There are some phones out there that have been leaked so much, over a long period of time that by the time they are actually launched one of two things happens. The device can either be an instant hit upon release, all thanks to the early leaks and rumors about the device. Or, by the time it hits store shelves, people may not care about it anymore, and already be waiting for that other phone. For Apple, the white iPhone 4 is different. It’s been a year since we first laid our eyes on the white device, and we know it’s the real thing because people actually used it. And while it kept appearing randomly in the wild, it’s still just a unicorn that Apple’s keeping locked away. It’s always been suggested, at least since the summer of last year, that the white iPhone 4 could be hitting shelves at any time. It just hasn’t. But if inventory screenshots indicate anything, the white iPhone 4 is certainly still coming.
Talking about the white iPhone 4 is a heated subject for some. Simply put, Apple showcased a device that many consider to be quite the piece of eye candy, and then didn’t launch it. And while the Cupertino-based company seemed to be straight forward with what was keeping the white version away from consumers, it didn’t matter to most consumers. All they cared about was the fact that they didn’t have it. And, before we go any further, there’s no doubt that there’s going to be people who buy the white iPhone 4, even if the iPhone 5 is coming sometime this year. We all know that.
But Apple just needs to forget the white version of the iPhone 4. It’s been almost a year since its debut and by now the iPhone 4 is considered to be an out-of-date device. Furthermore, if the rumors are true that the launch of the white iPhone 4 is indeed somehow holding up the release of the iPhone 5, then Apple is making a huge mistake here. No one is waiting for the same phone they could have had last year (or can still get now). People are waiting to see the next, brand new iPhone.
Apple just needs to skip over the white iPhone 4, and count it up as a device that could have been, but just wasn’t. If Apple launches a new iPhone that’s worthy of the limelight (for any reason), then people will forget about the white iPhone 4. Of course, they’ll be immediately asking for a white iPhone 5, but hopefully Apple won’t show off a white version of the new iPhone unless they know they can launch it.
Even if the white iPhone 4 isn’t the reason the iPhone 5 is rumored to be delayed, Apple just needs to forget about it. Yes, they’ll make some money off the sales of the white iPhone 4, there’s no doubt about that. But unless Verizon and AT&T both let current owners of the iPhone 4 work out something where they can get the new version, despite being locked into a contract still, then I don’t see the sales of the device being anything worthwhile for Apple. It just seems like a waste of time and effort.
What do you think? Should Apple launch the white iPhone 4 just to save face? Or is this a device that no one cares about anymore? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
