Online Apple Stores run dry of iPhones

[AppleInsider]

Often seen as the last reliable sources for iPhones, Apple's online stores in the US and UK have stopped taking orders for any model of the device.

Visitors to the phone's section at either regional store are greeted with brief notices that both the 8GB and 16GB models are "Currently Unavailable," without any expectations set for when the iPhone will return for direct purchases.

The change follows multiple weeks during which the American website had already cited delays of between five to seven days for new orders.

Apple's shortfall for its direct channel is also the culmination of a slowly widening shortage that first became evident in late March, when stores in New York City began having trouble carrying the devices -- a supply problem which eventually spread to all US retail and has only been partly resolved in the near term.

European carrier and reseller stores, once thought to have been overstocked due to lackluster demand, have themselves seen a rush of sales after significant price cuts brought out previously reluctant buyers in the UK and Germany. O2 has claimed intermittent availability of even the full-price 16GB version in recent days.

For its part, Apple has said when discussing its latest financial results that it expects continued shortages in the near future, but perceives its supply problem as evidence of strong demand.

Most analysts and observers now estimate that Apple will only truly recover from the shortages with the launch of its next-generation iPhone, which is widely predicted to surface in June.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Berzerker]

3G iPhone is immenant. This Tuesday.

[BRussell]

Originally Posted by Berzerker

3G iPhone is immenant. This Tuesday.

Without any kind of press event to introduce it? Extremely unlikely.

[NasserAE]

Originally Posted by BRussell

Without any kind of press event to introduce it? Extremely unlikely.

Might turn out to be a 3G upgrade only!

[TednDi]

No.

Steve will roll out the phone with great fanfare.

It will not be this tuesday

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by NasserAE

Might turn out to be a 3G upgrade only!

Maybe, but still unlikely. I find it more likely that 3G iPhone will be announced at the WWDC and it will be released Friday, June 27th at 5pm. J think the reason the 2.5G version is unavailable is because they are discontinuing that model completely and under assumed the supply demands which were heightened by the EU telcos discounting the device.

[inkswamp]

Originally Posted by TednDi

No.

Steve will roll out the phone with great fanfare.

You're right. They only roll out the unimportant things without fanfare... you know, like computers.

[drjjones]

Can't imagine anybody would think it will be more than a few days that an iphone would be unavailable. A few is three or more . Maybe this will drive the prices up on ebay.

[Guscat]

I expected Apple to wait until next month to release the phones, but I also find it very hard to believe that they will be out of phones for roughly a month, almost 2 months if they don't release them until the end of June as so many people are speculating. Doing that would kill off so much of the phone's momentum.

[city]

iPhone didn't sell well and will be discontinued altogether!

[pooped]

Originally Posted by city

iPhone didn't sell well and will be discontinued altogether!

[sigs21]

Originally Posted by pooped

It does not matter when they release it.. the buzz will be nuts from the WSJ to CNN to local TV... but I am sure they will make a big deal of Version Number two...

Steve will milk all the free media he can get with out actually talking to the Media...

[anantksundaram]

If this is all true, the real story here is two things: (1) Stunningly good demand forecasting and inventory management (with consequently massive positive cash flow implications) - assuming iPhone 2.0 is less than a few weeks away; (2) Whoever says that that iPhone 1.0 wasn't a mega-hit is plainly clueless: Apple appears to have sold exactly the number they intended to. (I don't think that it was a supply adjustment on their part).

This is all just HUGE, folks. I am rethinking my decision to stop buying at $160 (although, I seriously doubt that I will reverse that decision).

[walshbj]

Apple is making it crystal-clear, don't buy an iPhone now, there's something better coming. They're being smart, trying to protect themselves from the crybabies wanting refunds. But watch, there will *still* be tears.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by inkswamp

You're right. They only roll out the unimportant things without fanfare... you know, like computers.

Nah. They are smart. They only roll out things to fanfare that justify, feed, feed on, and enhance the media hype (and the resultant free advertising).

In the process, they sell more computers too.

[Ireland]

32GB, 3G, OLED-screened iPhones with real GPS, front-facing camera, rear 3MP snapper with flash, better reception, 3 color choices and full aluminum shell all for $299

[sigs21]

Originally Posted by Guscat

I expected Apple to wait until next month to release the phones, but I also find it very hard to believe that they will be out of phones for roughly a month, almost 2 months if they don't release them until the end of June as so many people are speculating. Doing that would kill off so much of the phone's momentum.

EVERONE bought there MOM one here in the states...

3g by fathers Day

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by walshbj

Apple is making it crystal-clear, don't buy an iPhone now, there's something better coming. They're being smart, trying to protect themselves from the crybabies wanting refunds. But watch, there will *still* be tears.

That's not the reason. It's a psychological, marketing game. This is how they start the buzz, and I can wait cause I already have an iPhone

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by Guscat

I expected Apple to wait until next month to release the phones, but I also find it very hard to believe that they will be out of phones for roughly a month, almost 2 months if they don't release them until the end of June as so many people are speculating. Doing that would kill off so much of the phone's momentum.

WWDC is in exactly a month, not two months.

[orion99]

Stumbled across a 3G iPhone release in May rumor from a fews weeks ago.

[WakeCharlie]

I just checked and the local stores around here still have them. Apple is trying drive people into the stores to soak up those last drops of profit and to signal a warning, if you really want it now, know that another is coming out soon. Cheers.

[hobBIT]

Originally Posted by orion99

Stumbled across a 3G iPhone release in May rumor from a fews weeks ago.

That's a really interesting rumor! Thanks for digging this one up orion99!
It makes a lot of sense IMHO.

Everyone and their friend can guess what iPhone 2 will be like. The hardware will be evolutionary different and we've seen the OS demoed by Apple, there's even a public SDK. In a nutshell: not much to gain from introducing this with much fanfare again. That'll be a mild yawner. So it can be done via a simple press event somewhen in May.

On the other hand if Apple is really serious about establishing a mobile OS X platform, what better time than to introduce a third mobile device running it at WWDC? This would send a clear message to developers, that Apple is having big plans for mobile OS X. That it is not just for phones and music players, but a true new platform with already 3 kinds of devices, implying more to come.
That should persuade a few more developers to try the new platform! And it's all about the available software...

[poke]

I can't see Apple releasing the new iPhone before June. The 2.0 software is released in June so having new hardware before then would be silly. Would they release a 3G iPhone with the current 1.x OS?

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by poke

I can't see Apple releasing the new iPhone before June. The 2.0 software is released in June so having new hardware before then would be silly. Would they release a 3G iPhone with the current 1.x OS?

Not to be ignorant, but is there any reason they can't release the 2.0 software early too? Promise June, Deliver May--That in itself might make news for a computer company (I mean a tech company)...

[drjjones]

Originally Posted by Ireland

32GB, 3G, OLED-screened iPhones with real GPS, front-facing camera, rear 3MP snapper with flash, better reception, 3 color choices and full aluminum shell all for $299

I'll take 3 .

[aaarrrgggh]

Originally Posted by poke

I can't see Apple releasing the new iPhone before June. The 2.0 software is released in June so having new hardware before then would be silly. Would they release a 3G iPhone with the current 1.x OS?

Nothing says the new phones wouldn't have 2.0 and the upgrade for 1.0 phones isn't available until June.

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

Not to be ignorant, but is there any reason they can't release the 2.0 software early too? Promise June, Deliver May--That in itself might make news for a computer company (I mean a tech company)...

Yes, because it's not finished.

[gto65l]

Nintendo has already cashed in on the Out of Stock marketing strategy for the last year and a half. Nothing builds hype and press like not being able to find a product. As the shortage persists, more and more people will be talking about the iPhone again, wondering what the heck is going on, and I'm sure Steve will be more than happy to answer that question at the WWDC. The iPhone SDK, the iPhone 2.0, and one last thing (whatever it is, it will be cool, and everyone will want one).

[icfireball]

The iPhones will not ship until mid June, I think that much is certain. But I would find it extremely odd if Apple left a one month availability gap with no announcement. If the Apple intended on making the iPhone a big segment of WWDC, it would be rather difficult to move that up. That being said, we should hear some announcement about the iPhone in the next week or two even if it's just a non-specific teaser on their website to keep people interested.

Originally Posted by Ireland

32GB, 3G, OLED-screened iPhones with real GPS, front-facing camera, rear 3MP snapper with flash, better reception, 3 color choices and full aluminum shell all for $299

There really isn't a significant reason to have an OLED screen in the iPhone yet. The benefits of OLED-screens are (slightly) better power consumption, ability to have a flexible screen (not applicable for the iPhone), greater angle of view, more responsive, and true black and more accurate colors.

Greater angle of view doesn't really matter because the iPhone is a portable device and therefore can be moved easily to a good angle of view. Faster refresh rate doesn't really matter because the data storage isn't large enough for HD movies yet. The darker blacks and more accurate colors is nice, but it's not a very tangible improvement on such a small screen. The better power consumption isn't the most significant of all of the advantages, but again, the difference isn't that big with the current generation of OLED screens.

And the big disadvantage of OLED screens? Much shorter lifespan than LCDs.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Ireland

WWDC is in exactly a month, not two months.

The WWDC is, but if Apple follows it's release schedule from last year and using the AT&T vacation memo as a confirmation, it will be released in 8 weeks on June 27th @ 5pm.

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

Not to be ignorant, but is there any reason they can't release the 2.0 software early too? Promise June, Deliver May--That in itself might make news for a computer company (I mean a tech company)...

None at all, if the 2,0 software is released before the 3G iPhone it should entice even more people to stand in line for the 3G iPhone, especially if the 2G version is completely unavalable.

Originally Posted by gto65l

Nintendo has already cashed in on the Out of Stock marketing strategy for the last year and a half. Nothing builds hype and press like not being able to find a product. As the shortage persists, more and more people will be talking about the iPhone again, wondering what the heck is going on, and I'm sure Steve will be more than happy to answer that question at the WWDC. The iPhone SDK, the iPhone 2.0, and one last thing (whatever it is, it will be cool, and everyone will want one).

That only works up to a point. For every day you aren't selling an item you are losing revenue.

[MacTel]

Originally Posted by Ireland

32GB, 3G, OLED-screened iPhones with real GPS, front-facing camera, rear 3MP snapper with flash, better reception, 3 color choices and full aluminum shell all for $299

If only that were the new iPhone's hardware specs. Apple would have to up their 2009 sales forecast to 100,000,000.

I'm still hoping a flip version with 3 OLED screens and 2 high-rez cameras comes out, but that's just me.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by inkswamp

You're right. They only roll out the unimportant things without fanfare... you know, like computers.

That sounds a little pouty to me. And it's not really true, there isn't as much inconsistency as you suggest.

If the change is minor, like a speed "bump", it doesn't need fanfare. A 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz chip or other simple spec update isn't worth a press event. They didn't give the 16 GB iPhone or 32 GB Touch a press event. But when they change the ipods, they do have a press event. If a computer is redesigned or has a major change, then there's a press event or it is announced at a major gathering of some kind, like MacWorld SF or WWDC.

Besides, the computers are selling pretty well.

[desarc]

this MAY be a wii-like shortage that will boost press coverage and increase demand, but i think it's an honest underestimation of how well the current model would sell in it's last months. the idea that they're covering their butts from those who might buy version one the day before version two is released is another interesting theory. still, IMO they just grossly underestimated how quickly their remaining stock would sell... i wonder if they'll order another 100,000 to keep everyone fed for now - or is it already too late to do so.

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by desarc

this MAY be a wii-like shortage that will boost press coverage and increase demand, but i think it's an honest underestimation of how well the current model would sell in it's last months. the idea that they're covering their butts from those who might buy version one the day before version two is released is another interesting theory. still, IMO they just grossly underestimated how quickly their remaining stock would sell... i wonder if they'll order another 100,000 to keep everyone fed for now - or is it already too late to do so.

If they planned on having X amount to feed the desire of people, then they would have stopped production the day that they reached X amount. And if the iPhone is currently sold out then they're not going to order more because more than likely they're using that same assembly line for the newer iPhone and will no longer make the olders one.

[Delfoniq]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Apple's online stores in the US and UK have stopped taking orders for any model of the device.

This makes sense. Apple has completely dried up it's current 1st generation iPhone stock starting May 9, 2008 so that people can't return their old iPhone demanding a full refund.

Anyone has any doubt that they will start selling the 2nd generation iPhone even earlier than June 9, 2008

BTW I broke the story first at 4 am this morning, about 8 hours before AI did!

http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?t=86834

Ready to capitalize on my tax stimulus rebate

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by icfireball

The iPhones will not ship until mid June, I think that much is certain. But I would find it extremely odd if Apple left a one month availability gap with no announcement. If the Apple intended on making the iPhone a big segment of WWDC, it would be rather difficult to move that up. That being said, we should hear some announcement about the iPhone in the next week or two even if it's just a non-specific teaser on their website to keep people interested.



There really isn't a significant reason to have an OLED screen in the iPhone yet. The benefits of OLED-screens are (slightly) better power consumption, ability to have a flexible screen (not applicable for the iPhone), greater angle of view, more responsive, and true black and more accurate colors.

Greater angle of view doesn't really matter because the iPhone is a portable device and therefore can be moved easily to a good angle of view. Faster refresh rate doesn't really matter because the data storage isn't large enough for HD movies yet. The darker blacks and more accurate colors is nice, but it's not a very tangible improvement on such a small screen. The better power consumption isn't the most significant of all of the advantages, but again, the difference isn't that big with the current generation of OLED screens.

And the big disadvantage of OLED screens? Much shorter lifespan than LCDs.

You completely misstate the benefits of an OLED screen. Firstly these screens are much thinner, they don't need a back light and stand to use a lot less power. Power consumption is probably the most important metric for handhelds since it affects size and usability. They are also much more attractive than than LCD screens. And the life span issues don't really count on a handheld device since so one is expecting to use them for 10 years.

But having said that, OLED manufacturing isn't really up to scratch, so I can't see Apple or any other volume seller of gadgets using them right now.

[GavinScrimgeour]

Apple have made quite a gamble introducing themselves into the Mobile Phone market, however most electrical companies are doing this now.

It is however a bold move for Apple, but they were inevitably going to invent something dead cool to expand their Empire further.

As with mobile phones these days, they are no longer an exclusive text and phone communications device. Nowadays they have MP3 players, GPS, loudspeakers, Bluetooth, WIFI etc, therefore fusing an ipod with a phone, is going to be a winner and has been.

Apple have to make a big song and dance about their Mark II iphone, as they need a platform to look back and say to people, “look at what we have accomplished and look at the improved version – aren’t we clever”.

They need to appeal to a wider market, i.e. business users and the younger generation. I believe it would be a mistake to limit the phone to only one provider as we have here in the UK.

And where the hell is the new Mac mini????????????????

Hang on!

Mac Mini and iphone?

Oh God – you can see where this is heading!

I can just see Steve Jobs now, “Introducing the new iphone, with a built in Superdrive!”.

[Phlake]

Originally Posted by GavinScrimgeour

I can just see Steve Jobs now, “Introducing the new iphone, with a built in Superdrive!”.

That would be one huge-ass phone, don't you think?

[wizard69]

Originally Posted by icfireball

There really isn't a significant reason to have an OLED screen in the iPhone yet. The benefits of OLED-screens are (slightly) better power consumption, ability to have a flexible screen (not applicable for the iPhone), greater angle of view, more responsive, and true black and more accurate colors.

Except for all the significant reasons you outline above

In any event OLED screens would be a big win.

-----The better power consumption isn't the most significant of all of the advantages, but again, the difference isn't that big with the current generation of OLED screens.

I snipped the bogus stuff above but really had to highlight that ever little bit of power savings makes a huge difference on portable devices.

And the big disadvantage of OLED screens? Much shorter lifespan than LCDs.

which doesn't really matter much when just about every iPhone made is scheduled to be replaced by the rabid masses intent on getting the latest from Apple.

If Apple delivers an OLED iPhone that is a folder, with a significantly larger screen, I will jump for joy.

Dave

[Tailpipe]

As Engadget reports something is afoot. Apple cannot afford to leave retail channels empty of inventory for a whole month. Hell, it's almost 10% of the annual sales period. They'd be crazy.

No, I think this signifies that Apple is about to launch two new iPhones. One should arrive within days, the other will be launched at the WWDC. If this is the case, it will be fascinating to see how they differ. Of course, I may be wrong. But Apple needs a new iPhone now and it needs to be able to launch something iPhone-related with a fanfare at WWDC.