The iPhone 6 from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is one of the most awaited devices since the launch of the iPhone 5S and 5C. There have been numerous speculations over the release date of the iPhone 6, which is expected to have a larger screen, with each analyst coming forward with one notion or the other. On Tuesday, Jon Fortt from CNBC said that he don’t expect Apple to deviate too much from the September cycle. However, a report from Forbes by Chuck Jones believes that Apple should come out with the iPhone 6 ASAP.
Apple losing customers now
Giving reasons in support of the ASAP theory, author points that the iPhone maker is losing sales to rivals offering bigger screen smartphones. A majority of such customers, according to the author, are iPhone users or Android users off contract or coming off contract. Therefore, “It doesn’t make sense to wait for the iPhone 5 users who bought in the September/October 2012 timeframe,” as the company is losing customers now.
The second reason put forward by the author is from a manufacturing perspective “to not have to build for such a huge spike in demand.” For the previous three iPhone launches, the author notes that the company had to increase production from the September to December quarter by 114%, 77% and 64% units, respectively. This reflects that the suppliers for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) have to work overtime and employ more staff and then have to lower their production level to adjust with the changing demand.
According to the author, this leads to higher costs not only on labor, but also for other expenses including shipping. An absence of the rapid changes in demand will result in more manufacturing efficiencies, and a smoother production schedule.
A quick iPhone 6 equals less customer frustration
The Last reason in favor of a speedily-released iPhone 6 is less customer frustration as the users will be getting their favorite device in a timely manner. Also, it would result in reduced lead time for various models, which might drive “a bit higher app downloads and revenue.”
On the negative side, the author states that a quick iPhone 6 could result in lower initial sales for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) when compared to the previous sales over the same period. This might attract negative feedback from press and blogs. However, the “positives outweigh the negatives,” says the author.
