The white iPhone 4 is being delayed until the end of 2010. And yet, Apple still wants consumers to wait for it. That's probably not the best idea.
Apple announced July 23 that the white iPhone 4, arguably the most
anticipated device the company has released in quite some time, will be delayed
once again. Initially, the white version of the iPhone 4 was slated for a
summer release. Last week at an impromptu press conference detailing the iPhone
4's antenna issues, Apple CEO Steve Jobs
said the device would come out by the end of the month. Now,
the
white iPhone 4 is being pushed back to late 2010.
It's rather unfortunate. Consumers have been waiting a long time for the
device, and Apple is forcing them to wait a little longer. But should that
really matter? The white iPhone 4 might be a little better looking than its
black counterpart, but the device is the same product. It makes little sense to
wait for the iPhone 4 simply because it has a somewhat nicer look.
Simply put, the white iPhone 4 is a waste on many levels. Let's find out
why:
1. It's the same device
Although no one has been able to get their hands on the white iPhone 4 just
yet, there is no noticeable difference between the white version of the device
and the black version, other than color. Realizing that, some might correctly
wonder why they should even waste their time waiting for a product that might
or might not come out. It won't provide any benefit over the product that's available
now, and given all the troubles with manufacturing the white version, it might
be more trouble than it's worth. It's at least something to keep in mind.
2. Delays mean something
Let's not forget that the white iPhone 4's delays mean something. Exactly
what they mean is unknown, since Apple isn't providing any details, but it's
entirely possible that there is a design flaw with the device, the company
could be fixing its antenna, or it's simply tough to build. In any case, it's
being delayed for a reason that consumers might want to be wary about. Apple
typically delivers fine products that consumers want, but given the iPhone 4's
antenna woes, it doesn't have a spotless track record. Maybe opting for
something else is the smart move.
3. Demand is high, supplies will be low
The
demand
for the white version of the iPhone 4 is extremely high. When Apple first
announced the device, the market got excited about the prospects of having an
iPhone without the typical black finish on the front. And because of that, a
slew of consumers ordered it. Upon doing so, they have put themselves at the
head of the line when the device finally launches. Anyone who is thinking about
getting a white iPhone 4 now will want to keep that in mind. If they haven't
preordered the device, even more waiting will ensue. And eventually they will
need to ask themselves how long they really want to wait.
4. There are fine alternatives
The white iPhone 4 might be the best-looking device Apple has developed in a
long time, but it's not necessarily the best option. Motorola recently launched
its Droid X, which is
arguably
the best iPhone alternative on the market. Even the HTC
Droid Incredible is a good choice. With so many fine options, why wait for the
white iPhone 4? Color can't possibly be that important.