“Apple Inc’s newest iPhone left Wall Street and fans wishing for more than a faster version of last year’s device, drawing a rare outburst of criticism and disappointment on the Internet,” Poornima Gupta and Alexei Oreskovic report for Reuters. “Newly minted CEO Tim Cook ably helmed his first major product launch without former boss Steve Jobs, but failed to ignite the sort of excitement and buzz that the Apple co-founder once did. Investors and fans, looking to be blown away by some amazing surprise, sent the shares down as much as 4 percent.”
“Jobs did not show up as some expected. Cook, who took the reins from the Silicon Valley icon in August, and his executive team instead showed off a souped-up device that comes with voice recognition and a better camera, but it looked identical to the last phone and did little to lift the bar for smartphones,” Gupta and Oreskovic report. “‘It’s been 16 months and all you’ve got is an A5 processor in the existing iPhone 4,’ said BGC Partners’ analyst Colin Gillis. ‘It’s a mild disappointment, but they’re still going to be selling millions of units.’ WP Stewart portfolio manager Michael Walker said, ‘It’s kind of funny — if they have gone and called it the 5, the stock would have been fine, but they’re calling it the 4S, which is a disappointment to some. It’s a faster chip. The form factor is the same as the prior one, which might be a disappointment also to some people.'”
Gupta and Oreskovic report, The iPhone event took place at Apple Central — the same venue where the iPod first was introduced years ago — versus the larger, splashier venues of more recent choice such as downtown San Francisco’s Moscone center. The restricted attendance may have triggered a surge in online viewership, which slowed or crashed live blogs run by websites such as Engadget, Wired and Gizmodo.”
“Interest was high with Google emerging as a formidable competitor, but many fans came away disappointed,” Gupta and Oreskovic report. “‘Please note I will be selling some ‘S’ stickers for $0.99 so iPhone 4 owners have a cheaper upgrade option,’ wrote HAL9000 on Twitter. Tomlinsonr tweeted, ‘I’ll have a double helping of ‘meh’ with a side of ‘whatever.'”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Debacle. You either leak “no iPhone 5” to a credible outlet in order to tamp down anticipation beforehand or you name the damn thing “iPhone 5,” even if you don’t think it worthy, and be done with it. The former is far preferrable to the latter for integrity’s sake, but doing neither signals a worrying degree of tone deafness. Managing the media, not to mention peoples’ expectations, is part of your job now, too, Tim.
BTW, we are Day One iPhone buyers for every model and we will be buying iPhone 4S units on Day One, too. But we understand why iPhone 4S is different from iPhone 4 and that the 4S is simply the best damn smartphone ever made. We’re not just sure the general public is going to get it. Maybe Siri, if properly and widely demonstrated, will help sell it. Hopefully, Apple has some really good TV commercials ready to explain to the average Joe and Jane why they want an iPhone 4S. Otherwise we don’t expect to encounter any problems pre-ordering online or with in-store lines.
Related articles:
Apple underwhelms with iPhone 4S – October 4, 2011
Apple unveils new iPhone 4S with dual-core A5 and Siri intelligent assistant; launches iOS 5 and iCloud – October 4, 2011
Apple to launch iCloud on October 12 – October 4, 2011
Apple brings new features, more affordable pricing to iPod touch and iPod nano – October 4, 2011
Just like the iPad. This will take some time for the dumb simpletons to digest. Basically, if it’s your turn to upgrade, do it, it no, wait for the iPhone 5. I will not be dumping my iPhone 4. But I wife will be upgrading to a 4s.
How very patronising.
I disagree. The people bitching and complaining now are pretty stupid. They’re too blinded by their own expectations to take this release realistically.
Calling people dumb simpletons is patronising. Calling people pretty stupid is also patronising, arrogant and demonstrates bad manners.
You know what, you’re right. I don’t know the actual intelligence level of the people posting here. I will say that some of them are acting very stupidly. I think being confronted by this level of childishness can some times cause me to forget my manners.
That being said, it’s hard not to come off as patronizing when so many are acting like children.
This was a time for Tim Cook to shine as the new CEO of Apple by bringing out something truly revolutionary, a phone that would blow our socks off with a presentation to match. What came off today was management by the numbers thinking, a conservative update that could have been achieved without all this waiting and brouhaha. It was by the standards of Steve Jobs a non-event, something more deserving of Samsung or HTC that would churn out imperceptibly changed models with no technological leaps.
The changes that were introduced today were announced by Steve Jobs in WWDC so in effect there was nothing new today. If Steve had been still in charge you can be sure that there would have been ‘one more thing’ to amaze us. That didn’t happen today which was extremely disappointing.
Waaaaa
Complete bullshit. These phones are planned years in advance. Steve just stepped down as CEO 6 weeks ago and is still chairman of the board which makes him Tim Cook’s superior in strategic questions. If Steve had thought this was a big mistake he would have stepped in.
This is exactly the same situation as 2009 with the 3GS. Whining fanboys to be followed by record sales.
How would Steve have stepped in if he’s on extended medical leave? He’s been elevated to chairman with a roving role, more like an Apple iconic figurehead, rather being involved in strategic decisions. This is Tim Cook’s baby, make no mistake. Besides Tim would have seen the transition coming a long way off and would have provided input if he felt that the direction Steve was taking wasn’t to his liking. This has Tim’s stamp on it. Steve didn’t give the presentation. Tim did. It was underwhelming to say the least.
Pay attention next time instead of falling asleep at the back of the class.
I think The Onion is spot-on here; nailed it!
http://www.theonion.com/articles/apple-new-iphone-good,26257/
What Apple should do is change the casing, don’t care too much about any improvement. No speed bump, no siri, no, better camera technology, just change the casing. Oh, and the name. That’s what everyone in this planet is care about. The look, not the contents. Now you know why people are so into Android.
WTF!!!!???? I hope you’re being sarcastic!!!!
Of course he is.
I think I will read fewer blogs and media posts to avoid the mass hysteria (and let down) that results from all those trusted sources that mistake their ass for the grand canyon.
There is already far too much stress in this world.
And I will purchase an iPhone 4S rather than a Dimsung.
The market reaction was just the pros doing their standard tricks of selling options and hyping the stock and getting out before any of Apple’s major announcements. It’s a transfer of wealth from the novices who want to play in the stock market to those who know the game.
Siri is like magic. In the long run, Apple will keep on its steep ascent in stock price.
No wonder Apple is so scared of Samsung, they’ve got nothing major to show for the time spent since the 4 was launched.
If you really believe that and aren’t just trolling, then you’re an idiot.
Agree with the mdn take but not quite a debacle….
See you on line – I’ll have my newspaper (I can fold it any way i want) and seat.
I hate apple for now.
iPhone 4S is a damn good phone.
Here is why the iPhone 5 business is disappointing:
We know it is coming. We don’t know when. This makes anyone wanting the now infamous iPhone 5 very hesitant to buy an iPhone 4S. This is the source of disappointment. We think “well, can I wait for the 5? or should I SETTLE for the 4S”.
It is psychological, but “disappointment” is an emotional noun
Of course we know when. Apple has never released a new iPhone sooner then a year after the old one. There is absolutely zero reason to think they’ll start now. From the specs of this phone it’s obvious they expect it to last till next year.
I hope they keep on the 16-18 month cycle for phones. Then I’ll be at my upgrade time when the next one comes out.
Tim is no Steve Jobs and he has made his mark as an underachiever.
Yep. An underachiever becomes the CEO of the world’s most valuable company. Makes perfect sense.
I’m getting it for siri. And you know what? I like the look of the 4. I don’t need a bigger screen and if I decide I do, guess what? There’s mirroring over Airplay.
I was a little bummed at first, but then I saw siri in action. That’s a game changer. Any techno phobic person can watch that, see the value of it and be afraid no more.
People are disappointed that we don’t have a new design to rally around. That’s idiotic. In the real world, the design of the 4 is still better than any other phone on the market and will be for years to come. And my old case will fit.
Adding Sprint alone will keep sales up. For every existing customer choosing not to upgrade there will be one new one at least. Not to mention its a world phone now. Using the 4S name frees up iPhone 4G for next year as well. Who knows?
I think it will be more like 2 or 3 people will upgrade for everyone who doesn’t
True, the new phone is not that exiting. But iOS 5 and iCloud are solid gold. And I see a number of big news that are good for iOS and iOS users because they mean growth, growth, growth:
– massive €150 price drop on prepaid iPhone 3GS
– Sprint added
– KDDI of Japan added
Those three will help iOS gain market share in America as well as Europe as well as Asia.
This entire iPhone 5 BS was just a way to manipulate the stocks to a low. All these false leaks and rumor BS are designed to do that. Now the buying begins.
64GB available model, faster processor, twice the ram, better camera AND………….far better ability to handle iOS5 than iPhone 4. I’d say the iPhone 4S is very satisfying. Those of you who desperately wanted a different “looking” phone seem to be missing out on what’s most important…………performance trumps looks every time. I was hoping for the iPhone 5 also, but am far from being irate about it. If it takes another 2 years for Apple to release iP5, I’ll be glad to wait…………because this seems to be how Apple continues to put out well-oiled machines, instead of the over-rushed, under-planned, poorly-executed pieces of crap seen in nearly every other mobile company around. And whether you admit it or not, once iPhone 4 doesn’t handle iOS5 TO YOUR LIKING (especially if you’re around someone with iP4S), you’ll gladly pay for the new one. Calm your nerves and focus on the big picture. The name and form factor don’t rate having a hand in how the device measures up. Form factor would matter if concerns were over attenna-gate instead of how DIFFERENT it looks.
+1
This was a FAIL IMHO, most users need a bigger screen, I for one was waiting to be blown away, I really wanted an excuse to upgrade my evo, ohh well maybe next year..
What people don’t understand is that Apple software runs fine on a single core chip, that’s what makes Apple amazing, going dual core will not make the phone that much faster. I would take a larger screen over a dual core chip any day…
nearly TWICE as fast isn’t that much faster???? what kind of standards do you have????? especially when you prefer a LARGER (not even BETTER) screen??
What I meant is that a dual core chip is not a ground breaking upgrade, therefore I would prefer a larger screen over a dual core chip. If you are an impatient user that needs the speed then good for you, I don’t need the speed, I need a screen where I don’t have to squint or zoom in to read the news, watch movie clips, etc..
Most users that already have the ip4 will wait for the ip5 unless they have cash to burn and can care less..
4in is not very much bigger then 3.5. It’s almost not enough to notice. 4 and 3.5 inches are diagonal measurements. Thats not .5 inches on the hight or width, it’s something like 1/4 inch. Double the speed is very very noticeable. With the retina display there is also very little squinting.
Hmmm… lack of pizzazz there.
Improved guts maybe, but from a promo perspective it needed some chrome strips and a magic ‘5’ on the case.
Unless, that is, a 5 is waiting in the wings for Q1 2012.
I wish…
I don’t get it. The nomenclature could have been more dramatic, but this is a dramatic upgrade, in every way except the form factor, which is more a question of fashion than other considerations. Siri, which seems to be lost in the shuffle, is close to mind-boggling. It is a unique, exponential leap in voice interfaces, an innovation that is going to change the landscape. Give it a break, guys. Short of the implant, this is impressive.
Well, I guess that’s it. It’s official. Apple is doomed. The day dawned fresh and bright with great hope for tomorrow. Tomorrow never came and yesterday took its place. The bright future was replaced with the dark past. An old-new iPhone 4S. When Steve left, so did innovation. Amazon is the new Apple. Jeff Bezos has replaced Steve Jobs. Apple investors are fleeing Apple and heading to Amazon to ride the Kindle Fire wave of revenue.
Apple has given up the smartphone fight and handed victory over to Google’s Android and partners. The Android smartphone vendors are able to design a completely new smartphone every month and put it into production. Apple spent a whole 15 months and skillfully managed to design the exact same smartphone they offered 15 months ago. Now we know why Wall Street hates Apple and the share price will be punished accordingly. On behalf of all fellow Apple shareholders I’d like to say, “Apple, thanks for mutton.” The pundits are having a field day disrespecting Apple. They wanted something brand new that they’d never seen before. Maybe this is just a bad dream and I’ll wake up. Maybe it’s just a Halloween prank and tomorrow Apple will announce the real new iPhone 5. Nah. Apple wants to see its own shareholders squirming and twisting at the mercy of the cruel media and Wall Street punishment squads. Now I know I’ll never live to see Apple reach $450 since Apple has started following the Motorola strategy (RAZR, RAZR 1, RAZR 1.5, RAZR 2.0) with the iPhone 4. The Apple empire is starting to collapse. Apple is truly doomed.
Look for Apple share price to be around $350 tomorrow and $300 by the end of the year no matter how much revenue they make. Sell now. Don’t regret later.
Go spread your special brand of FUD somewhere else.
All the positive comments here are purely defensive. It is trying to fit what has happened into a positive narrative. The update to the phone is conservative. That the update is conservative is reflected in the name 4S rather than iPhone 5.
As someone else said, conservative updates is generally what is expected from other companies, from other also rans. It is not expected from a company that we have learned likes to think different. That is why there is disappointment in the media and from Apple fans.
Apple didn’t give Wall Street what it wanted. Apple shares will be punished severely. Sorry, but this is how it goes. Apple is now the laughingstock of Wall Street.
What a joke.
Sorry, I’m an Apple investor, and this has been poorly handled.
I rarely agree with MDN’s usual “Apple can do no wrong” slant in their takes, but even MDN have it right this time.
For the sake of investors AND the company, they should have discreetly leaked that there was no iPhone 5 coming months ago.
Why it took so long to just bump the speed is a JOKE… I am worried that perhaps Steve Jobs left because he couldn’t bring himself to announce to the world it took Apple 16 months to upgrade the camera and processor.
And SCREW Siri/Assistant… that is software – they could have released the 4S in June/July and then launched Assistant NOW for the Holiday season sales period, and none of this speculation would have happened. If you recall the rumour was a 4S in June/July… why has it taken 4 months to execute this? There are no new major hardware launches to account for this delay (the iCloud/iOS5 stuff is software – not the same engineering teams).
I’m hanging on to my 3GS… There must be a 5 coming within the next 12 months and I’m not locking myself into 2 years of contract to be out of sync with the latest product by more than a year (I bought the 3GS on 24 months, and was happy to skip the 4, and even have a 4S for 24 months to then get the 5S), but now due to Apple’s random upgrade cycles, why would I want to do that? They will likely launch the 5 by June/July next year (~8 months), I will try and get onto that upgrade cycle now.
Tim Cook – you may know how to manage the back end within a bees dick, but you have no clue about managing the message and expectations. If Steve was at the helm today, he would have used his RDF to make everyone think the 4S was worth the wait… without the RDF we can all see, the delay is not justified.
Actually, I have now seen MDN is pushing the “just call it iPhone 5” barrow… sorry – I completely disagree with this.
Speed bumps are “S”, new designs are “next number”.
What should have happened was a discreet leak to manage expectations… especially when you see fanboys creating mock ups based on the rumours. This isn’t about the eventual product, this is about investors rightly being concerned that Apple can no longer innovate in design within a 12 month period. It should NOT take 16 months to upgrade a camera and a processor – not even Dell/HP struggle with that sort of “innovation”.
Calling it an iPhone 5 would not mask the fact it is an iPhone 4S.
Hosing down the expectations of an iPhone 5 is what needed to happen.
2. No 4G: The iPhone 4S does not introduce HSPA+ at 4G speeds, LTE, or WiMax. In fact, its HSPA+ radio isn’t nearly as fast as many had hoped. Rather than go for the gusto and support AT&T’s fastest HSPA+ network, it supports a middle-of-the-road HSPA+ network at 14.4 Mbps on the downlink. Sure that’s twice as fast as the iPhone 4, but with a huge percentage of Android smartphones already packing HSPA+ at 21 Mbps and 42 Mbps, or WiMax or LTE, 14.4 Mbps in the iPhone simply isn’t going to cut it.
Disappointed in Oct 4?
Watch this space, we will have the new Windows 8 smartphones in a few weeks that will knock your socks off.
All that you didn’t get from Apple and more.
Ya Mango! lol
Thanks for the laugh!