More on Apple iPhone Issues

[MacRumors]

Arstechnica's blog provides some confirmation of earlier reports that Apple's iPhone is going through last-minute quality control and development issues.

An earlier report claimed Apple had run into several issues with the iPhone's software as well as some concerns about Battery life.

Ars claims that according to their source that Apple has "50 OS engineers working around the clock in Taipei to make sure that this shipped on time." They also claim that the last minute issues remain "software Q/A and OS-related issues" rather than battery life concerns.

As a result, their source believes that only a "trickle" of iPhones will make there way into shipping by the end of June, with difficulties with keeping up with early demand.

[aricher]

Looks like we can expect frequent software updates for the first few months after the release. At least they're trying to stay firm on the shipping date.

[nagromme]

I have no doubt initial demand will be tight--that's been the case for less-unique products in the past.

As for "issues"--it's hard to imagine a complex software-hardware device NOT having "issues" still in progress 2.5 months before release. Evidence of anything more dire than that is lacking--just anonymous vague comments and speculation.

Software issues are the best kind at least

[roland.g]

Of course, this thing can't be buggy beyond an acceptable level when it ships with all the hype, especially if early adopters are to be your promoters. You don't want someone saying this thing has this problem and that.

[therif]

I think I'll be taking a 2nd generation iPhone Definitely

[aricher]

Originally Posted by therif

I think I'll be taking a 2nd generation iPhone Definitely

And that would be released when? Christmas? I'm thinking MacWorld in January.

[BlueRevolution]

Originally Posted by roland.g

Of course, this thing can't be buggy beyond an acceptable level when it ships with all the hype, especially if early adopters are to be your promoters. You don't want someone saying this thing has this problem and that.

Agreed. Can't forget the buzz about Nanos scratching that was around right after their release.

[iamcrazyed]

"50 OS engineers working around the clock in Taipei..."

And if they work long enough, they could possibly reproduce the entire works of Shakespeare, and, if we're lucky, Leopard by October.

[Chaszmyr]

Originally Posted by therif

I think I'll be taking a 2nd generation iPhone Definitely

I will too... Of course, I'll be taking a 1st generation iPhone first

I don't like to hear about delays causing supply issues, I was hoping that Apple would ramp up production a couple months in advance to meet demand.

[ejbenjamin]

There's a few things about this rumor that seem a bit off to me. For one, if the problems are software-related, then why have the engineers been shipped to Taipei?

And two, would software issues really cause production shortages? iPhones that have already been manufactured could simply be updated before they're boxed up and shipped out. That's not going to cause a delay on the scale the rumor implies.

Maybe I'm not familiar enough with the development processes involved, but this one just isn't fitting together.

[05elstonc]

The fantastic part about the device, and all new Apple devices is their ability to update themselves. The iPhone will not be used heavily without being synced to a computer. This means apple can push any software updates it needs too whenever they need to. Unlike most cell phones that have maybe 1 update their entire life cycle, the iPhone can be updated monthly if needed. Plus the majority of people will charge their iPhone at their computer at least 3 times a week, so people will not be going long stretches without software updates unable to update their device. Furthermore much of the batterlife is dependent on OS optimization which can be updated. As long as the hardware components are reliable and work well together, the iPhone will work the way apple intends because the experience will come down to the software. I cannot wait to line up at the Apple store the day of the release and play with the device. It is going to be crazy.

[johnee]

Originally Posted by iamcrazyed

"50 OS engineers working around the clock in Taipei..."

And if they work long enough, they could possibly reproduce the entire works of Shakespeare, and, if we're lucky, Leopard by October.

"it was the best of times, it was the blurst of times? you stupid monkey! (monkey screeches) " .... ala the simpons

[iamcrazyed]

Originally Posted by johnee

"it was the best of times, it was the blurst of times? you stupid monkey! (monkey screeches) " .... ala the simpons

Hahaha, you read my mind!!!

[acrafton]

Originally Posted by ejbenjamin

There's a few things about this rumor that seem a bit off to me. For one, if the problems are software-related, then why have the engineers been shipped to Taipei?

I don't think the issue is that they "shipped engineers" to Taipei but that is where they are doing the IPhone OS engineering. The engineers there are most likely working at 50% of what an American would want, don't demand options, and will do pretty much what Apple tells them to do.

This approach can work well for maintenance or legacy work but rarely works well for new, cutting edge development due to the language differences, time differences, etc. . .don't know, but this may be adding to the delay and then Apple woke up and said 'oh shi*' and pulled a bunch of QA and other developers off of Leopard to get this thing back on track.

[johnee]

Originally Posted by iamcrazyed

Hahaha, you read my mind!!!

I don't have anything intelligent to say about the iphone (some would say about anything) but when I saw that I HAD to post. I love the old Simpsons!

[MisterMe]

Originally Posted by ejbenjamin

...

Maybe I'm not familiar enough with the development processes involved, but this one just isn't fitting together.

I totally agree. If the problem is software, then there is nothing to prevent hardware production from going forward. The software can be loaded when it is ready. Also, a software problem should not cause a slowdown; it should cause a halt in production until shippable code is ready to be loaded. And no, it makes no sense to spend the money required to fly 50 engineers across the Pacific and keep them there for two months to fix a software problem. The more I think about it, the more holes I find in this story.

[Konradx]

i bought the first Video ipod the second it was announced and on available on the apple store. Should i take the same risk again with the iPhone? I dont think Apple would pull an EA or Ubisoft and ship a broken product, with patches out before its even released (I Hope).

[johnee]

Originally Posted by MisterMe

I totally agree. If the problem is software, then there is nothing to prevent hardware production from going forward. The software can be loaded when it is ready. Also, a software problem should not cause a slowdown; it should cause a halt in production until shippable code is ready to be loaded. And no, it makes no sense to spend the money required to fly 50 engineers across the Pacific and keep them there for two months to fix a software problem. The more I think about it, the more holes I find in this story.

that software is loaded during production, either as a HD or ROM. If the software isn't ready, what are they going to do with 1 million phones, just let them take up space while the software gets worked out? Then they have to program 1 million phones?

no, the software must be done before production can begin.

[CoreWeb]

Originally Posted by ejbenjamin

There's a few things about this rumor that seem a bit off to me. For one, if the problems are software-related, then why have the engineers been shipped to Taipei?

That is an excellent point - all that developers should need is ONE finished iPhone (or a few) to test on, and then they can work at Cupertino, or even Hawaii, to get the OS complete. With the internet, anything is possible.

Originally Posted by ejbenjamin

And two, would software issues really cause production shortages? iPhones that have already been manufactured could simply be updated before they're boxed up and shipped out. That's not going to cause a delay on the scale the rumor implies.

I doubt it would be that easy to update hundreds of thousands or millions of iPhones. How would one go about doing that? Take each one to a computer and update the software? Not likely.

In other words, I'm not sure why developers would have been sent to Taipei, but it makes sense that software issues could delay the iPhone.

[twoodcc]

well i guess i probably won't get it in June......hopefully July though

[ajonessn]

I would venture out and say that Apple knows what they're doing. Even if there are software issues, you're looking at some of the brightest minds in technology (except those guys working at Google) and surely they'll be able to solve whatever issues are prevalent.

Would anyone else bet that Apple wouldn't have announced the device if they hadn't planned for something like this?

[roland.g]

My birthday is in July. However, neither my wife or any of my family get on MR. So I think the hint will go unnoticed. Not to mention my wife is not going to get me a $600 phone.

[iMikeT]

I guess Apple wasn't lying about barrowing their Leopard engineers for the iPhone.

[slb]

More rumors. I've decided never to believe any Apple rumors again.

[yellow]

I love the quote:

All I can say in response to that is that I hope some of you are getting ready to perform sexual favors for your favorite Apple and/or Cingular retail store personnel, come June/July.

+1

Classic!