Munster: low iPhone stock points to 3G upgrade

In light of Apple's iPhone supply problems in New York, new evidence suggests that the issue is of a larger scale than initially thought. Gene Munster, senior analyst for Piper Jaffray recently called 20 Apple retail stores to confirm stock, and was met with the response that future shipments are uncertain. Munster estimates that the most likely reason for the shortage is the impending, but as of yet unconfirmed, upgrade to a 3G-based iPhone, with a slim chance of a manufacturing issue being a secondary explanation.

In the same note, Munster predicts the new model would simply replace the existing model at its $400 price point, and that Apple is expected to show an entire family of phones by January 2009

Filed under: iPhone, Investor, industry, Apple
Other story tags: retail, New York, manufacturing