Comments on “More on the iPhone network goof”
I received the following thoughtful comments on More on the iPhone network goof:
From Robert Boylin:
Dear Paul Callahan,
You have good points; but with a European launch before ’07 is out, and asia in ’08 I think your skepticism over the 10 million in sales is weak. Apple’s contract with some part supplier(s) is for 6 mil. in ’07 with a potential 2 mil. additional. I think Jobs was conservative in giving the 10 million by the end of ’08. With the broadband networks abroad Apple will have more receptive markets. I expect they’ll add features and software along with new models before ’07 is out.
It’s the cooperation of Yahoo and Google along with supporting the PC and Mac platform software that will be essential. These partners, along with demand, will likely persuade service providers to adjust to the platform’s features. If Apple supports PC software syncing for the business customers the phone’s sales will increase further. They have time to do this. The launch has to be managed and AT&T has to get their 3G network completed for full success. I would expect Apple to sell 3G models by the end of ’07.
Just some thoughts that your article prompted.
Thanks, Robert. That is very good information on Apple’s supplier contracts. I agree that sync’ing for business customers will help. In addition, there is an argument that the focus of real-world use will actually be cellphone+iPod (without a lot of web media access). That application may be good enough to hit your supplier-promised numbers of 6m units.