We are now nine months past the launch of the iPhone 4 and the white version that was supposed to come shortly thereafter is still eluding us. Prior to launch, some locations were taking pre-orders for a white iPhone 4. This led many to believe that it was only a matter of time before the white version would magically appear and all would be right in the world. Who would have ever thought that the Verizon iPhone would make a grand appearance before the albino version?
There have been a couple different explanations as to why the this version has yet to make it to shelves. First was the rumor that it was experiencing light leakage issues. Then it was said that Apple was having problems with the paint; the white in the home button and the white of the face and back of the device weren't matching up. After so much time had passed, I imagine they probably wanted to go ahead and wait until they had a real fix for the antennagate issue, too. Since then, listings for the white iPhone have been spotted here and there, but nothing concrete has come about.
Considering we should be just months away from the next generation iPhone, I figured these rumors would have died by now. Instead, they seem to be picking up again. About a month ago, a Best Buy price tag for a white iPhone 4 for AT&T was pictured; in January, the elusive device was spotted in AT&T's systems; and today an analyst predicts that the phone will make its grand appearance “early next month.” Even if Ming-Chi Kuo is right, does anyone even care anymore?
It's been nine months, the device has certainly lost its grandeur. Let's be honest, the white iPhone – as nice as it looks – is just a color variation. The iPhone 4 came with a major design flaw in the antenna and sandwiched between two pieces of fragile glass; I don't care if it's Gorilla Glass or reinforced, King Kong Glass, it's still glass, and it shatters and cracks. Chances are, most of the people who bought a black iPhone have the device protected in some sort of case. Most of the people who wanted to buy a white one probably would have done the same. Is it really worth all the trouble and waiting if you're going to simply cover it up when you get it?
Back when several of my friends had pre-ordered the white iPhone, I can remember them telling me, “I don't care how long I have to wait, I'm getting a white iPhone.” It obviously wasn't as big of a deal as they made it out to be. Every single one of them has either jumped ship to Big Red's Apple phone, Android, or caved and bought the black version.
Sure, Apple promised that the white iPhone 4 would finally become available in Spring, so this analyst's predictions aren't too far-fetched or unbelievable. But the original device launched nine months ago. That means we're approaching the next generation's launch. While it might come without LTE in tow, there is a lot of talk about changes to the design and even a nice bump in specs. Hey, there is even a chance the new one will come in a white variation.
If you are one of the many who would do anything to get your hands on an alabaster iPhone, my suggestion is be patient. Since we're so close to seeing a new iPhone, stick it out with your current device. And pray that Apple has learned how to manufacture the iPhone 5 in some color besides black. You'll thank me later.
