Posted on 07/14/2010 9:07:44 PM PDT by Leroy S. Mort
Apple sent out invites to a select few media outlets for a press conference scheduled for this coming Friday that’ll begin at 10:00 am PST. The only thing known at this point is the conference will be centered around the iPhone 4. Presumably they’ll be addressing the reception issue caused by the infamous death grip. What’ll be their response? Apple’s always been pretty stubborn to acknowledge problems with any of their products. It was just this week that they released a statement for malfunctioning Time Capsules produced two years ago. They could certainly take this opportunity to acknowledge the iPhone 4 loses some reception when the gap is bridged between on the lower left side. They could show similar, although less drastic results on a number of other devices currently available to show this isn’t an isolated issue. Would they hold a conference dedicated to such a stunt? Unlikely. Besides, that’s hardly Apple-like. Verdict: 10% likely.
Despite their stubbornness, they’ll likely acknowledge the attenuation problem as a hardware issue and offer a solution. Despite Gizmodo’s best attempts at rallying the troups, demanding Apple give out free bumpers, an internal memo already leaked days back that told representatives to not offer customers free bumpers. Maybe they’re ready to take that internal statement back as a cheap solution to make it all go away? Doubtful. Apple built a beautiful phone, one of the sexiest on the market, and requiring users to taint its good looks just to prevent calls from dropping doesn’t sit well. Then again, not all customers have noticed the problem so maybe they could just give bumpers to those who are as a peace offering? Verdict: 50% likely.
Thanks to Consumer Reports the antenna issue has gone mainstream. Tuesday was not a good day for Apple as most news outlets reprinted CR’s findings along with their ‘can’t recommend’ verdict despite it being their highest rated smartphone. Each day that passes where Apple stays silent only magnifies the issue. It’s no wonder they’ve sent out invites for an event they scheduled as soon as possible. What we may end up hearing on Friday is an acknowledgement that such an issue slipped through their testing process and they’ll be recalling iPhone 4s. It’ll be costly but you can’t put a price on brand equity. Verdict: 70% likely.
Whatever ends up happening on Friday is better for Apple’s image than staying silent. Without a doubt, concerns over a faulty design have hurt prospective sales despite their inability to produce the device as fast as it’s selling. What do you think will happen on Friday? Free bumpers, mass recall, Q&A, or denial? Leave your predictions in the comments.
What a monumental screwup.
I was 100% certain I was going to buy an iphone 4, but after hearing about the antenna problem and how easy the glass break. I’m now 20% likely to buy the iphone 4. I’m looking at their rivals to see if I may pick them instead. So yes, this problem is having an effect on sales
Carefully wrap around perimeter of the iPhone, covering the metal band.
I also noticed the crack in the screen. His father told me he cracked the screen after only a few months. One of these devices wouldn't last a week with me.
Wow...that will be major, if in fact they really recall them all.
What a messup.
Ed
I knew the Iphone 4 was going to be much bigger leap forward for Apple than the 3G to 3GS was so I purposely waited to see how things worked out. I was planned to hold out this year to see if they were going to release the phone on another carrier.
Glad I waited on both counts. I’m still very happy with my 3GS right now.
I’m going to continue to use it till the new Verizon version comes out to see if the rollout goes smoothly.
If so, then probably spring of 2011 I’m upgrade to the 4 and possible switch to Verizon.
Ping. Here is the Friday press thread.
My take, they admit it is a hardware issue, but that it does not effect the vast majority of phones. They offer free bumpers or extend the exchange warranty for anyone who is effected. They do not recall ALL the phones. They take great care in pointing out how many millions are happy and how few have any issues at all. The do fire damage control and put an end to the FUD.
There.
I am on record.
May fortune favor the foolish.
They tried the deny/deflect answer at first (you're holding it wrong) and that didn't fly. They can no longer deny it's a serious problem.
And they cannot give out free bumpers, since not everyone wants one, and they've already denied that option (in the leaked internal memos). So this is a no-go, because it would be going back on what they said earlier, and that's just not very Applish.
So I think it'll be option 3 (which is really the best one for consumers), simply because they have no other choice. It'll cost them upwards of $1.5 billion, which erases every dollar of profit on the first 6-7 million iPhone 4s sold. A huge hit, but about the only option available.
My bet is that they will still talk option 1, but will offer option 3 as best serving the interests of their customers. Basically continue to deny there's an issue, but offer a recall at the same time.
I’m guessing you’ve got it with the scotch tape. But the Apple version will be pre-cut to shape with swoopy-doopy outlines on a Reely Kewl(TM) backing with a Precision Plastic Applicator to avoid thumbprints in the stickum.
In fact you’ll probably have to get an Apple Genius (try not to laugh) to apply it for you.
#3? You would!
I can hardly wait for you to be proven wrong.
Friday can’t come soon enough!
Yes, #3. I hope they do. It’s best for their customers. If you have a problem, Apple will take the phone back and fix it. Not cover it up with a rubber band, but actually make it right.
We’ll see just how consumer-centric they are as a corporation, though, on Friday. If the customer experience is number 1, they’ll do some form of recall and repair. If it’s all about the bottom line, they’ll simply continue the line of “there is no problem”. And the rubber-band patch would fall somewhere in-between.
>> Friday can’t come soon enough!
That’s funny!
They hope to solve the problem by calibrating the nuance.
That is NOT what you just posted, NOR is that #3? Are you back pedeling already?
There is a HUGE difference between “If you have a problem, they will take it back and fix it” and a 1.5 billion recall.
They are taking them ALL back right now as it has NOT BEEN 30 days for any customer. So what you just posted isn’t a guess it is already policy.
So, no minced words. A RECALL OF ALL or NO? A 1.5 BILLION DOLLAR HIT or NO?
You cannot have it both ways and hedge your bets.
Step up and swing.
Do not think you can post all 3 and leave it at that, then claim that since you said X you meant X.
No.
PICK ONE. And then let’s see.
Whatever they do, it will be magical.
No backpedaling. Please read my words, and nothing more. I said they'd do number 3, and try to spin it as number 1. Plainly obvious in post 9.
They are taking them ALL back right now as it has NOT BEEN 30 days for any customer. So what you just posted isn’t a guess it is already policy.
Please show where I said they'd take them back. Please. I posted they'd do a recall and repair. That's NOT taking it back like Apple currently offers. You'll get a repaired phone back.
So please tell me where I stated what you claimed. Or do you want to just continue putting words in my mouth?
So, no minced words. A RECALL OF ALL or NO? A 1.5 BILLION DOLLAR HIT or NO?
See post 9. This really isn't that hard, Rachel.
You cannot have it both ways and hedge your bets.
I didn't hedge at all. I said what I think they will do - number 3 but talk about number 1. And I said why they would do, it too. And that it would be best for the consumers.
There's no hedging, Rachel, other than in your mind. The words aren't there. If you claim they are, then CUT AND PASTE THEM HERE. Don't just say it - PROVE IT.
So how about it, Rachel? PROVE that I hedged my bet. List where I did that, cut and paste my actual words. Go ahead. I know you won't, because you can't. And it goes against your LONG history of simply making stuff up and claiming I said it. And then accusing me of being Satan himself, diabolical, for saying what you lied about me in the first place.
Put up or shut up, Rachel. Got the guts and intellect to do that? Show exactly where I hedged, where I did what you claim. Put up or shut up...
Why don’t you just go have some fun with Farah or Ginger!
= )
???
Lol You two should get married, or get a room.
Apple Holding iPhone 4 Press Conference FridayYes, but are they holding it correctly?
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