Those who had their hearts set on a white iPhone 4 may have better luck getting their hands on a white iPhone 5. Or at this rate, maybe an iPhone 6.
Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has once again pushed back the release date for the smartphone, saying the white iPhone won’t be available until spring of 2011, after two prior delays.
In June, Apple pushed the date back to late July. In July, the tech giant claimed the phone would be available “later this year.”
But lest you get your hopes up that the third time will be the charm for the white iPhone, Apple officials had little to say on specifics.
“We’re sorry to disappoint customers waiting for the white iPhone yet again, but we’ve decided to delay its release until this spring,” Apple said in a release. Notice the lack of a date. Or month. But hey, we at least got a season out of them!
If these delays continue, Apple runs the risk of tarnishing its reputation for successful product launches. With rumors of another iPhone in store for 2011 — and the almost certain release of a Verizon iPhone
(NYSE: VZ) in just a few months — AAPL would be wise to make sure these seemingly minor delays are just an isolated instance.
Interestingly, Apple had recently created an App Store iPhone application that would allow shoppers to reserve a white iPhone. The application seems to have served as only a tease for consumers and a source of frustration.
This summer, consumers were up in arms about the spotty reception caused by the iPhone 4’s antenna. Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs shot back at reports claiming that competing smartphones have the same reception problem when the antenna is covered, as commonly found in the “deathgrip” style of holding the phone. Protective cases that prevent reception issues were later offered to iPhone owners.
The delay of the white iPhone isn’t going to sink Apple, which has been on a tear in 2010 and has seen its stock rise to over $300 a share. But it could be signs that Apple is losing its edge when it comes to product launches. Year-to-date, Apple shares are up 45.5%, compared to gains of 9.7% and 6.2% for the NASDAQ and Dow Jones. Since July — when “Antennagate” was in full swing — the stock has climbed 21.9%.
Apple has exceeded earnings estimates in the past four quarters. Analysts project Apple will earn $5.24 a share this quarter, after reporting earnings of $4.64 a share last quarter.
At the end of the day, a few techies and Apple fan-boys may be upset that their white iPhone 4s will not arrive until spring 2011, but it’s very likely Apple’s stock is still headed up. As long as the iPhone is available in classic black, consumers will continue to buy it.
