Munster predicts new iPhones
April 1st 2008
IGM's own checks and widespread reports indicate Apple's having notable difficulty maintaining stock of the iPhone, especially the 16GB model.
Piper Jaffary's Gene Munster has noticed (News.com) the Apple Stores' lack of stock, too--at least 20 of Apple's 180 US stores are sold out of the iPhone.
"We are working to replenish iPhone supplies as quickly as we can," Apple spokesman Steve Dowling is quoted as saying (Bloomberg). "Our stores continue to receive shipments almost every day."
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From this information, Munster has surmised that Apple's preparing to launch new models--he's 80 percent sure that's the case. He also says there's a 20-percent chance it's a manufacturing glitch.
Lastly, he believes there will be three iPhone models January 2009 to broaden the product's appeal.
A phone too far
There's a lot of speculation that the approach of a product update means the 3G iPhone. However, given the apparent fact that the 3G contract has just been signed, it would seem more than a little early for 3G product to be arriving any time soon, let alone soon enough to correct widespread shortages.
Further, News.com also adds the poignant fact that offering a 3G iPhone for sale would require FCC approval and that's something Apple hasn't asked for--ie an application is public information.
Thereupon, assuming Apple is planning an update, my money's still on a storage capacity boost and a price cut for low-end models with a mind to clearing them out...
What's your take?
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