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Steve Jobs-Holding Back
- Thread starter Wide opeN
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I agree with you, Steve would never settle and most likely caused people tremendous anxiety. "this is the best we can do" was not something he settled for, product was so important, it had to be to his satisfaction.
He had an amazing way of making this is the best we can do...into you can do better. We shall see in the long run if pushing to the last second for the absolute best, was better than we settled on a few things so we can meet demand.
I prefer limited supplies and having extra time to perfect thing even more.
Still, it's a different product than the iphone which was still crazy with the launch of the 4s, even with pre order. I don't think Steve influenced that launch even though he only died shortly beforehand. He had relinquished his control months before and if you know anyone who's suffering from pancreatic cancer (I lost a friend 2 months ago) he was very incoherent long before he passed.
Tim Cook has been running things for some time now!
You are correct. Look at any hot electronic product launch. There is always a supply issue in the beginning. The reason is you get tons of press for the shortage and you create a panic and artificial need in the minds of the consumer. It is a retail psychology ploy. But I think Tim Cook believes Apple does not need it and used his amazing skills in logistics to pull off a sick launch. Tim Cook is the Steve Jobs of logistics.
On the iPad 3 launch day Apple brought FedEx to its knees in the US. That is impressive!
Clearly Tim has done a brilliant job on the new iPad launch, but I think the most important factor is that they chose a launch date far enough in the future that it allowed them to have a few million already made. Of course, luck is probably part of it. Had they had any glitches in the process this launch may not have been as successful.
There is zero evidence that Apple currently 'settles on a few things to meet demand' whereas 12 months ago 'they pushed to the last second for the absolute best'. They've improved their ability to meet demand, that's it.
EDIT: This reads like brilliant FUD - start spreading the idea that Apple is now 'settling' when it comes to product design and quality.
I think this is right, and Apple just hit its stride with the iPad 3. However, I do acknowledge the possibility that, if anyone at Apple would've subscribed to the theory that people would wait in lines--no matter how long--to get their iPads, it would've been Jobs. I think Cook is less likely to believe that, and more interested in a smooth product launch.
In other words, Steve didn't care about logistical problems so much whereas Cook cares a great deal, and maybe that is partly the reason for the smoother launch this time. As CEO, Steve would have set the priorities. But now Cook sets the priorities, so that could make a difference.
this makes the most sense. Apple had 2 iPad launches to learn from. The idea that they would hold product back to create artificial demand is unrealistic.
I tend to agree with Leo Laporte's analysis of that question - I think that Apple would sell all they had available, no matter how many that was. I don't think there's anything artificial about that demand .
I don't quite follow your meaning in your comment above "that one could casually go about receiving such said device without worry or panic in person after the release of the device.". Can you parse that out a little more? I'm having trouble sorting out your meaning.
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It never occurred to you that it might take 3 more months to rebuild inventory to the point where quantities could be available again in all the countries in which it was sold?
Apple has increased its factory operations, increased its factory worker base, and simply put, they can "crank out" more of these puppies in a much shorter period of time. Apple started producing the iPad 3 units around the beginning of this year (2012) and had a significant ready inventory by the March 7th introduction, ready to ship immediately, in all models, colors, and sizes. They had prepared for the launch with enough units to handle the demand, simply, and there were (and still are) little if no problems in obtaining one (now) due to Apple's preparedness and readiness for the demand at launch.
It has taken awhile for Apple to "get it right" in this respects, and you may be able to credit Cook for the decisions as CEO for making the logistics happen in a smooth way for the iPad 3 launch, and for Apple's preparedness for the demand. iPad 1 and 2 were a different story, along with the iPhone 4 as well. We should count on Apple to maintain this level of excellency from this point forward, given (if) they have figured all things out by now, which it looks like they have.
It has taken awhile for Apple to "get it right" in this respects, and you may be able to credit Cook for the decisions as CEO for making the logistics happen in a smooth way for the iPad 3 launch, and for Apple's preparedness for the demand. iPad 1 and 2 were a different story, along with the iPhone 4 as well. We should count on Apple to maintain this level of excellency from this point forward, given (if) they have figured all things out by now, which it looks like they have.
Preorders? Was only like a week before launch. They made that many more in a week just for the stores? If they have 'x' amount of units made, divided between preorders and store, it still equals 'x'?
Usually pre-orders go a few months before hand, not 1 week to guarantee an item. Cause if they had that many total, preorder was a waste of time.
Maybe they held off launching the thing until they knew they had enough made to cover demand. Cause Apple knows their stuff sells, and won't just sit on shelf if they made too many. Maybe before they launched a product early before they had enough made just to get the buzz out?
So before, they just didn't make enough units for the launch...I think. That's why we waited for months to get...(iPhone or iPad).
Usually pre-orders go a few months before hand, not 1 week to guarantee an item. Cause if they had that many total, preorder was a waste of time.
Maybe they held off launching the thing until they knew they had enough made to cover demand. Cause Apple knows their stuff sells, and won't just sit on shelf if they made too many. Maybe before they launched a product early before they had enough made just to get the buzz out?
So before, they just didn't make enough units for the launch...I think. That's why we waited for months to get...(iPhone or iPad).
I agree, It's two different approaches, and I will not say Steve was 100% right in his approach, but you can't argue with Steve's success, it's going to be very interesting to watch Tim's moves, priorities, and timing.
It's clearly Tim Cook's Apple now, I can say I am impressed with Tim Cooks Control, never expected such a strong influence this early. In a very short time you can see he is not leaning on the past which is good and bad, (to me) Stock buy backs, dividends, employee charity programs, these were not something Steve was interested in, Steve never went with what the Wall Street crowed wanted to a fault. He did not like buy backs at all, but Tim is more in line with corporate, that is what he came from, first year implementation of these 3 moves is very telling, as was the smooth product launch.
Interesting discussion. There was, indisputably, some measure of past marketing value in all of the news stories on long lines at Apple outlets for previous devices- but that kind of publicity is indeed a double-edged sword, even if you could never pay to get that much publicity.
I don't think anyone involved in marketing at Apple is delusional enough to think lots of publicity but unhappy consumers and low volumes trumps actual sales volumes like those of the new iPad. It was more of a silver lining in the cloud of slow supply. Cash in the bank always beats buzz.
With that said, there's no doubt in my mind that Apple was building at least some of the pre-order devices right up into the first days of the preorder process. I could of course be incorrect, but my "sample of one" was finished and shipped from Shenzen shortly after the preorders opened up (serial number decryption indicates build date).
Of course other units certainly were built well in advance, proven by the fact that many preorder customers posting here indicated domestic US origination tracking on their orders almost immediately after order placement.
I placed my order about 8 hours after the launch announcement, and it went perfectly smoothly with shipment from Shenzen completed within 48 hours of the order placement, arrival at the USA UPS hub two days later, and delivery at 9:30 AM on the 16th. THAT is impressive from a logistics standpoint.
The real proof of all this pudding will be what happens with launch of the next iPhone. With potentially 5-8 times the order volume (or more) it will be tough for Apple to match its performance with the new iPad shipments.
THAT will bring FedEx, UPS and DHL to their collective knees if nothing else will.
It will be a real challenge for Apple to maintain security when building 30 million iPhone "5"s far enough in advance to match this feat. It will be interesting to see when actual parts and pieces start "leaking".
I don't think anyone involved in marketing at Apple is delusional enough to think lots of publicity but unhappy consumers and low volumes trumps actual sales volumes like those of the new iPad. It was more of a silver lining in the cloud of slow supply. Cash in the bank always beats buzz.
With that said, there's no doubt in my mind that Apple was building at least some of the pre-order devices right up into the first days of the preorder process. I could of course be incorrect, but my "sample of one" was finished and shipped from Shenzen shortly after the preorders opened up (serial number decryption indicates build date).
Of course other units certainly were built well in advance, proven by the fact that many preorder customers posting here indicated domestic US origination tracking on their orders almost immediately after order placement.
I placed my order about 8 hours after the launch announcement, and it went perfectly smoothly with shipment from Shenzen completed within 48 hours of the order placement, arrival at the USA UPS hub two days later, and delivery at 9:30 AM on the 16th. THAT is impressive from a logistics standpoint.
The real proof of all this pudding will be what happens with launch of the next iPhone. With potentially 5-8 times the order volume (or more) it will be tough for Apple to match its performance with the new iPad shipments.
THAT will bring FedEx, UPS and DHL to their collective knees if nothing else will.
It will be a real challenge for Apple to maintain security when building 30 million iPhone "5"s far enough in advance to match this feat. It will be interesting to see when actual parts and pieces start "leaking".
There is insufficient evidence to say the smooth product launch is because Tim Cook has a different approach than that of Steve Jobs. It's post hoc confirmation bias at its best.
There in lies the rub! If you read the biography that Walter Isacson did about Jobs last year there are plenty of stories in it of him changing a lot of stuff at the last minute. This time that wasn't an issue and remember all those rumors about iPad 3 production starting way back in early December? Running the production lines for three months prior to launch meant even more product available for sale and thus being able to meet launch demands in a timely fashion.
I'd be willing to bed we'll see more smooth product launches from here on out. And remember, during that dividend call on Monday Tim Cook said they had plenty of products already set up in the pipeline. Without any major last minute changes (i.e. Steve Jobs method) we'll probably start picking up rumors of the new iPhone being produced in a few months with a lunch in October.
This thread is definitely a case of two is better than one.
With our collective heads the truth is starting to be revealed layer by layer.
We've ascertained at the very least that:
1. Tim Cook has a personality.
2. Steve Jobs probably was responsible for 1or 2 unsmooth launches.
3. iPad (3)is the smoothest launch to date.
The devil will be in the new iPhone details.
With our collective heads the truth is starting to be revealed layer by layer.
We've ascertained at the very least that:
1. Tim Cook has a personality.
2. Steve Jobs probably was responsible for 1or 2 unsmooth launches.
3. iPad (3)is the smoothest launch to date.
The devil will be in the new iPhone details.
I don't think this had anything to do with Jobs. Apple has struggled to meet deman at new product launches for years, but with each one they get better. I have no doubt in my mind that Apple would love to have enough units on hand to sell one to everyone who wants one with no delay.
Also, iPad is now a mature product. The production schedules are worked out well in advance. It seems that the serious supply issues tend to center on brand new products or major redesigns of existing ones.
Also, iPad is now a mature product. The production schedules are worked out well in advance. It seems that the serious supply issues tend to center on brand new products or major redesigns of existing ones.
unlike the iPhone, which, when they add new hardware, everything has to be redesigned inside because its so tight (yes, even when they're keeping the same case).
There's room to maneuver inside an iPad, and so it wouldn't be surprising to me if they were able to keep at least part of the fab process from the iPad 2 when making this one, allowing them to churn them out more quickly from the get-go
There's room to maneuver inside an iPad, and so it wouldn't be surprising to me if they were able to keep at least part of the fab process from the iPad 2 when making this one, allowing them to churn them out more quickly from the get-go
I went to Best Buy the day it came out when the store opened, there were like 5 people in line
canceled my Apple.com pre order immediately afterwards
canceled my Apple.com pre order immediately afterwards
It is not hard to believe that Apple made artificial shortages in order to drive up demand, I remember Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft doing it during the consoles releases in 2005.
Some people still hold jobs on an untouchable cloud and anything suggesting things are better without him cuts a little too deep...but I feel that (despite the tragic circumstances and with all due respect) that a fresh perspective is good sometimes.
I for one did not preorder until a week after, and I did not think for a second I could just waltz into a best buy 8 hours after stores opened and walk out with a new pad of the model I wanted. But I did...and props to whomever was responsible for the increased supply.
(edit-actually I sent my parents to their local best buy after I called a few stores, but the point is that I wouldn't have thought it was possible).
I for one did not preorder until a week after, and I did not think for a second I could just waltz into a best buy 8 hours after stores opened and walk out with a new pad of the model I wanted. But I did...and props to whomever was responsible for the increased supply.
(edit-actually I sent my parents to their local best buy after I called a few stores, but the point is that I wouldn't have thought it was possible).
I don't believe Tim as CEO had anything to do with the smoothness as others suggest. Because he was the former Chief of Operations the operations and logistics of the iPad production and future launches will go better now that he is CEO? That makes tons of sense lol.
Apple is just becoming more experienced as their tech launches grow and demand more.
Apple is just becoming more experienced as their tech launches grow and demand more.
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