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iPhone 5 Upgrade
updated: Oct 04, 2012, 2:56 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

So I'm eligible for a cell phone upgrade with AT&T so I called to be sure the iPhone5 was in stock. They say it's back ordered 4-6 weeks. I call Apple and am told I have to reserve one and there are no promises. What is this all about? It's costs a few dollars to make and they retail for $649 and are back logged? What am I missing here?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 327847	2012-10-04 03:08 PM
Why are you surprised at an iphone shortage? Not sure where you got the idea that they cost a few dollars to make! More like $200 for parts and manufacture. They sold 5 million in the first week, hence a shortage. There are plenty of web sites that let you know when local stores have them in stock, check those. You know how to use the internet, you made it this far!
COMMENT 327852	2012-10-04 03:13 PM
How about you become a rebel and get a droid razor M now out for $99 + 2yr agreement with verizon? But if you like getting robbed, the constant run around, 5 rows of icons, a new adapter every 12 months, and last years technology, feel free to ignore this message.
COMMENT 327858	2012-10-04 03:25 PM
A lot it seems. The iPhone is extremely popular and demand has been high for the latest version that's only just been released in the last week or so. As already stated 5 million units have been shipped and inventory is now low. No surprise there. Sure it's a high margin product.... so what?? If you don't want to pay that much you can get a Android for a third the price. You have a choice, you know.
COMMENT 327859	2012-10-04 03:25 PM
I've got Verizon and an "outdated" Sansumg Continuum. I've had abosultely no problems with my phone or service. Get an android! My ancient phone still has turn by turn navigation that isn't even offered on my Dad's fancy new iPhone.
COMMENT 327865P	2012-10-04 03:34 PM
Foxconn rioting may have something to do with that. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-03/foxconn-riot-shows-why-company-towns-often-grow-violent.html
COMMENT 327872	2012-10-04 03:54 PM
I love the Samsung commercials. Apple sure has done a good job of marketing when people are so willing to pay more for less.
COMMENT 327876	2012-10-04 03:58 PM
Really need the snarky buttons for these comments.
COMMENT 327890	2012-10-04 04:22 PM
There are several things constraining the supply of iPhones right now. The housings are made in a factory where workers are rioting over poor conditions. Apple sued Samsung in like 40 countries, however it was Samsung that made all the displays and chips. In order to make sure they burn as many bridges as they can, Apple is now sourcing processors and screens from other companies, which are having yield and quality problems, both of which result in a constrained supply of components. Lastly, Apple was very worried about having a ton of excess around, so they didn't actually make all that many, because despite all the bravado with which they launched, it's still just a slightly taller version of the last one. Get a 4S, you'll be happier and your accessories will be cheaper.
COMMENT 327894	2012-10-04 04:28 PM
It's called supply and demand. Normally, in this situation, the proper course of action would be to raise the price until demand drops to a level that matches supply. Be glad Apple doesn't do that.
COMMENT 327897	2012-10-04 04:31 PM
I have heard that the iPhone 5 doesn't offer much more than the 4 so maybe you are better off getting the 4 and waiting until the 6 comes out - or one that has more exciting features. Apple knew there was going to be a shortage, and warned consumers ahead of time. I have a Droid and my fiance has an iPhone - which he thought was great before but now he says when he upgrades again he is getting a Droid. You might want to look at other options besides Apple.
PUPLUVN	2012-10-04 04:34 PM
Please clue me in: what do the M, O, S, W buttons mean?
COMMENT 327900	2012-10-04 04:34 PM
The latest samsung phone is exactly the same price as an iphone 5 Samsung sure has spun you around well if you think the iphone is more expensive. Anyway, phone price is a minor diversion, cell phone contracts are where the robbery is occurring.
COMMENT 327905P	2012-10-04 04:44 PM
@ PUPLUVN, hover the cursor over the buttons -- M=mean, O=off-topic, S=snarky and W=whiny. We can rate the posts now! Great move, Ed!
COMMENT 327906P	2012-10-04 04:50 PM
I'd read about the shortage and back-ordering before the release of the phone, but on the day of the release, my daughter, who lives in Boston, walked into her nearest Apple store and got one with no problem at all -- no lines, no hassle. They took care of everything for her.
PUPLUVN	2012-10-04 04:52 PM
Thank you, 905P!
COMMENT 327911	2012-10-04 05:07 PM
897: Better screen (and not just bigger. Better. Better colors, better sunlight visibility, more responsive to touch), processor that is at minimum almost 4x as fast as the 4, better battery life, improved durability due to removing glass from the frame. Better graphics for games and other apps. Better performance with more demanding apps designed for the new phone which may not work as well on older hardware. Lots of reasons to upgrade. But like 900 said, cell phone contracts are highway robbery.
COMMENT 327912	2012-10-04 05:09 PM
873...852 did get their fact straight. Apple changed their adapter for the iPhone 5. It's the biggest complaint from iPhone 5 users.
NATURE BOY	2012-10-04 05:22 PM
912: You don't understand. It was the "every 12 months" part of the comment that was in error. They actually change their adapter once every 10 years or so.
S.B.RON	2012-10-04 05:31 PM
Bless your heart, Ed, for the buttons. Instead of a slow burn, I can "comment" on the snarky/mean (always anonymous) "trolls" who don't seem to have a life.....
EDHATBARBARA	2012-10-05 10:20 AM
Next step: allow the snarky, mean and offtopic contributors to see how many people don't appreciate their contributions! Counts would be great.
EDHATBARBARA	2012-10-05 10:21 AM
S.B. Ron: Wish I had a "like" button to second that comment!

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