Apple warning of impending Mac, iPod shortages?
updated 01:05 pm EDT, Wed July 30, 2008
Future Mac/iPod shortage?
Apple is warning that some products will be in short supply in the near future, according to a bulletin allegedly sent to resellers. The memo indicates that Apple is ramping down the production of current-generation iPods, along with 13-inch MacBooks, and 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros. The company has "strongly suggested" that resellers should immediately buy about four weeks' worth of iPods, as the reservoir could go dry within the next seven days. MacBook vendors are being pressured to buy three weeks' worth of stock.
Apple has traditionally let retail stocks dwindle in advance of a new product announcement, a move which reduces the burden of outdated inventory while lowering the number of customers angry at a sudden upgrade. The most recent example is the original 2.5G iPhone, which gradually disappeared in the months before the launch of the iPhone 3G.
The company has also traditionally introduced new iPods in September, and is rumored to be working on a tall-screened iPod nano, as well as an unspecified revision of the iPod touch. A redesign of the MacBook could also be in the works, marking a switch from standard Intel platforms to custom ones, and possibly with glass trackpads. The end product of this effort would be at least six to eight weeks away from shipment, say reports.
"..are being pressured.."
07/30, 01:25pm reply
Really? How exactly is Apple "pressuring" them to buy 3 weeks of stock? Are they threatening to withhold future stock if they don't? Another example of MacNN's liberal journalistic freedom. Appears to me that Apple is simply suggesting that if retailers want to have stock for the foreseeable future they would be wise to obtain it now. Nothing wrong with that.
Mrjinglesusa
Professional Poster
Joined: Feb 2002
yes...
07/30, 02:20pm reply
make sure you stock up now on soon to be outdated hardware!
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
easy
07/30, 02:26pm reply
@Mrjinglesusa: That's easy, and there's no coercion involved. Apple is simply telling these resellers that they will be without stock for several weeks if they don't build up enough inventory within the next week to cover that period of time. For a reseller, being without inventory means not making any money on those product, and this is enough pressure to get them to stock up now. This is not an exaggeration on MacNN's part in any way, as the threat of being left without any stock for an appreciable amount of time is serious enough.
WiseWeasel
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 1999
•
07/30, 04:08pm reply
I hear the stampede of encroaching rumour mongers and analysts..
Grrr
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Jun 2001
not a surprise
07/30, 08:56pm reply
its one more step into becoming what they really want to be, a toy company. s**** power users that built the brand for years before the pink iPods came out. - note i am using sarcasm, lame i know but spare the biblical responses, if any.
24klogos
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2006
Now I see the light
07/31, 01:27am reply
Hey, testudo! Thanks for setting me straight on this article. There I was, thinking Apple was being friendly by ramping down production prior to some product updates. But now thanks to you I realize it's all part of their nefarious scheming to s**** their customers! Curse Apple and their vile product updates!
testedoh
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2008
Hmm..
07/31, 03:55am reply
I just bought a 15 inch macbook pro last week and this news just came up..
jonjonjon
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2008
Hmm..
07/31, 03:56am reply
I just bought a 15 inch macbook pro last week and this news just came up..
jonjonjon
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2008
Shortages
08/02, 02:41pm reply
No Offence To Any Chinese People!
I think the reason for shortages on many products is that the Chinese people who make all of the products are now preparing for the Olympics so not many people left to make them!
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999