The blogosphere is going wild now that both the US and the UK Apple stores are showing the iPhone as "Unavailable".
Why is this significant? Because last I checked the dictionary the definition of "Unavailable" differs significantly from that of "Out Of Stock".
So what gives?? As Skooby would say- 
A few interesting suggestions have been made, though…
1. The first suggestion is that Apple wants a period of time between selling the "iPhone Classic" and the 3G iPhone in order to minimize a huge number of returns (the policy currently allows 14 calendar days), as well as limit the outrage from people who recently bought the original iPhone (remember the price drop?).
Personally, I would be hard pressed to think that Apple would go a month or more not selling the iPhone. Sure both the PR they are getting right now and the build-up in demand will be (are already) AWESOME but to go 4 to 6 weeks in a quarter not selling the iPhone defies logic.
2. The second suggestion is that Apple misjudged the demand for the current model during the run-up to the announcement and release of the 3G iPhone, the timing of which is still entirely speculation.
Personally, I have a hard time seeing Apple make a miscalculation of this magnitude. Moreover, if that were the case I believe the store would show, "Out Of Stock" and an expected date when it would become available again rather than "Unavailable".
3. The third suggestion is that Apple tricked us all and the announcement and release of the 3G iPhone is a whole lot soon than anyone expected.
This suggestion is based on the fact that…
A- economic incentive checks are beginning to arrive in the US. (Credit for self-control shown here in my not opining further, please.)
B- Apple might not want to release new hardware AND the new firmware/software store at the same time lest one overshadow the other.
C- Apple may have a vested interest in quietly releasing the 3G iPhone as a "Hardware Upgrade" rather than as a "New Device" in order to be able to sell both handsets concurrently but at different price-points.
D- the pr buzz over being able to pull off a stunt like this would be AWESOME!
E- Blackberry is soon releasing their new device.
F- They can.
So what is really going on?
Your guess is as good as mine but one thing is for sure…
I’ll be checking the Apple Store online first thing Tuesday with my credit card in hand.
Continue reading:
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- Apple Watch Pre-Order
- Apple Research Kit launches with 5 Apps
- Apple TV now only $69
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