highly likely to have GPS in the iphone 2?


Or is that highly unlikely?


Thanks

I'm expecting GPS, still would get it even if it doesn't :)

3G is the main factor for me :)

[sfoalex]

As I understand it, RIMM might be announcing their Blackberry 9000 on May 12th. So perhaps Apple is going to launch the 3G iPhone earlier to get all the free press and take it away from RIM.

And then, to gain even more free press, you launch the Beta 2.0 FirmWare to the public. Let them play with it now. Let the community write about it. Let everyone go nuts for a while all the while steeling the limelight from RIMM.

Sounds like a plan to me.

Alex

[recordprod]

That is exactly what I was thinking. If they create a blackout period where no phones are sold they are creating a hole equivalent to the allowable return time preventing people from buying an iPhone, returning it and then getting the new one. It would be easier on their bottom line.

But if you had just bought one you'd send it back right away so no difference anyway?

[dooker777]

I spilled water on my old Nokia. So Apple needs to start shipping the 3G iPhone so that I don't have to go a month without a phone :D

[born4sky]

GPS will be there im pretty sure, because 3g is main factor for a lot of people, but not for me... if there only 3g is the only difference, I am keeping mine.

[OasisNYK]

I like the theory about RIMM and the new BBerry - here is another one:

Tax Stimulus Rebates

People have started getting them so Apple wants to capitalize on that while people still have the money. By the time June rolls around most of it will have been spent so it would make sense to release the phone early (if it is ready to launch) rather than wait for WWDC just to have a large announcement. All they have to do is call a press conference and announce it with someone holding a copy and using it - it will basically give them the same bang as WWDC would, maybe a little smaller but the hype around this thing is so large it wont matter.

My guess is launch next week - it makes smart business sense.

[D4F]

i'm not sure where people get that unavailable thing.
I purchased 3 16GB models yesterday and have a shipping date around 16th.

[wildcardd]

i'm not sure where people get that unavailable thing.
I purchased 3 16GB models yesterday and have a shipping date around 16th.

Did you purchase them from the online store?

People are getting the unavailable thing because they are unavailable at the Apple Online store.

[dooker777]

If there Apple has developed more than one new product (say two different types of iPhones), then releasing the one that replaces the current iPhone soon is reasonable. Then at WWDC they release the iPhone nano or air or whatever.

[Delta-NC]

I would buy the edge phone. The last time I checked, I could not get 3g in my area. That isn't to say that they don't have it now. I haven't checked.

No 3g here in charleston, just in columbia

3G phones can still use standard GSM networks. To buy the EDGE phone would be a bad idea.

[sfoalex]

I like the theory about RIMM and the new BBerry - here is another one:

Tax Stimulus Rebates

People have started getting them so Apple wants to capitalize on that while people still have the money. By the time June rolls around most of it will have been spent so it would make sense to release the phone early (if it is ready to launch) rather than wait for WWDC just to have a large announcement. All they have to do is call a press conference and announce it with someone holding a copy and using it - it will basically give them the same bang as WWDC would, maybe a little smaller but the hype around this thing is so large it wont matter.

My guess is launch next week - it makes smart business sense.

I like your idea better than mine. Planning this right around a tax relief is a great idea if Apple is indeed going to do this.

Bravo!

Alex

I don't think we're going to see OLED anytime soon. I owned an OLED based MP3 player and when I used outdoors, it was completely washed out. Those OLEDs are great indoors, and absolutely horrific outdoors. I certainly do not want an OLED screen. LCD is fine with me.

Alex

[LeMaestro]

So where is the FCC in all of this? Especially if are speculating an early release of the 3G iPhone.

[paja]

Doesn't Apple need the ok from the FCC to start selling the iPhone 3G? No one has seen that FCC approval yet and that needs to come before the iPhone 3G can start to ship.

I think that's the way it works.

[corrado7]

So where is the FCC in all of this? Especially if are speculating an early release of the 3G iPhone.

FCC can keep secrets :eek:;)

[newyorksole]

Apple most likely told the FCC that they wanted to keep the phone quiet until they make an announcement.

I just hope this iPhone is coming soon..

[sfoalex]

Maybe they will just announce it, allow you to order it because they are sure their FCC grant is about to become public and they wish to beat the FCC to it. That way, they still get press, and you know what you blow your tax relief on...

I could see it working this way. They drain the supply hoping to beat the FCC to the punch.

Makes sense.

Alex

[newyorksole]

Maybe they will just announce it, allow you to order it because they are sure their FCC grant is about to become public and they wish to beat the FCC to it. That way, they still get press, and you know what you blow your tax relief on...

I could see it working this way. They drain the supply hoping to beat the FCC to the punch.

Makes sense.

Alex


That's probably one of the smartest posts I've read in this thread, that makes perfect sense. However, isn't it possible for Apple to tell the FCC to hold off until they announce it?

[btnnaz]

Ok this is a total guess here but i just thought of it. When steve first introduced the app store he said "it will work over wi-fi and cell networks" he never said edge. And I am in the Apple Developer Program and have the beta which has the app store but when u try to open it over edge it says cannot connect. maybe you need the 3g to download and access app store.

Total Rambling here just came to my mind nobody freak out or anything

What I think will happen is apple will introduce a tv ad show it for a while so people know its coming

[Pressure]

That's probably one of the smartest posts I've read in this thread, that makes perfect sense. However, isn't it possible for Apple to tell the FCC to hold off until they announce it?

Indeed, they can withhold information on Apple's request.

[penfold3000]

Just seen this while looking at the 02 online store,

Thanks for visiting the O2 Online Shop

Due to extremely high demand, we're unable to process orders online at present.

For details about the iPhone, please visit http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone.

To find out more about our latest deals please call
0844 800 2200
Or visit o2.co.uk to find out more about our products and services....


Not sure what this means but i have also noticed that here in the uk the iphone adverts have vanished of the tv, and today the demo models had gone form the carphone warehouse. So could it be happening or could it all be a big xfile.There is one thing for sure if the 3g iphone does come in the next week or two apple don't need to advertise these unavailable signs are building enough hype to same them allot of money. :)

[sfoalex]

Ok this is a total guess here but i just thought of it. When steve first introduced the app store he said "it will work over wi-fi and cell networks" he never said edge. And I am in the Apple Developer Program and have the beta which has the app store but when u try to open it over edge it says cannot connect. maybe you need the 3g to download and access app store.

Total Rambling here just came to my mind nobody freak out or anything

What I think will happen is apple will introduce a tv ad show it for a while so people know its coming

That makes sense to me. The iTunes store on the iPhone currently only works via WiFi. Perhaps it will work with 3G as well.

Alex

Just seen this while looking at the 02 online store,

Thanks for visiting the O2 Online Shop

Due to extremely high demand, we're unable to process orders online at present.

For details about the iPhone, please visit http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone.

To find out more about our latest deals please call
0844 800 2200
Or visit o2.co.uk to find out more about our products and services....


Not sure what this means but i have also noticed that here in the uk the iphone adverts have vanished of the tv, and today the demo models had gone form the carphone warehouse. So could it be happening or could it all be a big xfile.There is one thing for sure if the 3g iphone does come in the next week or two apple don't need to advertise these unavailable signs are building enough hype to same them allot of money. :)

It's working... We're all a buzz about it. All the major sites are now covering it. Hundreds of posts in the forum are now in discussion. It a perfect execution to a perfect plan and it costs them zippo.

Alex

[btnnaz]

Your Right everyone has created so much hype they r pretty much set on advertising

[chickenninja]

Oh yeah! thats what im talkin about! clean those shelves

[penfold3000]

well o2 is back up and running no change then same old 16gb iphone in stock

[trancepriest]

Sold my 8GB iPhone on craigslist for $375. Would advice those who could to do the same before your iPhone is pretty worthless.

[jmbridger]

What about the tax rebate in the US, maybe Apple wants to sell a new model earlier than planned as people get some extra cash to spend.

[Virgil-TB2]

And now back to Unavailable.It doesn't occur to anyone that the tag the describes the availability of the product might be, you know... "computerised" in the sense that it calculates based on sales and supply line information? I mean this is the most obvious explanation, isn't it?

We already know that Apple is able to track all sales in all their retail locations and on the web live, right?

They are just keeping supply tight in the run-up to the new model as they don't want to be left with a bunch of unsell-able stock. The web widget is reflecting how tight their husbanding of the stock is and therefore (transient) availability.

[sfoalex]

Sold my 8GB iPhone on craigslist for $375. Would advice those who could to do the same before your iPhone is pretty worthless.

I'm going to keep my current iPhone as a backup.

Alex

[MacGohil]

Though the Disney comparison seemed good, what you don't recognize is that if someone wants to find the Little Mermaid, it's not like buying Mulan will suffice. The customer just has to wait for the Little Mermaid. However, when buying a phone, if you go for the iPhone and it's unavailable (and you don't know a new one is on its way) then you could look at a BlackBerry and buy that instead. I think that when you guys think about the money they may or may not lose, you have to take into account that not all consumers (actually few) are as patient as we are.

I really do like the idea that they would release the iPhone revisions earlier in order to get people more exited about the 2.0 software update. And to be honest, I can't see the stock being unavailable for an entire month without any kind of formal announcement of a new version. Sure, it would create more hype, but the normal customer isn't going to get hyped, they're going to start thinking about getting a BlackBerry or a Palm device. What would create even more hype would be an early announcement of an upcoming product, hype about the 2.0 software, then a big release. This way, the normal customer would know (through print advertising, internet ads, apple.com, TV commercials) and would wait for the new version rather than settling for a different phone. Now, Apple has a big release, more hype, and hasn't lost money...

I have seen anything on MacRumours but patient people ;)

[stagi]

I think they will come out with a larger capacity version next week and then maybe in a few months come out with 3g. Just my guess :)

[MacGohil]

With all this hype.... It seems like this has created the most ideal situation....
With the unavailability of the current model.... The demand will sky rocket.... creating an anticipation in the audience like what we had between the announcement of the Iphone and its release to the public.....

Most of the Iphone v1 sold in the return window would only be returned by the customers.... So in actual sense Apple would only be loosing half the slaes for the period betweem now and the WWDC announcement. The sales lost in these two weeks will be equivalent to the revenue spend on "free publicity" and the sky rocketting demand....

Apple is innovative not only because they know how to give us the best in technology but because they have mastered the art of presenting the products in the most lucrative package.... And this time around they seem to be reinventing there marketting strategy in MO.....

[Kwill]

My guess is that Apple hoped to have enough supply to last until WWDC and missed its estimates. Since the next phone is slated to come with version 2 of the firmware (that is still being developed), the world must wait for iPhones until the next release or buy from a third party.

Could I interest anyone here in a slightly used 16GB iPhone? :D

I don't think we're going to see OLED anytime soon. I owned an OLED based MP3 player and when I used outdoors, it was completely washed out. Those OLEDs are great indoors, and absolutely horrific outdoors. I certainly do not want an OLED screen. LCD is fine with me.

Alex

Well, the same could be said for the current iPhone screen.

[DaBrain]

Well, the same could be said for the current iPhone screen.

The trans-reflective screens used in some Pocket PC's were awesome both indoors and outdoors! In fact the more sunlight the better the screen and colors looked.

[MacTheSpoon]

My guess is that Apple hoped to have enough supply to last until WWDC and missed its estimates.

I'm going to agree with this guess, and I think the reason it missed is because iPhone demand was unexpectedly large. They probably expected it to sag in anticipation of the 3G release, and it didn't. That is pretty cool news, even if they lose a few possible sales as a result, it means that the iPhone is really picking up momentum.

Hopefully the AT&T inventory of iPhones will last until the WWDC, though!

[NewtypeCJ]

I'm going to keep my current iPhone as a backup.

Alex

Yeah I don't get the eBay/Craigslist scramble. I mean, Apple updates plenty of products all the time with little/no warning. New iPods with better screens, etc. all the time. It doesn't mean that immediately those older products are completely worthless. Even if the OMGWTFBBQ 3G iPhone comes out tomorrow there will be plenty of people that don't need the speed boost that might just be interested in an iPhone and its features all the same. Just as people buy PlayStation 2s even as PS3s are the new hotness. Especially if the new 3G iPhone is *more expensive* than the current model there will still be plenty of demand for the 2.5G version.

I do think that we have to hear something about this this week. It is not a good time for Apple to go into a sales blackout on the iPhone. Not when you have US taxpayers getting their stimulus checks and graduation/Father's Day/June weddings right here with no iPhones to sell to people. It'd be like having no MacBooks to have even on preorder in August while students are gearing up for the new school year. Just REALLY doesn't make sense. If I'm a regular Joe Consumer that needed a new cell phone NOW and can't get an iPhone I'm not going to 'wait until WWDC.' And if I got roped into a two-year contract with another carrier because I needed a phone and Apple wouldn't sell me one, well Apple just lost a potential customer that they wouldn't be able to gain back for a long time. So they can't possibly stay quiet.

Especially if Apple is in the mobile phone market to win it, they can't go more than a week with no product to sell in any territory. Even if it's just preorders for crissakes. They would be turning their backs on a whole MESS of sales that would definitely hurt them financially. Not everyone is a tech nerd who follows each and every headline on Gizmodo or MacRumors.

[inkswamp]

May 19th. Still time for an event to be announced.

They might have time but again, why would they steal WWDC's thunder? And since most of the highly anticipated updates to the iPhone are software-related and won't be out until WWDC (presumably) why would they go out of their way to hype new iPhone hardware prior to WWDC? Apple seriously runs the chance of crying wolf if they overdo it with the hardware when the software stuff isn't out yet.

I stand by my prediction. I think they're release new hardware first without a lot of hoopla, let the Mac forums and blogs and news media go crazy with it and then they'll extend the hype even further with all the software at WWDC (enterprise features, third-party apps, new version of the SDK perhaps, iPhone OS 2.0, etc.)

[apple101]

it has to come out next tuesday then, so what are people gonna do now until wwdc?? if you want an iphone?

[Rhinestorm]

It's probably just a lot of people buying the iPhone and they're running out of iPhones.

[gugy]

They might have time but again, why would they steal WWDC's thunder? And since most of the highly anticipated updates to the iPhone are software-related and won't be out until WWDC (presumably) why would they go out of their way to hype new iPhone hardware prior to WWDC? Apple seriously runs the chance of crying wolf if they overdo it with the hardware when the software stuff isn't out yet.

I stand by my prediction. I think they're release new hardware first without a lot of hoopla, let the Mac forums and blogs and news media go crazy with it and then they'll extend the hype even further with all the software at WWDC (enterprise features, third-party apps, new version of the SDK perhaps, iPhone OS 2.0, etc.)

It could be, but I am still think all is going to happen at WWDC under Steve Jobs keynote. He will introduce hardware and software at the same time with immediate availability. Steve loves the media attention so, I have hard time not seeing him personally showing his baby to the world to see.:D

16 gig $399
32 gig $499

3G and GPS.

[NewtypeCJ]

it has to come out next tuesday then, so what are people gonna do now until wwdc?? if you want an iphone?

Considering Joe Consumer has no idea what or when WWDC is (nor cares, I'm sure), they'd probably buy a Blackberry or a different cell phone.

[Ade-iMac-177]

i have been watching all these stock issues with real interest and amazement.

is apple just trying to screw with us to drum up more of a reaction or have they just under-ordered iphones for the time between the end of production of the old iphone and WWDC?

[Compile 'em all]

true and wouldn't they have to go through the FCC first?

gah!! how many times are we going to repeat this. Already macrumors debunked that FCC crap that some of you keep on pulling off. Stop posting and spend sometime reading the front page.

[mackiwi]

I agree with others about the timing of a 3g announcement with the tax rebate coming to american taxpayers.

Also, it would mean apple has something else cool up their sleeves for release at WWDC. Steve hasn't done a major keynote address in the last few years without having something shiny and new to announce.

This also means the very loyal apple users are going to buy a 3g phone before WWDC and then have another item a month later to spend their hard earded moola on. Whereas if 3g phone was announce at WWDC alongside another new item, that other new item would be overshadowed and wouldn't get the loyal macheads money as they would be buying 3g phones instead.

[LizKat]

Sold my 8GB iPhone on craigslist for $375. Would advice those who could to do the same before your iPhone is pretty worthless.

There is nothing that could make my iPhone "worthless" short of an immediate nationwide blackout of wall juice. If that happened, then having an iPhone of any sort would not even be on the horizon of my concerns. I'd be trying to figure out how to light the furniture once i ran out of firewood...

I don't understand all the dissing of not-this-morning's tech. People ask me all the time if I want to sell them my old G3 ibook (a recipe server in the kitchen now) or one of my older iPods, I mean really older like 1st gen nanos. Usually I give them away but my point is that the market persists. Apple knows this too, they still stick some refurb 2nd and even 1st gen nanos out there once in awhile and they get scarfed up in a few days.

Not everyone is a fast-lane tech buyer. The membership here is not representative of even the Mac-buying segment of retail consumers, never mind the larger group of people who would love to have any kind of iPhone at all but are not likely to buy high-end Apple stuff brand new. So older iPhones will still have resale value. And yes, a lot of people will keep them as a backup to their newer one. Probably that's what will happen to mine but for now it will remain my primary ATT phone.

I'll be interested to see whatever Apple rolls out this time, but definitely from the sidelines. Does not mean my iPhone or I am sidelined, though!

[mackiwi]

hang on, maybe americans have used their credit cards to prespend their tax rebates on iphones - and thats why their is none in stock.

[ender78]

Does anyone really think that Apple can go three weeks without selling phones on it's site or in Apple stores? A revision must be imminent.

[Abstract]

May 19th

I don't know if that's just a guess or not, but it sounds more logical than WWDC. If they're not really introducing a tonne of new features, then I guess they don't need to wait until WWDC to give us 3G and GPS. If there's more, Apple may wait for the Stevenote.

[inkswamp]

Also, it would mean apple has something else cool up their sleeves for release at WWDC. Steve hasn't done a major keynote address in the last few years without having something shiny and new to announce.

Right, but WWDC is developer-oriented so it wouldn't be entirely unexpected if something shiny and new didn't materialize. There's also an ice-cube-chance-in-hell we might get some kind of very early peek at 10.6, maybe a couple of feature previews.

Personally, I'm still hoping that Apple uses this WWDC to usher in a whole new line-up to replace the Mini. I think Apple has attracted enough new users to justify a wider offering of headless Macs. A couple of low-end machines with slightly better than the current Mini's specs as well as a couple of higher-end boxes to match the mid-range iMacs. Of course, I'm not holding my breath. :(

[carfreak12321]

All I can say is...I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE UK!!! I WANT IT iN JAPAN!!!:mad::mad::mad:

I agree!!!!!!
i hope becasue of this shortage they will launch the 3g this tuesday and then iphone in japan for softbank a couple days after!!!:p

[lord patton]

There's also an ice-cube-chance-in-hell we might get some kind of very early peek at 10.6, maybe a couple of feature previews.


Are you being sarcastic? Because the absence of *any* talk of 10.6—ever—is conspicuous to me.

Around Leopard's launch Steve-o said to expect a new OS every 12-18 months. Taken at his word, that leaves less than a year—at the high end—for 10.6. And developers haven't seen hide nor hair of it? Why not?

I don't think they'll make the date, obviously, but for Steve to say it—and presumably to believe it—while knowing full well of the other commitments Apple engineers were tending to—iPhone SDK, iPhone 2, iPhone OS 2.0, MacBook Air, :apple:TV 2.0—leads me to believe that something strange is afoot.

As in, something strange and top-secret that has nothing to do with the iPhone, .mac or redesigned MacBooks. What's up with 10.6? That's the biggest question mark on the horizon, IMHO.

[pketelaar]

noticed something weird in my attwireless account..


it says my iphone data plan to expire on 6/20/08


anyone else have this in the manage my features/add ons of their at&t account? is 6/20/08 a relevant date?

[Diode]

I have a feeling you'll see it restocked soon.

I think more rumors surrounding a May release would surface if the new iphone would be released before the expected June date.

If anything I could see a revised 16GB/32GB around the corner to throw even more people off (Or just getting rid of the 8GB)

[Diode]

noticed something weird in my attwireless account..
it says my iphone data plan to expire on 6/20/08


anyone else have this in the manage my features/add ons of their at&t account? is 6/20/08 a relevant date?

Nope I don't see that in my manage plan. I've got the iphone data as a add on as well.

[elgruga]

3 weeks without any iPhones represents 5% of the yearly sales.
Doesnt make sense.
Inventory for Apple is fast - they dont hold big stocks, manufacture is very fast, shipping iPhones is almost certainly air.
So no need for low stock, or in this case NO stock!

Either somebody screwed up or the new iPhone is imminent, ie next Tuesday.

There is no need for a 'special' event - the world's press will be on this like vultures within 5 minutes.

[lord patton]

3 weeks without any iPhones represents 5% of the yearly sales.
Doesnt make sense.
Inventory for Apple is fast - they dont hold big stocks, manufacture is very fast, shipping iPhones is almost certainly air.
So no need for low stock, or in this case NO stock!

Either somebody screwed up or the new iPhone is imminent, ie next Tuesday.

There is no need for a 'special' event - the world's press will be on this like vultures within 5 minutes.

Given iPhone 2.0 OS is confirmed for late June, and that AT&T is blocking vacation during that time, it just doesn't make sense that the new iPhone would be released imminently.

On the other hand, it doesn't make sense that Apple would forgo nearly two months of sales.

The most likely scenario is that they ramped down production, underestimated demand, and stock will be back before Friday.

[meagain]

The most likely scenario is that they ramped down production, underestimated demand, and stock will be back before Friday.

If so, they'd have a good handle on that and I suggest their site would say "Ships in 1-2 weeks". Or at least I choose to believe that for the weekend. More fun that way.

[megfilmworks]

The iPhone 2 is no secret. It may get released without a lot of hoopla, just like the 16gb. Maybe as soon as Monday.
The big news in June will be all the apps, .mac, enterprise etc.
The new iPhone IMHO will not be that different, just with 3g and a few other items. Just a guess.

[sfoalex]

Given iPhone 2.0 OS is confirmed for late June, and that AT&T is blocking vacation during that time, it just doesn't make sense that the new iPhone would be released imminently.

On the other hand, it doesn't make sense that Apple would forgo nearly two months of sales.

The most likely scenario is that they ramped down production, underestimated demand, and stock will be back before Friday.

If that were true, the Buy option would be there with a longer lead time for delivery. But what we see is zero option to buy, period.

Alex

[rainmanbk]

The more I think about all of this, the more I think that Apple actually may release the 3G model sometime soon. Here's an interesting thought. Maybe parts of the 2.0 software release are finished and will be released with the phone say in a week or two, but the AppStore will be withheld for WWDC introduction? Maybe Apple has other updates that are ready like new apps that they can release on 1.1.4? Then again, like someone said before, releasing the 3G model without 2.0 seems kinda silly. At this point I'd still say I think it's coming for WWDC, but I also know that Apple doesn't need more than 3 days to send out an invitation and have every journo fly in from all corners of the globe to cover the event. Press isn't something they need to worry about, it's the other factors that they are still working out.

[Walter P Henson]

Why couldn't Apple just announce the Iphone 2 in the next week or so saying it is slated for release on the one year anniversary (logical). This would not only help differ heavy sales loss from this EDGE dry spell with the common buyer. If a common person is remotely interested in buying an Iphone they will most likely be willing to wait a few weeks. This early Announcement would also leave room for Steve to talk alot more about software and apps at WWDC which would also make sense because it is a conference for developers about developing. Having the hardware out of the way would allow for allot more discussion with SDK developers about what new apps could be developed and how they could be implemented.

It makes sense to me this way. That way the press hype would have alot of time to build up and then release for the launch, whereas the more tech savvy people would have time to get over the release of the next iphone and refocus on the new apps and OS being launched.

Thats my two cents.