Is the White iPhone, the Black Sheep of the Apple Family?

The release date of the white Apple iPhone has been delayed again until Spring 2011. Apple spokesperson, Trudy Muller, stated "We're sorry to disappoint customers waiting for the white iPhone again" . Unfortunately, this is the third time that Apple has pushed back the release date of the white phone.  It was originally to be released with the black iPhone 4 in June 2010.  Apple first extended the release date to July,  then to the end of the year and finally on Tuesday, Apple announced the news that it would not be available until 2011. 

Apple has admitted that the white smart phone has been more difficult to produce but has not commented on the specifics. Bloggers are speculating that there are problems with reaching an identical color match between the frame and the home key. Another rumor is that the white iPhone's  back light screen transmits light throughout the painted white areas which are more translucent than some parts of the body.

The most disappointing piece of the story is that after Apple announced the new release date of Spring 2011, the white iPhone disappeared from the site's order screen.  This has prompted rumors that Apple may not release the white iPhone 4  at all.  Because Apple releases a new iPhone every June, there is speculation that Apple will hold off on the release of white iPhone 4 all together and release a white iPhone 5 next spring.

An Apple From the Teacher?

     Apple Inc. really seems to provide added value to each and every sale.  This is a best practice for public relations. It creates new customers, maintains current customers and develops brand loyalty.  Apple not only makes an exceptional product but they care about the customer long after the purchase. 

      One of the values that Apple adds is post sale satisfaction.  Apple offers exceptional support and even 'how-to' sessions.  Apple offers free workshops and tutorials at the Apple retail locations that demonstrate how to use the iPad, Mac Book, and iPhone, how to use the software such as iPhoto, iTunes and iLife, how to run a business on Snow Leopard and they will even sit down for a one on one if you have questions regarding a personal project.

iPad Strengthens Relationships in the Business World

For years, we have been hearing how advances in technology are slowly destroying interpersonal communications and well as our relationships.  Individuals are overwhelmed with television, Internet and social networking sites, cell phones, laptops and mp3 players. These innovative devices have provided information and entertainment at the tips of our fingers while simultaneously eradicated our face-to-face communication.  We are more likely to text or email a friend to catch up rather then meet for a cup of coffee.  This is apparent in our careers as well.  A business meeting can take place through video conferencing rather than a face-to-face meeting. We can now telecommute to work as opposed to going into the office. Technology has changed the way in which we exchange messages. While these messages are delivered more quickly, we lose face-to-face cues, gestures and often emotions are monitored or all together invisible.


This applies to all technologies but Apple products, of course!

Apple has changed the game and has used its latest gadget, the iPad, to increase interpersonal relationships in the business world through a program with a luxury car company!  This summer, Mercedes Benz employed an iPad program, where 40 US dealerships used iPads to close deals.  The purpose of the program was to alleviate the anxiety that ensues when a potential customer walks from the showroom to the daunting back office.  This is typically the time where customers change their minds and walk away from the deal.  The iPad has allowed salesmen to close the deal and run credit checks right from the showroom floor. The customer feels more at ease and less intimidated by the purchase and it has boosted Mercedes Benz bottom line. The program was so successful that it will be expanded worldwide to a total of 355 dealerships.

With the expansion of the program, Mercedes will also increase the use of iPads into the car-leasing process. When lease customers return their cars, they will be able to watch the post lease inspection and complete all paperwork from right next to the car, through the iPad.  The financial VP for Mercedes Benz  Andreas Hinrichs stated “This creates a lot of transparency for the dealership, a lot of flexibility for the dealer.”

So while the rest of the technology world is destroying relationships, Apple is making them stronger!

I Sue, You Sue, We All Sue Apple

Apple has been under attack for various patent infringement lawsuits.  The NY Daily News reported that Yale professor and Unabomber victim, David Gelernter filed a lawsuit in 2001 which claims that Apple encroached on his 'flip through' design similar to Cover Flow, the 'hard drive search' function almost identical to Spotlight and  'automatic save function' comparable to Time Machine.  On October 1, 2010, Gelertner was awarded $625.5 million in restitution.  Apple Inc. challenged the payout and the judge has agreed to defer it until he hears arguments from both sides.

CNET reported on October 6, 2010, that Motorola has also accused Apple with 18 patent infringements. Motorola believes that Apple has used Motorola's wireless communication technologies such as "...antenna design, and key smartphone technologies including wireless email, proximity sensing, software application management, location-based services and multi-device synchronization" in Apple's iPod Touch, iPad, iPhone and Mac products. 

What has Apple said about the lawsuits?  Nothing, to date, they have refused to comment.  What message does this relay to it's public?  Will the public think Apple's silence mean they are guilty? Is Apple waiting for the legal outcomes before addressing the issues to its constituents?  Is Apple trying fly under the radar and not draw attention these issues? 

Do users care if Steve Jobs and Apple stole ideas and patents from others? Probably not, however, excellent public relations practice includes transparency or disclosure to its publics. As noted in my other posts, Apple doesn't disclose or admit much and its users still wait in line for the newest release.