Rumors about a iPod / mobile phone hybrid from Apple that will compete with consumer oriented BlackBerrys have been floating around for a while now. We’re not really sure what Apple is going to call the device seeing how the name iPhone is already taken.
Some reports had the iPhone iMobile device from Apple coming out as early as mid Q1 after being debuted at MacWorld this week, however, Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi thinks otherwise.
Apple has not yet received FCC approval for a phone, and our analysis suggests that phones have typically become available two months after FCC approval,” Mr. Sacconaghi wrote Thursday in a report. “It is possible that Apple could introduce the product, and set a future availability date, but we think this represents a low probability.
No FCC approval probably means no MacWorld debut which probably means RIM has a bit more time to get it’s marketing around consumer oriented BlackBerry devices worked out. I’ve been critical of RIM on their efforts of the marketing, or lack there of, on the BlackBerry Pearl to first time BlackBerry buying consumers.
Even though the BlackBerry Pearl has been a huge success for RIM, I don’t believe it has been successful enough with the folks that will flock to any type of mobile device Apple puts out.
They mentioned something about he iPhone not being debuted at MacWorld this morning on Squawk Box.
When it does come out I don’t think RIM has to worry too much because the target audiences are so different.
Rich,
Historically yes, RIM’s target audience and the one Apple will go after are worlds apart. The problem, in my opinion, for RIM is that the want to comptete in the market that Apple will clearly go after, however their marketing efforts haven’t really touched based with that demographic.
Some estimates say that as many as 70% of the BlackBerry Pearls sold so far have gone to existing BlackBerry users looking to upgrade. Even though RIM sold a crapload of these things, 30% adoption by the demograpic you are targetiing is not a number to hang your hat on, especially when you are talking about a brand as strong as BlackBerry.
Now the Wall Street Journal is reporting it likely that the Apple iPhone will debut tomorrow at the MacWorld convention, as is the NY Times.
It seems that there are different rumors depending on the analysts involved. As always, it will be interesting to see which analysts end up being correct.
Whoever is running marketing for RIM needs to be replaced yesterday. iMobile/iPhone has all the exitement, and, as usual, RIM does nothing with the consumer demand for the 8800…. interest is beginning to wane, and the competition is touting everything under the sun, while the 8800 already seems dated.
Phone Dude,
You make a good point. The 8800 does seem kind of dated doesn’t it. I want one, but, I am not as excited about it as I was about the Pearl.