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As he often does on product launch days, Apple CEO Tim Cook this morning stopped by the Apple Store in Palo Alto, California as customers gathered to purchase an iPhone 8, Apple Watch Series 3, or 4K Apple TV.

Cook had a few minutes to speak with CNBC, and he said that he's "thrilled" with what he's seeing on launch day. Some stores have sold out of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus he says, and many locations are out of the LTE Apple Watch Series 3 models.

timcookpaloalto.jpg
Image via CNBC
"Here's what we're seeing right now. The watch with LTE -- the Series 3 Watch -- we are sold out in so many places around the world. And we're working really hard to meet demand. We've sold out of iPhone 8 and 8 Plus in some stores, but we've got good supply there. You can see what's going on here this morning -- I couldn't be happier."
Cook spent time mingling with friends and joining in on the staff tradition of cheering and waving to customers purchasing a new iPhone. "We really like what we're seeing," Cook said.

Cook also commented on the LTE issues plaguing the new Apple Watch, which have caused some major publications not to recommend the device for purchase.
"The issue is very minor, it will be fixed in a software update," Cook told CNBC. "It has to do with the handoff between Wi-Fi and cellular, and we'll fix that. It only happens in a rare number of cases. I've been using it for quite a while and it works great. So we're very happy about it."
The bug surfaced when reviewers got their hands on the Apple Watch Series 3 and noticed that it often wouldn't connect to LTE. It turns out, the watch is mistakenly joining unauthenticated Wi-Fi networks with interstitial agreement pages that can't be bypassed. Apple has said the bug will be fixed in an update, but has not given a timeline for the fix.

Despite Cook's positivity, some reports from around the world have suggested demand for the iPhone 8 is low. Reuters reported a "bleak turnout" in Australia and later said there was a "muted launch" in Asia.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are in stock and available for launch day purchase in many stores around the world.

Article Link: Apple CEO Tim Cook 'Thrilled' With Launch Day Response to iPhone 8
 
At least people who want the 8/8plus and aren't ready to spring for an X can go buy one without having to wait months due to the mad scramble for the new phone that usually occurs.

I'm sure the stores will enjoy a more relaxed launch environment to get geared up for the mayhem of the X launch.
 
“Haha, some suckers actually bought it? Well, those are a few less people in line for the X next month, which means I get mine faster.” -Tim Cook (not THAT Tim Cook, though).

But in all honesty, the 8 doesn’t need to be a sales juggernaut, and it IS a good phone in its own right.
 
Undoubtedly less demand with the iPhone X looming, but best indicator is order times since Apple has been actively discouraging lining up at stores. Order times on website are already slipping to two weeks for some models.
 
Naturally Tim Cook is going to say something positive about the iPhone 8, Which I agree it will continue to sell well. But it's not nearly in demand as much as the other iPhones have been in the past. I think a lot of consumers are holding out for the iPhone X.

Do you think the iphone eX will eventually surpass Apple's best selling iphone 6?
 
I just picked up my iPhone 8 from AT&T after initially ordering an 8 Plus from the Apple Store and I have to say it’s definitely a nicer looking phone than what came before it. I traded in a Matte Black 7 for a Silver 8 and the glass back is beautiful. The texture is much nicer to hold than the aluminum and while the phone is slighter heavier than my 7 I think it makes the phone easier to hold and type on. The display isn’t a huge upgrade but the true tone is nice. The camera seems to have better light filtration but I can’t tell if that’s related to the display or the updated camera.

Biggest reasons to upgrade include the wireless charging, faster processor and better camera. Not a necessary upgrade but it only costs me $15 more a month than my 7 so why not?
 
Undoubtedly less demand with the iPhone X looming, but best indicator is order times since Apple has been actively discouraging lining up at stores. Order times on website are already slipping to two weeks for some models.
Everyone keeps saying that but I don’t see too many people willing to shell out 1500 for a phone. Even if you’re making 2x the National salary that’s still 2% of your yearly salary after taxes.
 
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No doubt he's thrilled selling people the same four year old design.


When oh when will Tim wake up and get that triangle shaped phone out? Or the circular one? None of the other manufacturers are using same design? Rumor has it that Samsung will even have a diamond shaped one out next year. Rectangular is so 2007. Why is Apple always so far behind?
 
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Actually it was an in person interview, but what the heck

Yes, you’re right. But I somehow miss some honest reflecting within Tim business statements. This might be an example. Nothing else was expected, right? I appreciate though his political and cultural involvement.
 
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