Delay announced for white iPhone 4 launch
Published: 26 July 2010
By MoneyHighStreet Staff 2 Comments
Updated: 26 July 2010
Apple released a statement late last Friday that the launch of the white iPhone 4 will be delayed until “later this year”.
Dismaying their customers who were eagerly awaiting the white iPhone 4 handsets, there was little comfort from Apple that the delay would be a short one. The statement was brief, and the reason given that the handset has “continued to be more challenging to manufacture than we originally expected”.
It was only one week prior to this announcement that CEO Steve Jobs stated that the white iPhone 4 would be available at the end of July.
So why the delay? Some reports are suggesting that Apple wants to “buy some time” to improve the antenna design. Some customers who have reported reception issues have been offered free iPhone ‘Bumpers’ and many think Apple want to assess whether these are effective before releasing the white iPhones.
However, according to the Chinese newspaper 21st Century Business Herald, the problem stems from a Chinese factory called Lens Technology, which is responsible for manufacturing the iPhone glass panels. They are still struggling to find the perfect balance of paint thickness and opacity. The first prototype white covers were slightly darker than the iPhone 4 dock, so they are striving to make the covers ‘whiter’ to meet Apple’s rigorous specification.
Despite the glitches, demand for the black iPhone 4 continues to outstrip supply and production of the black iPhone 4s is unaffected. Over 3 million units have been sold since its launch, and Apple’s online store is currently showing a 3 week shipping delay.
Another setback once again for Apple it will be interesting to see what’s next in the news regarding iPhone issues (antenna, manufacturing and now service charges) and their steps to refund cases won’t make up for the iPhone 4′s lack of function over form.
It’s a shame to see so many issues with the iPhone 4 after so many people waited for it’s release. What’s more of a shame is that it seems Apple knew about some of these issues already, such as the problem with reception.
But Apple have created such a loyal following that people may just put up with what issues there are for the sake of owning the latest Apple product.
Personally, I’d be happier with an older iPhone – at least then the issues are all ironed out.
However, it’s also interesting to see how much excitement new technologies can bring. New technology and innovation is important for new business, illustrated by entrepreneurship grants and new business competitions like http://www.ukesnc.com.
Guess it’s not all bad!
“Personally, I’d be happier with an older iPhone – at least then the issues are all ironed out.”
Yes, there is a lot of sense in that, particularly with Three offering the iPhone 3GS for £25 a month