Best Buy issues memo warning of iPhone constraints

Posted:
in iPhone edited January 2014
Best Buy over the weekend became the latest Apple partner to warn staffers of dwindling iPhone supply that could leave some of its stores without product to sell for a few weeks later this month.



In a memo from its corporate division, the Richfield, Minnesota-based specialty electronics retailer told mobile sales employees that the iPhone 3G is now in constraint, noting that inventory of the touch-screen handsets will be light over the coming weeks and that some locations are likely to run out all together.



The advisory is similar to one issued roughly a week ago by Brightpoint, an Australian distributor supplying Vodafone Australia and others in the region with iPhone 3Gs.



"We have just been notified that the following devices are End Of Life and that there is only a few weeks stock available from Brightpoint," the carrier said in reference to the 16GB iPhone 3G. "This is an opportunity to take advantage of these devices whilst they're still available."



Meanwhile, at least one Australian wireless provider just this past weekend is reported to have finalized agreements with Apple to carry its 2009 iPhone offerings. As part of the deal, carrier representatives were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement and told the new devices would be unveiled next week at Apple's annual developers conference.



Progress made during the ongoing iPhone 3.0 beta test and subsequent tips from those close to the iPhone maker's Apple Care customer support groups suggest it will take roughly three to four weeks following next Monday's introductions before consumers will be able to purchase the new iPhones.



Last year, Apple introduced the iPhone 3G at the start of its 2008 developers conference on June 9th and announced availability would follow on July 11th. During the four weeks in between, supply of original iPhones were close to non-existant.
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 29
    slang4artslang4art Posts: 376member
    It is getting harder and harder to wait for WWDC. I want to see this thing already!
  • Reply 2 of 29
    solipsismsolipsism Posts: 25,726member
    The lack of supply does put a damper on the rumours that the current iPhone 3G will be sold unchanged at $99 subsidized with cheaper plan options. Although, the Oz carrier is only reporting the 16GB model constrained, which makes sense for the rumor as 16GB and 32GB would probably be reserved for the next generation iPhone.



    8 days to go.
  • Reply 3 of 29
    tac22tac22 Posts: 20member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AppleInsider;As part of the deal, carrier representatives were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement and told the new devices would be unveiled next week at Apple's annual developers conference.



    Progress made during the ongoing iPhone 3.0 beta test and subsequent tips from those close to the iPhone maker's Apple Care customer support groups suggest it will take roughly three to four weeks following next Monday's introductions before consumers will be able to purchase the new iPhones.

    [c



    [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ][/c]



    Nice conformation that we are definetly going to see the new iPhone next Monday, we were expexcting it but still, now we know...



    Oh and about Jobs coming back at the end of the month, maybe he will introduce the tablet, he would love to introduce the new iPhone but I'm sure he would much rather introduce a new product like he has in the past!



    Anyways can't wait till next Monday, all these rumors "oh it's going to have pled screen and a glowing apple and will blow up like a grenade if you shake it" and then the re

    Responses "oh no way that doesn't sound like what apple would do"



    I can't wait for the facts!
  • Reply 4 of 29
    Hey everyone,



    I wanna watch the WWDC live June 8th online. Does anyone know where I can see it?
  • Reply 5 of 29
    crees!crees! Posts: 501member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Ryan Austin View Post


    Hey everyone,



    I wanna watch the WWDC live June 8th online. Does anyone know where I can see it?



    Most likely there will be no live video broadcast. Apple usually posts the video later in or the following day. This site and others should have live text updates though.
  • Reply 6 of 29
    I kinda assumed so. That happened with the 3.0 software unveiling. :-(
  • Reply 7 of 29
    dr millmossdr millmoss Posts: 5,403member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by solipsism View Post


    The lack of supply does put a damper on the rumours that the current iPhone 3G will be sold unchanged at $99 subsidized with cheaper plan options. Although, the Oz carrier is only reporting the 16GB model constrained, which makes sense for the rumor as 16GB and 32GB would probably be reserved for the next generation iPhone.



    Excellent point. As a rule, Apple doesn't retain older models in the line-up to sell them at a lower price than the newer models. One obvious exception is the white MacBook, and some of the speed-bumped Mac models I suppose. That kind of differentiation seems kind of cheesy to me, and I always doubted they'd do it for the iPhone.
  • Reply 8 of 29
    gtl215gtl215 Posts: 242member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dr Millmoss View Post


    Excellent point. As a rule, Apple doesn't retain older models in the line-up to sell them at a lower price than the newer models. One obvious exception is the white MacBook, and some of the speed-bumped Mac models I suppose. That kind of differentiation seems kind of cheesy to me, and I always doubted they'd do it for the iPhone.



    I would imagine they are clearing out ALL inventory, even if they plan on selling an 8gb model. I don't see them selling a product then telling people they need to perform a major software update when they get home. They'll only sell products which are current and up to date right out of the box.
  • Reply 9 of 29
    dr millmossdr millmoss Posts: 5,403member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by GTL215 View Post


    I would imagine they are clearing out ALL inventory, even if they plan on selling an 8gb model. I don't see them selling a product then telling people they need to perform a major software update when they get home. They'll only sell products which are current and up to date right out of the box.



    Oh, no. I've bought Macs with the non-current OS installs on them. Apple either includes the upgrade disc in the box or they will ship one for a minimal price (the "up-to-date" program). For a long time, retailers were selling the iPod touch with the 1.x OS on them. So I don't see them clearing out old iPhone inventory for that reason alone.
  • Reply 10 of 29
    bonklersbonklers Posts: 54member
    It's still possible that they will sell the current model for $99. I think their plan is not to ship new units until the launch of the new generation iphone, that way the soon to be $99 3g model will also have os 3.0.
  • Reply 11 of 29
    mrtotesmrtotes Posts: 760member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dr Millmoss View Post


    Excellent point. As a rule, Apple doesn't retain older models in the line-up to sell them at a lower price than the newer models. One obvious exception is the white MacBook, and some of the speed-bumped Mac models I suppose. That kind of differentiation seems kind of cheesy to me, and I always doubted they'd do it for the iPhone.



    + iPod Shuffle (you can still buy coloured ones with buttons)...

    + Various white iMacs sold as education models over the years

    + Powerbook Titanium 15" sold for months after the 12" and 17" Alu models came out.



    it's really not without precedent. Actually what they need to do is clear the stock of those iPhones on the shelf loaded with 2.2.1 software in the box...



    The other thing about running dry is that they issue a clear signal to everyone not to buy one now and complain in a week when the latest and greatest model has been announces. Running low on stock of iPhones probably creates suitable desire and hype too.
  • Reply 12 of 29
    dr millmossdr millmoss Posts: 5,403member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by mrtotes View Post


    + iPod Shuffle (you can still buy coloured ones with buttons)...

    + Various white iMacs sold as education models over the years

    + Powerbook Titanium 15" sold for months after the 12" and 17" Alu models came out.



    it's really not without precedent. Actually what they need to do is clear the stock of those iPhones on the shelf loaded with 2.2.1 software in the box...



    You can't buy the colored shuffle from Apple, so if you find them it must be existing stock. The education models aren't usually available to the general public. I don't remember about the PowerBook Ti situation, but I wasn't saying this was without precedent, just that I see the point made by solipsism.
  • Reply 13 of 29
    gtl215gtl215 Posts: 242member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dr Millmoss View Post


    You can't buy the colored shuffle from Apple, so if you find them it must be existing stock.



    http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...en?mco=OTQwMjA

    They're still for sale, but who knows for how long.
  • Reply 14 of 29
    mstonemstone Posts: 11,510member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dr Millmoss View Post


    You can't buy the colored shuffle from Apple, so if you find them it must be existing stock. The education models aren't usually available to the general public. I don't remember about the PowerBook Ti situation, but I wasn't saying this was without precedent, just that I see the point made by solipsism.





    http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...y/ipod_shuffle



    on the right half way down the page (still available...)
  • Reply 15 of 29
    chris_cachris_ca Posts: 2,543member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AppleInsider View Post


    Meanwhile, at least one Australian wireless provider just this past weekend is reported to have finalized agreements with Apple to carry its 2009 iPhone offerings. As part of the deal, carrier representatives were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement



    "In other news, Apple is quickly reworking current plans for the iPhone with certain Australian providers and forging a deal with competitors."

  • Reply 16 of 29
    brucepbrucep Posts: 2,823member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dr Millmoss View Post


    Excellent point. As a rule, Apple doesn't retain older models in the line-up to sell them at a lower price than the newer models. One obvious exception is the white MacBook, and some of the speed-bumped Mac models I suppose. That kind of differentiation seems kind of cheesy to me, and I always doubted they'd do it for the iPhone.



    Apple will retain some small percentage of all products it makes past it life cycle. So when some one with a past model need a replacement apple has one to switch it out with.



    I guess if certain requirements are met concerning whose fault it is and does owner have extended warranty or pro care card.



    Also 2nd gen iphones can be kept for another market.



    The ipod classic 120g is still alive I may just buy one just to have.



    Whatever happened to the apple speakers ???

    Were they good ?

    They was 50 bucks more than a similar <sony?> model out at the time.

    I will also buy this product.



    And why is the apple tv better than buying a mini with avi cords ???



    iF THE iTOUCH has a 120 g flash drive would it not be an apple tv at that moment . ??

    PEACE



    9
  • Reply 17 of 29
    gyokurogyokuro Posts: 83member
    Someone wake me up when iPhone is finally released...

  • Reply 18 of 29
    dr millmossdr millmoss Posts: 5,403member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by mstone View Post


    http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...y/ipod_shuffle



    on the right half way down the page (still available...)



    I missed that link, thanks!
  • Reply 19 of 29
    addaboxaddabox Posts: 12,665member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dr Millmoss View Post


    Excellent point. As a rule, Apple doesn't retain older models in the line-up to sell them at a lower price than the newer models. One obvious exception is the white MacBook, and some of the speed-bumped Mac models I suppose. That kind of differentiation seems kind of cheesy to me, and I always doubted they'd do it for the iPhone.



    Apple also doesn't generally make drastic price cuts after the introduction of a new machine, as they did shortly after the introduction of the iPhone.



    Apple typically shifts their middle spec to the bottom and adds a new "best" , thereby bringing added value to the lineup while protecting their price floor.



    The iPod model is to do that plus create entirely new form factors to cover the spread.



    However, the iPhone is uniquely resistant to "new form factors" in that the UI dominates the device to the point that it literally defines it, and that UI is less amenable to a simple shrink than, say, the click wheel was.



    That, plus the fact that the cell phone industry involves carrier subsidies, is insanely price sensitive, and represents a market that Apple has a legitimate shot at taking a much larger chunk of, suggest that all historical models may not be relevant.
  • Reply 20 of 29
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by brucep View Post


    Whatever happened to the apple speakers ???

    Were they good ?

    They was 50 bucks more than a similar <sony?> model out at the time.

    I will also buy this product.



    Way too late, you might get lucky and find an old stock, but it's been discontinued for quite some time. It seems like it's been a year or two. I don't know if they were any good. I really never had a chance to use them, but it seemed suspicious that they didn't have tweeters.
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