Bernstein analyst Tony Sacconaghi tells CNBC that the rumored delay for the upcoming “iPhone 8” could push customers towards a different device. The Wall Street Journal claims multiple production issues could push availability of the next ten smartphone back “about a month.”
Sacconaghi thinks customers will tolerate up to a three-week delay on the premium iPhone model (shown in fanciful mock-ups). However, a delay into the start of 2018 could turn away holiday shoppers looking for a new phone.
“If the phone is materially constrained once we hit the holiday season, post-October 15, then it’s worrisome,” Sacconaghi said during CNBC’s Fast Money.
However, as Seeking Alpha notes, the potential damage from a delayed release might depend more on customer loyalty. A Fluent survey last month found that 40% of current iPhone owners would upgrade to the iPhone 8 even with two-thirds saying the $1,000 price tag was too high.
However, there’s some brighter Apple shipment news. The AirPod delivery window has dropped to one to two weeks, down from a six weeks window after the launch.
AirPods are wireless headphones that allow users to listen to music, make phone calls, enjoy TV shows and movies, play games and interact with Siri. Apple says that advanced sensors know when you are listening and automatically play and pause your music.
Using Siri, AirPods allow you to access the “personal assistant” with a double tap. The wireless headphones, including a charging case, cost $159. AirPods require Apple devices running iOS 10.x, watchOS 3.x or macOS Sierra.
