Really? Apple Inc., AT&T Inc. and even Radio Shack had no idea the iPhone 4 would be so popular? As if previous introductions of the smartphone were under-the-radar events?
Our incredulity stems from Wednesday’s reports that Apple, AT&T and Radio Shack have stopped taking pre-orders for the fourth-generation iPhone amid highest-ever demand – demand that yesterday crashed Apple’s servers and that now means people who pre-ordered their new iPhones won’t receive them until at least July 14. Heck, though, those folks could try standing in line on the June 24 release date if they’re so anxious for the new device that they can’t wait another couple of weeks.
So far, Apple has processed 600,000 iPhone 4 orders.
Meantime, Best Buy continues to take pre-orders for the black iPhone 4, although the company couldn’t commit to an availability date. The electronics retailer said it doesn’t know how many of the newly shaded devices Apple will provide. Finally, Wal-Mart expects to sell the iPhone 4 in select stores as of June 24.
Still, we can’t get over the server snafus suffered by Apple, or the reports that many consumers said they gained unauthorized access to other iPhone users’ private data when ordering through AT&T. In fact, it all seems even more surreal when you consider that the public is again acting like lemmings to get hold of the new iPhone. The iPhone has been on the market for three years and still the early adopters have to be out in front like “Lord of the Rings” and “Star Wars” fans.
And if any company other than Apple had experienced the problems seen this week because of the iPhone 4, well, let’s just say people wouldn’t be so forgiving. But for some reason, Apple gets PR amnesty for simply being Apple.
