Apple Software Delay Is A-Okay
Sometimes bad news is good news. Apple has finally confirmed rumors that it will delay its next-generation Leopard operating system in order to focus more assets on shipping the iPhone in June. No problem, says The VAR Guy. Here’s why.
The VAR Guy, like many Apple customers, looks forward Leopard. But he’s surviving just fine with his MacBook Pro running the current Mac OS X. He’s had the notebook roughly nine months. No system crashes. No viruses. No spyware. Life is pretty nice. Mac OS X, after all, has a Unix-like core with a slick Apple user interface. The Apple community won’t implode if it has to wait a bit longer for Leopard.
With iPhone, however, Apple only has one chance to make a first impression. At least one Wall Street pundit expects Apple to sell 7 million iPhones within 12 months of its debut.
Clearly, the pressure is on Apple to deliver the goods. The last thing Apple needs right now is another Lisa or Newton-type launch: Huge hype followed by huge disappointment. If iPhone flops it means there’s no natural, high-margin successor to the iPod. Suddenly, Apple’s mobile, media and commerce strategy would be at risk.
Delaying Leopard to keep iPhone on track is smart business. This isn’t the world of Windows, where users were desperate for a secure, speedy operating system to succeed the aging, wounded Windows XP. In stark contrast, the current Mac OS X is humming along just fine.
Mr. Jobs: Take your time with Leopard. Rally the company around iPhone. You’ve only got three months or so to deliver an insanely great product.
Completely agree. Those holding Apple stock should view this as an opportunity to pick up more of a great value. iPhone is going to knock consumers socks off.
I agree as well. I also agree with the previous comment that it’s a good time to pick up some Apple stock on the cheap. Because after the iPhone, it won’t be.
I’m torn on this one. I’ve been looking forward to getting at several of the Leopard improvments, but completely agree that Apple needs a home run with iPhone. The competition is not standing still (Nokia H95) while Apple moves toward the finish line and the market will not accept anything short of flawless.