Apple Could Unveil Next iPhones in August, Launch to Follow in September

[iMacmatician]

It's not the first time this year that an August introduction has been rumored.

Supply chain people said, so far, the 6s series overall yield was better than expected, so by Convention scheduled for September listed iPhone new machine, may be advanced to August this year.

 

[barkomatic]

I don't see a big difference. Last year it was announced and launched in September while the prediction this year is that it will be announced in August and launched in September.

Now, if they said the new iPhone was being launched in June again that would be something big.

 

[acslater017]

This is what the 6 and 6 Plus should have been. Not just phones with bigger screens. The extra ram will be an improvement as long as iOS 9 and apps are written to take advantage of it. And a better camera is always welcome, especially seeing that iPhones are the most popular camera on flickr.

Well the 6/Plus was a redesign year and not a performance/camera year. It's been that way since 2009. PS it also got NFC/ApplePay, and small camera improvements (240 fps, OIS on the Plus).

My theory is, if they do announce in August, it would be to head off the supply chain leaks.

 

[Popeye206]

The debates and comments about the Apple Watch launch are funny.

I thought Apple already made it clear that the Apple Watch launch was a one-time thing... I would think, mostly driven by low stock numbers and the fact it's the first product that has 30 different versions of the same product and could only guess at what was going to be popular... so why not let the on-line orders drive the builds.

Side note: Why Apple didn't make watch and watch bands separate SKU's from the beginning is beyond me? Would have made SKU management much easier.

To me it's clear, the complexity of the launch and the low stock numbers of completed product is what dictated the launch approach. The iPhone is very different and there's tons of history here to know how many to make of the different models before it launches.

I would expect an early September announcement and late september/early october release.

 

[MH01]

The debates and comments about the Apple Watch launch are funny.

I thought Apple already made it clear that the Apple Watch launch was a one-time thing... I would think, mostly driven by low stock numbers and the fact it's the first product that has 30 different versions of the same product and could only guess at what was going to be popular... so why not let the on-line orders drive the builds.

Side note: Why Apple didn't make watch and watch bands separate SKU's from the beginning is beyond me? Would have made SKU management much easier.

To me it's clear, the complexity of the launch and the low stock numbers of completed product is what dictated the launch approach. The iPhone is very different and there's tons of history here to know how many to make of the different models before it launches.

I would expect an early September announcement and late september/early october release.

don't you think it weird to purchase a watch without a strap? And therefore why apple did not go that route? people want to use a product from day one.

 

[Swift]

Just order it online. That's what Apple want you to do. Who wants to line up for hours on end? Most of us have jobs to go to and stuff to do.

As long as you order early you should get it on launch day, as per every other iPhone launch.

The Watch launch was different because there were so many SKUs to it. Three different watches, many different materials, the bands-- and Tim Cook wasn't in charge of the production chain.

 

[bommai]

To everyone that thinks Ming is a man. She is a WOMAN. Please change "he" to "she" when referring to her.
Here is a picture of her!!

 

[2457282]

you order online as soon as the store opens like every other loyal Fanboy and receive it on launch date. Worked for me for the Apple watch.

If you are referring to turning up to a physical store everyday, joining a line of people, in the hope they might have the model you want, for me that is a complete waste of time.

did not work for me. I ordered on-line as you said on day 1 and it arrived on 5/15.

 

[69650]

You'd think that with only one iPhone event per year they'd manage it rather well (they may introduce more than one model, but it's all done in one shot); furthermore, the delay between the announce and the moment it gets in the hands of customers is already too long as it is - manufacturers work well in advance before the new models are announced, that's not an issue.

I don't think that's why iPad sales are dropping, tablets sales are down overall because tablet innovations have slowed down a lot and people don't need to upgrade every year.

Fair point. Maybe the extra time between announce and release is to help the accessory makers. Try to stop them buying stolen specs and releasing cases way too early. That seems to be were most of the leaked specs come from. The extra time gives them the chance to design and manufacture the cases so they can bring them to market not long after the iPhone is released.

 

[Popeye206]

don't you think it weird to purchase a watch without a strap? And therefore why apple did not go that route? people want to use a product from day one.

I didn't say sell it without a strap... but if when you ordered you got two boxes (one for the watch and one for the strap) would it really be that hard to assemble yourself? And, they could have made a standard strap that by default comes with the Watch size and finish you purchase, but allowed you to upgrade your band when ordering for additional money. Again, then they could have went wild just building a standard Apple Watch SKU for each size and finish letting the bands be a separate upgrade for those who wanted something else than the standard band.

However, as I type this, That is really not the Apple way. They want one box = one complete product. Clean and simple for the end user.

So there ya go... I talked myself out of my own idea.

 

[heartlegs]

I will get this phone if it doesn't bend.

 

[Col4bin]

Sure… We read these same "stories" every year. The only way Apple pulls in schedule is if they truly felt pressure from the competition. (Judging from the iPhone 6/6+ overall demand, sales figures, and Android to iPhone conversions this past year alone, I don't think Apple has anything to worry about.)

 

[bpeeps]

No, he's saying there going to move forward the iPhone upgrade cycle to announce in August and release early Sept (presumably the first Friday in Sept which is the 4th). This follows a recent pattern of announcing new products and key updates approx a month in advance to allow a longer time to mass produce as many as possible before launch date.

The current upgrade cycle with the iPhone is crazy as they don't allow sufficient time between announce and release to manufacture enough of them for launch day leaving a lot of unhappy customers. It also crahses into the iPad upgrade cycle of Oct/Nov which might partly explain the iPads dramatic drop in sales.

Hopefully moving the iPhone release forward will help to reduce launch day shortages and allow the new iPad Pro time to launch without being overshadowed by the iPhone 6s.

Announcing a product and when they start the manufacturing process are not mutually exclusive.

 

[garylapointe]

Force touch?

I'm due for an upgrade this fall so the more features the better. I'd really like the 2GB RAM and a better camera is always nice.

I'd love force touch, but I'm not sure if we'll get that in a 6s update...
(I'd be happy to be wrong about that!)

Gary

 

[cocky jeremy]

As far as camera.. I don't care about 12 MP. I want some rumors on a killer sensor or an f/1.2 lens. THOSE would be amazing. 12 MP? Eh, who cares.

 

[rmatthewware]

Just order it online. That's what Apple want you to do. Who wants to line up for hours on end? Most of us have jobs to go to and stuff to do.

As long as you order early you should get it on launch day, as per every other iPhone launch.

Except the iPhone 5. That took over a month to deliver.

----------

Often-reliable Ming Chi Kuo is so reliable because he makes obvious predictions, and is constantly editing them when he's wrong.

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

Your comment sarcastically pointed out the flaws in their plans, I'm saying that's not a flaw in their plan.

Lets just say we disagree then. Only time will tell who is right and who isn't, and the proof (I'm putting this out there) can be if they do this kind (how the Watch debuted) again for a brand new product line.

To be fair on my proposal, next generations of products, which would favor my assertion, don't count. Only a brand new category (car, home devices, space ships, ...) count.

If they do a new launch category like this again, you're right, and if not, it tends to be me being correct. The only thing on this form of verification is that there's always the next product launch, so can we limit it to 10 years?

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

I'm beginning to think that Angela Ahrendts' retail strategy was an emergency move because of the problem with the apple watch they discovered late that caused the supply constraints.

So she's taking the hit for her strategy which may have been a cover for another issue. I also think Apple noticed the scalper issue with the 6 launch and didn't want that with the apple watch so her strategy helped with two problems.

That may well be right. As for scalpers, I really don't have a problem with them, per se. If they limited the quantities to 3 watches per person on launch day, that would mitigate the extreme cases of that activity, but it seems the more hurdles that are made to curb these activities, the better people get at it.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Labor Day comes late this year so maybe early in the week of the last week of Aug before the press goes on vacation. Maybe.

 

[viachicago22]

They usually announce them in September, not August.

Yeah no way it's happening this early.

 

[MH01]

I didn't say sell it without a strap... but if when you ordered you got two boxes (one for the watch and one for the strap) would it really be that hard to assemble yourself? And, they could have made a standard strap that by default comes with the Watch size and finish you purchase, but allowed you to upgrade your band when ordering for additional money. Again, then they could have went wild just building a standard Apple Watch SKU for each size and finish letting the bands be a separate upgrade for those who wanted something else than the standard band.

However, as I type this, That is really not the Apple way. They want one box = one complete product. Clean and simple for the end user.

So there ya go... I talked myself out of my own idea.

he he he, well I now see, you idea has merit though.

----------

did not work for me. I ordered on-line as you said on day 1 and it arrived on 5/15.

Was it the Space black?

 

[pokerplayer73]

The release announcement depends on when the iOS9 comes out of Beta. Could be August 25th at the earliest. Still looks like early September though.

With AT&T, you become eligible to upgrade after 24 months now. So, if it isn't early September(7-8, I think), I won't be able to order in the first wave. which will probably push my order to October timeframe. Damn you AT&T.

 

[seatton]

Apple and Mr. Cook,

As a loyal customer, shareholder and all around fanboy, please ensure that any future launch is consistent with the Apple history and experience. Any repeat of the HOT MESS that was made of the watch launch will certainly turn future customers off, and could even reduce your loyal fan base -- starting with this fan right here.

Thank you!
CM

I could not agree more.

 

[leo.andres.21]

Lets just say we disagree then. Only time will tell who is right and who isn't, and the proof (I'm putting this out there) can be if they do this kind (how the Watch debuted) again for a brand new product line.

To be fair on my proposal, next generations of products, which would favor my assertion, don't count. Only a brand new category (car, home devices, space ships, ...) count.

If they do a new launch category like this again, you're right, and if not, it tends to be me being correct. The only thing on this form of verification is that there's always the next product launch, so can we limit it to 10 years?

I said this is a new/different product launch, therefore the different approach and plan to it.

Addressing sales staff in an internal video published by Mac4Ever, retail chief Angela Ahrendts said the new selling process was "not an easy decision" but maintains Apple "loves our iconic, blockbuster launches that we have in store...have absolutely no fear, you will see those [again]."

Ahrendts added that the way the Watch is sold online "is not going to last forever...this is a unique time for us right now...I know all of this is new and you've been overwhelmed with a lot of new [sales] material".

Source: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/apple-reta...lt-iconic-iphone-launches-will-return-1497737

The new watch involves many different processes of manufacturing. Aside from the obvious fact that the Sports model will be the most popular, Apple does not have any data on watches colour preferences and bands colour preferences. They also do not know exactly how many people will be interested in the watch itself. So should they produce tons and face weak demands?

What if they produce less than they can at launch to test demand but then demand exceed them, what if this demand is only in the beginning and will fall later on? They are certainly not going to use all of their production power to build up inventories in the case demand falls in a month or so. Like just recently, Tim Cook announced Watch will be available in retail stores in June. So demand has now subsided and to boost demand and encourage impulse buy, they stock up watches in store.

I think Apple has a plan and it is working for them. Just saying.

 

[Glideslope]

I better get to att and start paying off this 6+ so I'm ready

Good Idea. The 6s will be sweet.