Are Rumors of a Fall iPhone 5 Launch a Ploy to Keep iPhone 4 Sales Strong?

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Posted April 8, 2011 at 12:32pm by iClarified

Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities believes that the iPhone 5 could still launch in June/July, according to an AppleInsider report.

White says Apple is keeping its iPhone 5 plans especially secret to prevent a falloff in demand.

"Apple is keeping its iPhone 5 cards extra close to the vest on this launch to avoid a falloff in iPhone 4 demand ahead of a refresh, especially given the February launch of the CDMA iPhone 4 with Verizon."

"Although we do not have a smoking gun that definitively rules out a delayed autumn unveiling or one that supports a launch this summer, there is a pattern of activity in motion with the supply chain that makes us question a delayed launch," he said.

Interestingly, White suggests the disaster in Japan may actually help Apple as suppliers will "rush to support Apple at the expense of competitors." A recent DigiTimes report said Apple has agreed to absorb the increase in production costs faced by Japanese component suppliers.

Many believe that unlike the tablet market Apple is losing its lead in the smartphone battle and cannot afford to delay the launch of a new device.

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Are Rumors of a Fall iPhone 5 Launch a Ploy to Keep iPhone 4 Sales Strong?

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Miki - April 9, 2011 at 3:50am

I think that Apple can't make enough of them, so thats the real issue. Don't know about USA, but in Europe you still have to wait a month to get it.

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Adam - April 8, 2011 at 1:54pm

Good!!!

iceblu121 - April 8, 2011 at 12:45pm

how is apple loosing the smartphone battle? they only sell 1 phone with the OS as the others like android which is really its only competitor have many many diffrent handsets so u cant clearly say that apple is loosing when they only make but 1 phone.

Frank - April 8, 2011 at 12:51pm

They are falling behind in terms of technology. No NFC, no dual core, no 1080, only 5mp, limited storage, etc, etc. They are also areas in which iOS is weak. Ie. Especially notifications. Other manufacturers are starting to catch up if not surpass the iPhone in terms of features. It makes sense that apple would want the iPhone to stay ahead of the curve.

Tunger - April 8, 2011 at 1:36pm

First off, just because they only make one phone, doesn't mean you can't make a judgment about there position in the market. Secondly, one of the key ways to view the smartphone market is OS market share, and if you look at those numbers, you will see the issue. Look at the chart here: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/microsoftpri0/2014719538_android_blowing_past_iphone_on_smartphones.html So to answer your question, that's how.

i - April 8, 2011 at 7:10pm

NO ONE would like the LOCKED iphone and and have to wait for long time for the UNLOCK and JAILBREAK.

Jim James - April 8, 2011 at 8:20pm

First off, Apple sells 5 different models (3GS: 8, 16, & 32gb, 4: 16 & 32 gb) and they all have unique features to them. As for number of models and sales, I can't really see them selling more if they sold even mire models. Why would they? All Android models ate basically the same. As for offering a wider price range, Apple already does this. Their cheapest model is the 3GS 8 gb refurb for $19. Anyone can afford this price point.

Notch - April 8, 2011 at 10:32pm

Jim, what features are unique to each model you describe? I thought they were identical, except for a memory upgrade.

Jim James - April 9, 2011 at 1:10pm

I still stick to the fact that different amounts of storage are unique attributes. Having your whole music library on your iphone makes a completely different iphone that one that only has 25% of your music on it. That said, even if you don't think so, the iPhone 4 and 3GS are completely different phones. Even though they are supposed to have the same iOS, there are many features even Apple does not allow the 3GS to have (I.e. Custom backgrounds, find my iPhone, etc.). Neverthelss, having, let's say, 10-15 different models all coming out once per year is not going to cause more sales. Having a new model come out every other month would in fact lead to more sales because they would have updated technology in them. But, it is Apple's well thought out choice not to do this. Having up to 12 month-old technology on the market is going to lead stagnant sales after the 6-month mark every year. But, it's still their choice. Google is not forcing this release schedule on them.