With long lines out of control during the launch of the new Apple iPhone 3G and shortages expected to last until August doesn’t this make you want to go and buy an iPhone just to see what the hype is all about? Is this just a situation of low supply and “unexpectedly” high demand? Or is this all part of Apple’s master plan? With the long lines seen in articles and blog posts all over the internet, it really makes you pay attention to this new device Apple is touting as the best mobile phone on the market.
If you’re an Apple fanatic then Apple doesn’t need to spend a dime to market their products to you, you already know the ins and outs of the new iPhone and most likely already have one. For those who aren’t as Apple inclined as those camping outside an Apple store seeing this iPhone craze makes us take a closer look at this fancy new gizmo called the iPhone. Kind of like when our folks waited in mile long lines for a Tickle Me Elmo or Power Ranger, the iPhone has become the Tickle Me Elmo of the future. We don’t need one, but we want one none-the-less.
The first generation iPhone drew long lines during its launch and sold very well during its first year on the market. This time around the iPhone 3G will be launched worldwide at the same time it will be introduced here in the U.S. so delays are bound to happen. Apple knew the iPhone would be a huge hit, why not pump those shiny little phones out by the millions from their factories in China in anticipation of its success? Maybe they did and maybe there are plenty of iPhones sitting in Apples warehouses around the world. Could they be hording them to keep demand high? With over a million iPhone 3G’s sold worldwide so far and no slow down in sight the demand is definitely there. Whether Steve Jobs is hiding the rest of the iPhones in his basement or not, Apple is definitely sitting on a cash cow for a long time to come.
-Ray
