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Apple's Focus on Product Secrecy Thwarted by its Massive Supply Chain

adeedew said:
having ALL details of the iphone 5 leaked so far in advance of the actual announcement was a real bum out
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Agreed. One thing I've always appreciated about Apple is their "here's our new product, order it tomorrow" delivery. I hate reading about an impressive new product only to find out it's not available until late next year....

I know I could restore SOME measure of that by staying off MacRumors sites, but at least in the case of Apple, we're usually only a few weeks/months away from launch when the juicy leaks come out. Still better than an official announcement 6+ months in advance. AND, as mentioned in this thread, there are usually surprises on the software front to compliment the unveiling.
 
The only "double" secret this year is Imac and MacMini.
Some one says the new Imac will sport a teardrop design..,
i hope Apple won't make sport us a "double teardrop" in our face tomorrow.
Please Cook its been a long long wait,don't fry our trust.
 
stevedun said:
Agreed. One thing I've always appreciated about Apple is their "here's our new product, order it tomorrow" delivery. I hate reading about an impressive new product only to find out it's not available until late next year....

I know I could restore SOME measure of that by staying off MacRumors sites, but at least in the case of Apple, we're usually only a few weeks/months away from launch when the juicy leaks come out. Still better than an official announcement 6+ months in advance. AND, as mentioned in this thread, there are usually surprises on the software front to compliment the unveiling.
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I'm guessing you never have to save your money so that you can purchase said new device; must be nice.
 
mtrctyjoe said:
I remember reading this article ... and I am beginning to think that this might be true... http://www.forbes.com/sites/connieguglielmo/2012/04/17/apples-secret-plan-for-its-cash-stash/
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That's a really interesting article and somewhat similar to what BMW does on the motor industry side. BMW develops, owns and has total control over the tooling equipment that external suppliers use to make components.

This means:
- BMW has control over quality of production made with the tools,
- BMW can chose when to introduce model changes (i.e. tooling changes) without having to involve the supplier too much,
- BMW can develop prototypes before the tooling is shipped to the supplier, and
- there is less chance of early leakage of new designs.
 
Why bother with secrecy?...will people not buy the product if they see it prior to retail release?....the parts are protected by patent months before production.....so does it really matter?
 
timcullis said:
That's a really interesting article and somewhat similar to what BMW does on the motor industry side. BMW develops, owns and has total control over the tooling equipment that external suppliers use to make components.

This means:
- BMW has control over quality of production made with the tools,
- BMW can chose when to introduce model changes (i.e. tooling changes) without having to involve the supplier too much,
- BMW can develop prototypes before the tooling is shipped to the supplier, and
- there is less chance of early leakage of new designs.
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Hopefully they are using something better than Symantecs DLP tool.
 
OrangeSVTguy said:
Build them all here in the USA in one giant factory.
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As much as I'd love for that to happen, I'm sure Apple would lose a lot of money doing so. Higher wages would have to be paid and it's likely that build quality may go down a bit.
 
I think it's in part because the rumors are so fun. This company tries so hard to keep everything on lockdown, just like a magician trying to guard their sleight of hand, that part of the fun is just tying to show what they're actually doing.

I don't follow any other companies like I do apple--even others where I own stock--so I can't say whether apple's efforts are that exceptional, but it certainly seems like they're creating the conditions they complain about.

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Antares said:
An Apple computer is not just a computer. Once you learn that, you will understand the secrecy involved with them. The reason why the culture and community exists around Apple products.
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An apple computer is exactly that. Whatever other culture springs up around it is something different.
 
henrystar said:
Hit a nerve on the iMac, my wife's just totalled and we don't know whether to just buy another or wait wait wait but she really does need a computer. Hope to heck in a few days we'll get the good news?
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Get her an MBP or so, no need to wait.

Does she really need a stationary computer these days?

I find the best of both worlds is to have:

MBP

extra monitor (size you need) stationary at a desk
extra keyboard (same desk)
touch pad (or whatever you prefer, same desk)

With that set up I can work anywhere I like and hook up or unhook my MBP.
 
gugy said:
That's not true. Even on CNN, Time, etc there are news of a possible iPad Mini outcome.

No wonder folks get all bummed out when the keynote happens and they are not surprise by the products.
I wish some of that secrecy and anticipation could come back.
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Dude, please.

I would rather be bummed about Keynote (which is boring anyway without Steve) b/c I know what they will announce... if it means I know many months in advance so I can avoid buying outdated product.


:rolleyes:
 
I don't mind stuff leaking. It keeps expectations down (to a degree). Otherwise you have huge hype with everyone dreaming up insane potential products, only to be disappointed and pissed off when the actual announcement brings them down to earth. That's what used to happen every year at Macworld.
 
OrangeSVTguy said:
Build them all here in the USA in one giant factory.
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That might be able to prevent photos, but you'd still have verbal leaks of at least some of the specs. People see the devices, there's no way to stop people from leaking descriptions.

The only way to prevent leaks would be to not start manufacture until after the announcement, and that would result in a huge gap or major supply constraints for a long time. In the case of hardware that has millions of units available on release day, leaks just can't be prevented, period.
 
A secret in the chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. The chain has many weak links. The internet being the biggest and weakest of all. ;)
 
Reminds me of the predictions that we were supposed to be living in 'the leisure age' these days!
 
Bring back your manufacturing

How much more money do u need in the bank Apple
People need jobs here NOT China Maybe you would not have so many product and parts leaks if u manufactured here Time for a change!!!!
 
justinfreid said:
I wouldn't be surprised if Foxconn mandated that its employees work in underground "product secrecy lairs" for a year or so at a time to keep Apple's goods under wraps.
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Ohhhh you want to go to Starbucks and it take you to Dunkin Donut? Ohhhh you want to go to Macy and it bring you to JC Penny? That must be soooo hard. I guess we're lucky because we sleep where we work... :D Love that SNL skit.
 
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