Why so secrative?

[Ayman250]

Why does apple insist on being so secretive about the new iPhone 5. It's understandable they don't want to forget a prototype at a bar but wouldn't a slight hint at a release date or an "accidental" slip of information be helpful. It would keep us occupied (which isn't to say they care how occupied we are.)and prevent the impatient ones from seeking out alternatives. Not to mention it would add a lot of buzz outside the community of rumor seekers, so regular folk could be prepared to clear up some room in their budget, that might hike up sails a bit.

 

[ECUpirate44]

Apple doesn't need to add any more hype than there already is..

 

[Ayman250]

Apple doesn't need to add any more hype than there already is..

That is true, however they could secure potential customers by showing that a release in the near future is imminent.

 

[nostresshere]

Argue all you want about what would work best, but Apple is laughing all the way to the bank. Having almost $100 BILLION in the bank can not be all wrong.

Meanwhile, how in the world does Apple keep it all so secret? That is just amazing as there must be a ton of people that know what the new phone will look like and do.

 

[cyks]

That is true, however they could secure potential customers by showing that a release in the near future is imminent.

...and by doing so, they'd lose any customers currently buying the iPhone 4.

 

[Geckotek]

wouldn't a slight hint at a release date or an "accidental" slip of information be helpful.

What do you think the WSJ article was?

 

[vitzr]

Apple doesn't need to add any more hype than there already is..

Actually it's Apple that is the master of hype, smoke and mirrors at the keynotes.

They also fuel it for months and weeks (via leaks) leading up to the event.

Make no mistake, they are not selling the massive number of devices without creating an insatiable demand unlike any other company.

I don't know of any other company that would claim a product is...

"Magical and Revolutionary"

I give Jobs a lot of credit, he created a cult like following and seemingly unstoppable world wide demand for anything with an Apple logo.

Quite the accomplishment.

 

[wickerman1893]

It's all great for marketing. One of the great reasons they are so profitable today.

 

[sulpfiction]

...and by doing so, they'd lose any customers currently buying the iPhone 4.

6 of one, half dozen of the other. It makes no difference. If someone buys an ip4 now, chances are their not buying an iPhone 5 in a month or 2. And the people who are waiting for 5, aren't buying a phone until the 5 is released. I understand it from wanting to deplete inventory of ip4, but I'm sure they are not overloaded with inventory at this point. they are not, not announcing the new device because ip4's are still selling. It's a stale mate from that perspective. Adding a new device will only drive sales of both devices. There will be a whole demographic that will buy the ip4 because it will be discounted after the 5 is launched who wouldn't buy one now at full price. And we all know how sales of the 5 will be...record breaking.

 

[Ayman250]

Meanwhile, how in the world does Apple keep it all so secret? That is just amazing as there must be a ton of people that know what the new phone will look like and do.

You're right it continues to amaze me. I bet the punishments for revealing anything are pretty severe however.

 

[cyks]

6 of one, half dozen of the other. It makes no difference. If someone buys an ip4 now, chances are their not buying an iPhone 5 in a month or 2. And the people who are waiting for 5, aren't buying a phone until the 5 is released.

You're forgetting the 3rd group of people. Those who are currently waiting (and have been since June) who would gladly jump to another phone if they knew they'd have to continue waiting another month+.

 

[OMGbrandon]

Because iPhone 4's are still selling...

 

[old-wiz]

You're right it continues to amaze me. I bet the punishments for revealing anything are pretty severe however.

They suffer the wrath Steve, and tend to disappear off the face of the earth.

 

[boss.king]

Profit. It's pretty much the sole reason Apple operates the way they do. The less people know about a new product, the more likely they are to buy an existing one. All they have to do then is convince you that you want the new one as well (which they are pretty damn good at).

 

[SXR]

hike up sales? they already cant make enough of the stuff they make as it is.