3G iPhone to be Sold in Italy in June 2008

[MacRumors]

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

Electronic Weekly's David Manners writes (http://www.electronicsweekly.com/blogs/david-manners-semiconductor-blog/2008/05/yes-it-is-the-3g-iphone-in-eur.html) (via CNet.com.au (http://www.cnet.com.au/mobilephones/phones/0,239025953,339288842,00.htm)) about a revealing encounter he had with Luigi Licciardi, executive vice president for technology and operations at Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM). Licciardi confirms what everyone essentially knows: that TIM will be delivering a 3G version of the iPhone to Italy. Licciardi, however, actually gives us a solid timeframe for the launch:“We will be selling an iPhone with 3G capability next month”, Luigi Licciardi, executive vice president for technology and operations at TIM told me yesterday evening on a bus taking us out into the desert for dinner following the first day of the International Electronics Forum 2008 in Dubai.
"Next month" conveniently coincides with Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC), which takes place from June 9th to June 13th in San Francisco, CA.

This latest quote adds to a laundry list of evidence pointing to an imminent release of the 3G-capable iPhone. While the quote does not necessarily preclude an earlier May launch (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/11/3g-iphone-in-may-another-device-at-wwdc/) in the U.S., the rest of the available evidence points to June:

- Latest iPhone 2.0 Firmware Has 3G On/Off Option (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/10/latest-iphone-2-0-firmware-has-3g-on-off-option/)
- AT&T Blocking Out June 15-July 12 for 3G iPhone Launch? (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/06/atandt-blocking-out-june-15-july-12-for-3g-iphone-launch/)
- Foxconn to Deliver 3G capable iPhones Beginning in June (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/28/foxconn-to-deliver-3g-capable-iphones-beginning-in-june/)

Meanwhile, Research in Motion (http://www.rim.com) today announced (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,145698-c,pdacellphonehybrids/article.html) their first 3G-capable mobile phone, the BlackBerry Bold (http://www.blackberry.com/blackberrybold/). While the Bold will also not available until this summer, Apple has clearly targeted (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/10/rims-blackberry-vs-iphones-activesync/) RIM as a competitor to the iPhone.

Finally, just this morning additional iPhone coverge for Singapore, India, the Philippines and Australia (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/05/12/singtel-announces-iphone-in-singapore-india-the-philippines-and-australia/) has been announced by SingTel, Bharti Airtel, Globe and Optus. This means two carriers will be providing coverage in India and Australia. No additional details were provided in the press release.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/12/3g-iphone-to-be-sold-in-italy-in-june-2008/)

[luminosity]

Time to calculate travel expenses!

[Phormic]

Thrilled to have the iPhone sold through multiple carriers in Australia. I'm wondering if Telstra or 3 will jump on the bandwagon as well,

[zephead]

Yep, now it's just a matter of time before the world has some sweet 3G multi-touch. With the iPhone in that many countries by the end of the year, I'd be surprised if sales aren't well past 10 million by then. :apple:

[Chundles]

Thrilled to have the iPhone sold through multiple carriers in Australia. I'm wondering if Telstra or 3 will jump on the bandwagon as well,

They'd be mad not to. If it supports 850MHz 3G we'd have the fastest, widest ranging iPhone around. Of course we'd be paying Telstra for that so we'd have a sweet iPhone but no house or car or whatever else you'd need to sell to pay Telstra for the privilege.

[mcarnes]

Last time Steve eats spaghetti with that guy.

[Phormic]

They'd be mad not to. If it supports 850MHz 3G we'd have the fastest, widest ranging iPhone around. Of course we'd be paying Telstra for that so we'd have a sweet iPhone but no house or car or whatever else you'd need to sell to pay Telstra for the privilege.

True. However they've been downright rude about the iPhone in the past (the "Apple should stick to their knitting" comment amongst others) and may feel that iTunes on the iPhone will be competition for their own mobile music service.

I wouldn't be surprised to see them pass it up.

[Chaszmyr]

So much for any shadow of a doubt.

[Nermal]

Thrilled to have the iPhone sold through multiple carriers in Australia. I'm wondering if Telstra or 3 will jump on the bandwagon as well,

Telstra made an announcement this morning. Coming in June.

[tommo]

looks like telstra will also be selling the iphone.

http://www.cnet.com.au/mobilephones/0,239025893,339288769,00.htm

Thrilled to have the iPhone sold through multiple carriers in Australia. I'm wondering if Telstra or 3 will jump on the bandwagon as well,

[torero]

geez arn, anything going on with the rest of apple's product line? the iphone stuff has taken over your front page...

[Shadow]

Man, Steve is going to be pissed with him!

(Angry pissed, not the other kind :D)

[sachxn]

Two carriers in India is a good news for customers here. Can't wait to see the launch here.

Sachin (http://qtp.blogspot.com)

[TheYankees1903]

Thanks for coming and watching our show!
Game Over...

And so another Apple mystery ends.
And people got their hopes up for May from one small rumor site. :rolleyes:

Ah well... The longer they wait and the bigger a deal they make the 3G iPhone launch ----- the better it will be.

Good News In The Long Run I Suppose,
TheYankees1903 :apple:

P.S. Assuming this reporters from Electronic Weekly and CNET is not misquoting (which I truly doubt) and this cell phone company guy really did make this quote he broke his NDA with Apple. There has got to be some sanction against him or his company. I would not be surprised if things start to snowball now and some other "leaks" start to emerge from people at either Apple, or their carriers, who have some position of authority and their respective company.

What do you think?

[fastbite]

3G is obviously upon us. Now the iPhone mini and the tablet like one!

[jmadlena]

geez arn, anything going on with the rest of apple's product line? the iphone stuff has taken over your front page...

Apparently not. Can you really expect anything else right before the much anticipated 3G iPhone is released (next?) month?

MacRumors doesn't make up the rumors, so don't bash it when they aren't to your liking. They are rumors after all.

[arn]

And so another Apple mystery ends.
And people got their hopes up for May from one small rumor site. :rolleyes:


As I said in the story, just because Italy isn't getting the iPhone until June doesn't necessarily mean the U.S. is waiting until then too. That being said, the overwhelming evidence points to June.

arn

[TheYankees1903]

As I said in the story, just because Italy isn't getting the iPhone until June doesn't necessarily mean the U.S. is waiting until then too. That being said, the overwhelming evidence points to June.

arn

I know arn (and appreciate the response) but all I was really trying to say was that for the most part we know what is going to happen. Look like a worldwide - same day - launch in June (probably the 27th and if you made me pick a time I would say 6 o'clock P.M.).

Is that a fair statement arn?

TheYankees1903 :apple:

[bpa1093]

Questo è delle notizie buona!:D

[iSlave]

Apple?? Making a 3g iPhone?? Who woulda thunk that!??? Why don't we ever hear about these things??!!!??????

[dagamer34]

Wait, you're telling me that RIM hasn't made a Blackberry with 3G until now? :eek:

[dgarte]

Maybe Apple will introduce the iphone 3G tomorrow tuesday

[arn]

I know arn (and appreciate the response) but all I was really trying to say was that for the most part we know what is going to happen. Look like a worldwide - same day - launch in June (probably the 27th and if you made me pick a time I would say 6 o'clock P.M.).
Is that a fair statement arn?

Seems possible. :) But then no U.S. iPhone stock for almost 2 months?

arn

[Nermal]

I'm expecting US/UK releases Real Soon Now™ followed by the other countries in June. Vodafone NZ has pretty much confirmed that it'll be June here.

[TheYankees1903]

Seems possible. :) But then no U.S. iPhone stock for almost 2 months?

arn


True... The price they pay for underestimating demand. No?

TheYankees1903 :apple:

[macduke]

I hope AT&T has their 3g coverage sufficiently expanded by the time it is released, whenever that is.

Prediction: Thinner, tapered, EDGE iPhone with more RAM for background apps before the end of the month, iPhone Air? Nano? Or similiar. Perhaps cheaper case materials. Decent refresh anyhow, probably priced around $250. 3g iPhone towards the end of June. Bump in procesor, RAM, memory to 32gb, and GPS. Doubt the front camera, but that would sweeten the deal. Probably priced $400-500. Think about it though...the iPhone is about the only Apple product that doesn't have any tiers. Just two memory options. According to posts in this thread, it will also be available in India. A smaller, cheaper, more battery efficient iPhone makes more sense countries like this, while the 3g version makes more sense in Europe where 3g is more available than water.

[AJB]

It's a bit like property - Location! Location! Location!

I really don't think Apple will be happy not selling any iPhones for 2 months, if we have to wait until the end of June. I mean seriously, this is a considerable amount of lost revenue!

My guess is that the people managing the stock levels of the iPhone got it wrong, and never anticipated the current levels of stock shortage and speed of sellout - i.e. THEY HAVE NO MORE!

Steve won't be happy ...

[Dr.Gargoyle]

According to posts in this thread, it will also be available in India. A smaller, cheaper, more battery efficient iPhone makes more sense countries like this...
I can see you are in a dire need of updating your knowledge about India...lol
"...there is a large and growing middle class of 325-350 million with disposable income for consumer goods" Link (http://www.traveldocs.com/in/economy.htm)
That is more people than the total US population.

[sparks9]

this website should be renamed iPhonerumors

[ricardo.hudson]

I don't really see what this proves - 'i will be typing a message in an hour' doesn't mean i am not typing one now or in a minute just as much as 'we will be selling a 3g iPhone next month' doesn't mean they won't also be selling it this month. The starting month wasn't mentioned, therefore there is no release month stated here.

[RichardI]

Can't you find anything to write about besides the bloody iPhone?? Get with it! Your MacPoll is still asking about April fools!? I especially hate them in May.:eek::mad:

Rich :confused:

[macFanDave]

- Steve Jobs is speaking at WWDC on June 9.

- In the U.S., June 15 is Fathers' Day. Guys who happen to have children either hint strongly to them or their wives what kind of gift they would like, and, if that fails, we tend to get ourselves what we really want. Sure, it's another manufactured holiday, but it does drive over a hump in the gift economy.

[Penguinwrangler]

Has Apple ever underestimated demand?

There have been production issues that have delayed the shipment of units, I know that, I believe even the MacBook suffered from that at it's initial launch, but I find it INCREDIBLY hard to believe that Apple would low-ball their production figures, primarily for two reasons. One, they've known for many months that the iPhone, was not, in fact, a flop, and that demand had been steady if not above average for a phone of its stature in the market for some time now. Second, and perhaps more important, there's quite literally almost no downside to EOL a product like this with surplus inventory on the shelf. Replacements are a given for at least 5-10 years after EOL. In Europe, this is the law, though it may only apply to European manufacturers. Also, there is a significant after-market for cell-phones in the world. Anyone who thinks that Apple was trying to avoid losing money on the iPhone and hedging their bets with inventory is, well, smokin' something. I still don't see a month and a half of zero iPhone sales.

[rols]

Finally, just this morning additional iPhone coverge for Singapore, India, the Philippines and Australia (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/05/12/singtel-announces-iphone-in-singapore-india-the-philippines-and-australia/) has been announced by SingTel, Bharti Airtel, Globe and Optus. This means two carriers will be providing coverage in India and Australia. No additional details were provided in the press release.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/12/3g-iphone-to-be-sold-in-italy-in-june-2008/)

Well what will be interesting is whether these phones will be locked. If they are they'll be the only telco locked phones in Singapore. Here the telco makes its money by locking you into a contract, you sign up for 2 years, you get $xx off the phone. If you want to switch phones after a year, you sign up for an extra year and get less $xx off your phone. If you just want the phone, you just go in and buy the phone and you don't get a discount, you pay full retail and you don't even need to be a customer of the telco. Once it's yours you can switch the chip with someone else, give it to your mother, sell it on ebay .. they don't care, as long as you pay your bill for those 2 years, they made their money already. If you cancel your service early, you pay them a nasty termination fee.

I might imagine Singtel will use this as a hook to keep their existing customers and bring in new ones, perhaps they'll only sell to someone who has some kind of singtel account, perhaps they'll insist on a new 2-year contract (hard because they have people at all stages of contracts who'll want this phone and the usual market practice is just to let them have it at a higher price if they aren't able to extend a contract). Actually locking them to Singtel though, that would be unusual in this market.

If they don't, then there's a supply of unlocked phones, if there's one, Apple may as well go unlocked elsewhere or the shops in Singapore will be very full of people buying them to mail overseas.

I really am hopeful that Apple is going to release the 3G iPhone on the kind of terms every other phone manufacturer releases its phones and many telcos worldwide sell it, you buy it, you own it, you use it.

[drummerlondonw3]

I would have to agree with the above post.

I realise that everyone is sticking their necks out and hey it is rumors and not facts but I would seriously doubt they would have a gap of nearly 2 months in their largest market. I think it is plausible for them to introduce this model with 1.14 and then wait while everyone as their 3g iphones to update at WWDC

Also the idea of having another (mystical tablet product) out at WWDC seems that t would be something, in my opinion, that would draw heavily on 2.0 and that it might be the better vehicle to promote the update

d:apple:

[CWallace]

Has Apple ever underestimated demand?

There have been production issues that have delayed the shipment of units, I know that, I believe even the MacBook suffered from that at it's initial launch, but I find it INCREDIBLY hard to believe that Apple would low-ball their production figures...

It could be that Apple assumed that with all the rumors more or less confirming a WWDC launch for the new 3G iPhone that the majority of folks would wait for it and not buy a current model.

Yet for whatever reason(s) (lack of 3G in their area, worries of higher purchase or plan prices, etc.) more folks decided to get the existing model, which caused an artificial "run" on the product.

[omikjam]

I might as well buy it overseas since it will cost twice as much here as in the U.S, should :apple: ever bother to release it here.. (Sweden) :(

[SirOmega]

I'm beginning to wonder if Apple is going to have enough phones for a worldwide simultaneous release. The report of 3M phones in June might not be enough to spread around to the 20 or so countries that the phone will be sold in.

[twoodcc]

i still say wwdc at the earliest, though i hope it does come in may in the US

[Penguinwrangler]

It could be that Apple assumed that with all the rumors more or less confirming a WWDC launch for the new 3G iPhone that the majority of folks would wait for it and not buy a current model.

I can't imagine that Apple relies on rumor sites such as this one to reach the width and breadth of their consumer demographics. The vast majority of potential iPhone buyers has no idea what's around the corner.

Yet for whatever reason(s) (lack of 3G in their area, worries of higher purchase or plan prices, etc.) more folks decided to get the existing model, which caused an artificial "run" on the product.


Your second point belies the first. People are going to buy the current model anyway because they don't know the 3G model is a possibility.

[splob64]

I believe Apple is purposely not selling iPhones until the new model comes out, so as not to create a mass of unhappy customers who just bought a first generation iPhone only to have a new model announced less than a month later. Apple has always struggled with this because they do not announce their products ahead of time, and the price drop debacle last year showed them that they must keep existing customers happy when they do stuff like this, or face a raging mob of their own loyalists.

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A102 Safari/419.3)

It looks like the iPhone 3G may be released worldwide all on the same date. Quite exciting to include new countries like Italy, Austrailia, and Canada. I do hope it is one massive release despite the possibility of a production nightmare.

[Teh Don Ditty]

Wait, you're telling me that RIM hasn't made a Blackberry with 3G until now? :eek:

Wrong. The never made a GSM 3G phone before.

Verizon and Sprints Blackberry's are 3G.

[megfilmworks]

The iPhone is still unavailable at the Apple Store online.
So IMHO, they either ran out, as they must have stopped production weeks ago, and misjudged the amount of units they would sell between then and the release of the 2.0 or
It will be released this week.

[stagi]

looks like WWDC might be the time, can't wait until this comes.

[jooak]

As if we did not already read the future about this iPhone deal, here we have it! The next gen iPhone will be released at WWDC and will be ready to purchase the next week.

www.softwarebay.co.cc the home of free os x apps and more.

[megfilmworks]

As if we did not already read the future about this iPhone deal, here we have it! The next gen iPhone will be released at WWDC and will be ready to purchase the next week.
I think much sooner and next day availability. Released in the US first and a few weeks later throughout the world.

[RebelScum]

Looks like my tax return arrived *JUST* in time.

I'm just glad I didn't bother unlocking an iPhone for Rogers.

I am, however, NOT looking forward to just how badly Rogers is going to **** its customers over for this phone. Terrible company, terrible customer service, terrible everything.

[iphonesarecool]

Maybe Apple will introduce the iphone 3G tomorrow tuesday


I want them too. Come on :apple:

[DocStone]

Can't you find anything to write about besides the bloody iPhone?? Get with it! Your MacPoll is still asking about April fools!? I especially hate them in May.:eek::mad:

Rich :confused:

Dude, chill out. They (MR) can't control the rumors that come out. They just report them. If you are tired of reading, perhaps you should join the piss and moan club. (www.pissandmoan.com)

If the only rumors that were coming out were about the MBP I am sure that is all you would see on the front page. It is not like Arn is making this stuff up. (right Arn???? j/k)

[Walter P Henson]

The iPhone is still unavailable at the Apple Store online.
So IMHO, they either ran out, as they must have stopped production weeks ago, and misjudged the amount of units they would sell between then and the release of the 2.0 or
It will be released this week.

I think either way you look at it they stopped production weeks ago. I think that the 3G Iphones have been being manufactured much longer than any of us think. They have had a very long time to work on developing this phone and if they plan on having a worldwide release than I'm betting they will have 4mil+ for launch.

[iphonesarecool]

I wonder what network (s) it will be on in the UK. Maybe O2 or other (S) ? :confused:

[RichardI]

Dude, chill out. They (MR) can't control the rumors that come out. They just report them. If you are tired of reading, perhaps you should join the piss and moan club. (www.pissandmoan.com)

If the only rumors that were coming out were about the MBP I am sure that is all you would see on the front page. It is not like Arn is making this stuff up. (right Arn???? j/k)

Thanks for your helpful and insightful input, but, unless you represent MacRumors, your input insightful or not, is not required.:apple:

[jmadlena]

Thanks for your helpful and insightful input, but, unless you represent MacRumors, your input insightful or not, is not required.:apple:

So you are the only one who has the right to complain? You have the right to complain, and anyone else on here has the right to comment on your complaints.

If you don't want people to tell you to stop whining, then perhaps you should stop whining.

I don't think Arn is holding back any juicy mac rumors because he just wants to talk about the iPhone.

[DocStone]

Thanks for your helpful and insightful input, but, unless you represent MacRumors, your input insightful or not, is not required.:apple:

We are all here to help. You are taking a negative perspective on things because MR is reporting on something that you are tired of. Well RI, it is not about you. It is not about me either. I read MR for the humor of it all and for the rumors. Sometimes the rumors are heavy on iphone. Sometimes it's heavy on other things. Whatever you know...it's a rumor site and Arn has stated that before. (don't get more official than that)

What it boils down to is your 'ranting' does not accomplish anything except take up space and annoy other users. If you really want to discuss things, then do so. You seem like a intelligent person. Jump in the conversation or go somewhere else.

[Tricky121]

Just a thought, but with all this banter about a May or June 3g iPhone release, how about they release it tomorrow? It seems that they like to put things to market on Tuesdays.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[MacFly123]

geez arn, anything going on with the rest of apple's product line? the iphone stuff has taken over your front page...

I am insanely excited about iPhone 2.0 but it would be nice to see a rumor about the Mac Mini, or Cinema Displays, Mac Books & MacBook Pros, etc. :(

[arn]

I am insanely excited about iPhone 2.0 but it would be nice to see a rumor about the Mac Mini, or Cinema Displays, Mac Books & MacBook Pros, etc. :(

Mac Mini, Cinema Displays, Mac Book and Mac Book Pro Updates?

Many readers have been interested in possible updates to Mac Mini, Cinema Displays, MacBook and MacBook Pros. When questioned, our sources have said the following:
<silence>
This comes from our most trusted sources. We'll report more when it comes in.

[Teh Don Ditty]

Mac Mini, Cinema Displays, Mac Book and Mac Book Pro Updates?

Many readers have been interested in possible updates to Mac Mini, Cinema Displays, MacBook and MacBook Pros. When questioned, our sources have said the following:

This comes from our most trusted sources. We'll report more when it comes in.

http://enquata.com/mr-images/applause.gif

Thank you Arn.

[G58]

Not wishing to state the obvious here, but do you guys suppose RIM are feeling the need to fight back just a little bit with the design of their latest Blackberry? <http://www.blackberry.com/blackberrybold/>

It's called 'Bold'! That's right, the Blackberry Bold!! " Blackberry Gold?" "No, the Blackberry Bold!" WTF were they thinking?

I can picture the scene:

A boardroom full of frightened Research In Motion directors all doing the ideas in the air bit and deciding the way to beat Apple is to "be bold"

Hell no, that won't do. I said: "BE BOLD".

Yeah, that's right you guys in marketing, he said: "BE BOLD", not name the stupid thing 'Bold'! What a load of fools.

All they've done is give a lesson in how to emulate the shame currently enjoyed by Zune owners by making the users of the soon to be once most popular PDA, by declaring to the world: "I've got a Blackberry Bold!"

To which the default reply is: "Oh, okay." in a voice that expresses pity, confusion and derision, all at the same time... "I've got an iPhone"


Wait, you're telling me that RIM hasn't made a Blackberry with 3G until now? :eek:

[G58]

I have it on good authority from a source I've previously found to be reliable, that Apple is due to deliver a cruel and ironic blow to the Mac community... they plan to release new Mac Minis, Cinema Displays, Mac Books & MacBook Pros, but only if no-one releases any new rumours about any of them for 14 days!


I am insanely excited about iPhone 2.0 but it would be nice to see a rumor about the Mac Mini, or Cinema Displays, Mac Books & MacBook Pros, etc. :(

[davork]

Wait, you're telling me that RIM hasn't made a Blackberry with 3G until now? :eek:

They have as I have clients who have Blackberry 8707g seems like cnet think it's 3G too... http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/handhelds/0,39001703,39269147p,00.htm

Has been in use in Japan for well over a year now

[G58]

There could be several reasons why stock is being run down:

Firstly, it's deliberate and designed to create a vacuum into which Apple can sell the new model.

Secondly, Apple don't really want to be refunding too many people who just bought the current model. Running down stock helps the number of likely refunds too.

It's also possible that Apple may have switched suppliers. And possibly their last batch from the old supplier has run out sooner than anticipated, but since that deal is ended, they can't go back for more.

Or, the new model is due out before WWDC.

Finally, I'd put the theory that "the people managing the stock levels of the iPhone got it wrong" as the sole reason, and that "Steve won't be happy" at a very poor 10th in a list of 5!

And my reasoning for this, apart from all the other reasons listed above, is that Steve Jobs, whilst he might not quite micromanage his company, does have a very horizontal management structure in place. This means that even a store manager in the UK is only three levels below him. I hope and trust that the bad old days of supply issues at Apple are indeed over.


It's a bit like property - Location! Location! Location!

I really don't think Apple will be happy not selling any iPhones for 2 months, if we have to wait until the end of June. I mean seriously, this is a considerable amount of lost revenue!

My guess is that the people managing the stock levels of the iPhone got it wrong, and never anticipated the current levels of stock shortage and speed of sellout - i.e. THEY HAVE NO MORE!

Steve won't be happy ...

[MacFly123]

Not wishing to state the obvious here, but do you guys suppose RIM are feeling the need to fight back just a little bit with the design of their latest Blackberry? <http://www.blackberry.com/blackberrybold/>

It's called 'Bold'! That's right, the Blackberry Bold!! " Blackberry Gold?" "No, the Blackberry Bold!" WTF were they thinking?

I can picture the scene:

A boardroom full of frightened Research In Motion directors all doing the ideas in the air bit and deciding the way to beat Apple is to "be bold"

Hell no, that won't do. I said: "BE BOLD".

Yeah, that's right you guys in marketing, he said: "BE BOLD", not name the stupid thing 'Bold'! What a load of fools.

All they've done is give a lesson in how to emulate the shame currently enjoyed by Zune owners by making the users of the soon to be once most popular PDA, by declaring to the world: "I've got a Blackberry Bold!"

To which the default reply is: "Oh, okay." in a voice that expresses pity, confusion and derision, all at the same time... "I've got an iPhone"

Ya, that phone says nothing to me but SAD!!! It is so obvious that they are trying to imitate the iPhone because they know they are about to get the S$^@ kicked out of their market share by the iPhone. What's most sad is how pathetic that phone is as a counter attempt on their part. Isn't it pretty much the first 3G phone ever without video chatting capabilities??? Nice knowing ya BlackBerry lol :rolleyes:

[G58]

There's even talk of RIM bringing out a touch screen model later this year! So what is the 'Bold' then? A stop-gap? A pre 3G iPhone release spoiler? Or just another message to the market that they are desperate, but don't really know what they're doing?

According to: <http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aU_dpPwHN4wY>

"The BlackBerry dominated U.S. shipments for e-mail phones in the fourth quarter with 41 percent of the market, according to Reading, England-based research firm Canalys. The iPhone had 28 percent and Palm Inc., maker of the Treo, had 9 percent."

I wonder where those figures will be on 9th June? Let me take a guess:

BlackBerry: 33%
Treo: 7%
iPhone: 43%
All the rest: 17%

The thing about market percentage share is that there have to be winners and losers. Apple's gain and the rest of the field's losses have to obey Newton's third law. Assuming all the rest have been joined by some new players, Treo aren't in the news at all, and RIM with an established following are target #1 for Apple, I think these figures are reasonable, given Apple had 28% after only 8 months.


Ya, that phone says nothing to me but SAD!!! It is so obvious that they are trying to imitate the iPhone because they know they are about to get the S$^@ kicked out of their market share by the iPhone. What's most sad is how pathetic that phone is as a counter attempt on their part. Isn't it pretty much the first 3G phone ever without video chatting capabilities??? Nice knowing ya BlackBerry lol :rolleyes:

[zephead]

I wonder where those figures will be on 9th June? Let me take a guess:

BlackBerry: 33%
Treo: 7%
iPhone: 43%
All the rest: 17%

Make it 9th June 2009 and I'll believe it a bit more. I do see Apple overtaking RIM, but it'll definitely take some time. ;)

[MikeELL]

Thanks for coming and watching our show!
Game Over...

And so another Apple mystery ends.
And people got their hopes up for May from one small rumor site. :rolleyes:


*Hopes for May shrinking* :o

I would point out that just because he said "we will be selling it next month" doesn't exclude "we will be launching it this month"

*crosses fingers and toes*

[G58]

Why?

From its 29th June 2007 release, Apple went from a standing start with iPhone to 28% market share in just eight months!

We don't yet know what the sales figures look like, but according to:

<http://www.techgadgets.in/mobile-phones/2007/07/apple-iphone-is-the-most-searched-keyword-on-google-search/>

"Google has announced the most popular search keyword on their engine for the year 2007 was 'iPhone'. Marissa Mayer, Google said, “iPhone, of course, is a word very few people typed in a search box in 2006. It didn’t exist.”
...What’s more, Google has now given it the distinction of being the most-searched device too."

I'm not going to bet on these numbers, but my gut reaction is that they will be close. Top down aspirational marketing has worked for Apple many times now, but never like this.


Make it 9th June 2009 and I'll believe it a bit more. I do see Apple overtaking RIM, but it'll definitely take some time. ;)

[AJB]

There could be several reasons why stock is being run down:

Firstly, it's deliberate and designed to create a vacuum into which Apple can sell the new model.

Why create the vacuum?? Irrespective of whether or not Apple wants to get rid of older version stock, a month with no sales is a significant revenue gap. And how do you think Apple will plug it? Most likely charge a premium for the new device ...

Secondly, Apple don't really want to be refunding too many people who just bought the current model. Running down stock helps the number of likely refunds too.

Why would Apple have to refund them? There is a thing called 'Caveat Emptor' (Buyer Beware) - you purchased the goods / services knowingly, and with their current feature set / capability. Do you see people running back with their new 330i to the dealership wanting it replaced with the current model that BMW released a week after they purchased? Didn't think so.

It's also possible that Apple may have switched suppliers. And possibly their last batch from the old supplier has run out sooner than anticipated, but since that deal is ended, they can't go back for more.

Maybe ... but why not ship the new model early, with the existing software and avoid lost sales?

Or, the new model is due out before WWDC.

I think most people worldwide hope you are right there ...

Finally, I'd put the theory that "the people managing the stock levels of the iPhone got it wrong" as the sole reason, and that "Steve won't be happy" at a very poor 10th in a list of 5!

And my reasoning for this, apart from all the other reasons listed above, is that Steve Jobs, whilst he might not quite micromanage his company, does have a very horizontal management structure in place. This means that even a store manager in the UK is only three levels below him. I hope and trust that the bad old days of supply issues at Apple are indeed over.

Poor 10th in a list of 5? Doesn't micro-manage? I beg to differ ... nothing seems to happen at Apple without Steve knowing about it ... and I hardly think you've justified (or understood) the basic issue - No Sales for a whole month!

[megfilmworks]

Can't you find anything to write about besides the bloody iPhone?? Get with it! Your MacPoll is still asking about April fools!? I especially hate them in May.:eek::mad:

Rich :confused:Settle down