Iworld

Analysis: 3G iPhone Arriving Sooner Than Expected

iPhone shortages - a clear indication that a new device, possibly using 3G networks, is on its way from Apple

By Filip Truta, Apple News Editor

3rd of April 2008, 09:44 GMT

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Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has recently told Apple investors to look out for a MacBook Touch by 2010. The man also weighed in on recent iPhone shortages as a clear hint that the 3G model is just around the corner. The man claims Apple is closing out of its own stock to clear the way for new iPhone SKU, according to The New York Times.

Munster says there is an "80 percent chance

that a new version of the iPhone is coming earlier than anticipated," speaking his mind about the possible reasons for the shortage. According to the aforementioned source however, A.M. Sacconaghi Jr. of Sanford C. Bernstein thinks otherwise. The analyst has actually come with an opposite conclusion, noting that AT&T and Apple stores aren't lacking iPhones at all:

"An inventory shortage of Apple products often signals an imminent product refresh, but in this case, the stock-out seems too selective: Apple's distribution partners would likely be extremely upset if Apple managed the product transition only for its own stores. In addition, the 3G iPhone would arguably be more important for the European market; yet the current-generation phone remains widely in stock in Europe," he said.

Sacconaghi also notes that Apple's way of handling its business doesn't include on-purpose shortages. As the analyst claims, Apple would rather have temporary iPhone shortages than clearing out all of its stock.

Apple was of course contacted for clarification on the matter. While not available for comments at first, Apple's Steve Dowling has recently said that: "We are working to replenish iPhone supplies as quickly as we can. Our stores continue to receive shipments almost every day," not clearing the air of speculation one bit.

Asked whether shipments to the stores are inadequate to meet demand, or whether there is a shortage in iPhone components leading to the lack of handsets on shelves, Mr. Dowling refused to give further specifics on the matter, saying "I'll just leave it at my statement."

TAGS:

iPhone | 3G network | Gene Munster | analyst | Piper Jaffray

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