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wowman (82)While Supplies Last: How Long Will the iPhone 3GS & iPhone 4 Remain In Stock?
Posted by Michael Nace on Tuesday Oct 18, 2011 Under Apple News, iPhone 4, iPhone 5 OpinionApple is currently offering three iPhone models — the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, and legacy model iPhone 3GS. But with the 2012 iPhone 5 possibly on tap in less than a year, how long will the iPhone 3GS & 4 remain available?
During the iPhone 5 rumor mill doldrums of the past summer, rumors of a dual-release iPhone 4S and iPhone never seemed all that plausible: how, after all, would Apple successfully sell an iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, and iPhone 4 all at the same time? But in spite of the fact that Apple held off on releasing the iPhone 5, we now find ourselves with three iPhone models being offered at the same time: Apple is still offering the 3GS via AT&T for $0 dollars (an early rumor that in fact came true!)
Because the iPhone 3GS is so “legacy” at this point, it doesn’t cause the “three’s a crowd” consumer confusion problem that the 5, 4S, and 4 would have together caused. That being said, when the iPhone 5 is released in 2012, will the iPhone 4S and 4 both still be available?
It’s safe to assume that the iPhone 3GS will drop from the ranks sooner rather than later, since production no longer exists for that model. According to AT&T’s website, the iPhone 3GS is now out of stock, meaning that Apple is simply selling off the last few that remain in their own warehouses. I’d be surprised if the 3GS stock even makes it to Christmas.
As for the iPhone 4, there doesn’t appear to be any information out there at present that suggests if it remains in production, and if not, what its shelf life may be from a supply standpoint. Granted, given the fact that the iPhone 4 and 4S both share many of the same parts, it is easier for Apple to keep it in production — it must be considerably less expensive to manufacture at this juncture, compared to the iPhone 4S.
The only shred of information I’ve been able to glean about the shelf life of the iPhone is from Sprint’s homepage, which has a link to their iPhone 4 product page that says, “while supplies last.”
"While Supplies Last" -- Sprint suggests iPhone 4's time is passing.
Why would Sprint use the term “while supplies last” for a brand-new product like the iPhone 4? After all, Sprint just got the iPhone 4. It is highly likely that the iPhone 4 is currently winding down as well, and that Apple plans on phasing out the iPhone 4 in time for the announcement of the iPhone 5 is 2012, so that they can avoid having the iPhone 5, 4S, and 4 all being offered simultaneously.
I also think it suggests that the iPhone 5 could be released sooner than a year from now — such as at the WWDC.
This is just speculation on my part, but I would suggest that Apple will not keep the iPhone 4 in production once the iPhone 5 goes into mainstream production; even if the iPhone 4S and 4 share similar components, it is unlikely that Apple would stretch production demands like that. In this way, we can imagine that, once we hear that iPhone 4 has wined down, we can see this as a cue that iPhone 5 production may be beginning.
And if Sprint is already hinting of a slowdown in iPhone 4 production, then it isn’t unrealistic to assume that the iPhone 5 production schedule could get going in early 2012.
By Michael Nace
October 18th, 2011 at 10:17 am
Really?
I just stepped up to the 4s from a 3G and now it might not be the superior iPhone for more than a few months?
Granted this thing is a beast despite not being true 4g. I think it will work fine for a good while. All in all happy with this model.
Wonder what the market looks like for iPhones in 6-9 months with people locked in to new contracts on the 4s.
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October 18th, 2011 at 10:34 am
I am either going to be able to get or order my new phone tomorrow! I am getting pretty excited! It does not bother me in the least that there may be another phone in less than a year. I’ll just be glad that I have a phone that has not been dipped in spaghetti and will be just mine! LOL!
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October 18th, 2011 at 10:39 am
That is my biggest fear. I just upgraded from my 3G to the 4S and the 5 may now be out in less than a year!?! I held onto my 3G much longer than I needed to, in hopes that the Oct. 4 announcement would be for a new iPhone form factor with a larger screen. I am very happy with the monster upgrade the I got, but I really wanted a 4″ screen and 4G LTE. Now I won’t be able to get that for another 2 years…assuming that the next iPhone will have these two features.
My guess, however, is that the 4S sales are strong and Apple will ride this wave for as long as they can before announcing a new version. Just like they did with the 4. Now that I have the 4S, I hope they take their time announcing the next one.
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October 18th, 2011 at 10:54 am
It could be that Sprint would prefer to get their users on the 4S, or has limited access to the 4 as part of their agreement with Apple. I believe the 3Gs will be in shorter supply, but the 4 will hang around for a while.
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October 18th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
I’ve got iPhone release fatigue…
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October 18th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
I’m still waiting for my 4s
– back order sadness.
After Michael’s ‘guesswork’ this past year I’m inclined to take his guesses as truth! Go Michael! Even if the 5 is released earlier than a year from now, that’s always a risk, I will be happy with my 4s as I’m still happy with my 3GS. Look at all those who buy a ‘latest’ Android to have another come out within weeks that adds (or subtracts!) from its features. It’s worth staying with Apple to just not have that anxiety.
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October 18th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Although it would have been nice if the 4S had been released with LTE capability, this wasn’t a huge consideration when I decided to order one. The reality is that LTE is still being rolled out here, so it’s only available in a few of the larger cities. It’s possible that the city I live in won’t be upgraded for many months, and perhaps as long as a year.
Also, the initial LTE installation here will likely only cover the city centre, so when travelling between cities, on the “outskirts of town” or elsewhere, the phone will revert to GSM / HSPA. It’s going to take some time to add LTE infrastructure to all the towers.
I’m sure the 4S will be quite adequate for the length of my two or three year term.
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October 18th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
I’d rather have a great battery life than have 4G!
I just don’t want 4G to be a power hog right now. So at least I’ll have poor mans 4g… For now
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October 18th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
This is why I got the iPhone 4 back in May … I knew the 4S was going to be a refreshed model. I’m looking forward to the iPhone 5 in either the summer or next October. As for battery life and 4G, the iPhone 5 won’t have any problems with that … if anything Apple will find away to make the iPhone 5 battery just as good as the 4 if not better. Notice that I didn’t include the 4S in great battery life? Yea it’s similar to the iPhone 4 but it’s definitely not better, 300 stand by hours down to 200? That’s regression, not progression. Apple has a few things to worry about for the iPhone 5 … two antennas if they decide to keep that design, a quad-core process which will drain more battery and make the phone hot, 4G, a bigger screen (which will draw more battery), and whatever other technologies they throw in there. But somehow, I think Apple will try to match the iPhone 4 battery life. If they can do that with all the technology I mentioned, I will be extremely impressed!
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October 18th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
I find it interesting that people who don’t own a 4S keep commenting on how disappointing battery life is… I have the phone, I’ve been using it everyday pretty much all the time and I’ve only had to charge it twice since friday (and I got the phone at 8:15 am) so to me, battery life is pretty good! I would say to all the people who got the phone, just enjoy it! It’s a great little phone, incredibly capable, blazing fast, beautiful, has one of the best cameras out there and with great battery life! If we start worrying about what’s gonna come out next year.. we’re probably not going to enjoy what we have today, so just enjoy! you’ll worry about your upgrade when the time comes..
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October 18th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
@Aimée: congrats on getting the phone! you’ll love it
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October 18th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
Yeah it will be a terrible marketing plan for Apple if they decide to release the iPhone 5 next year. I waited for it this year with my contract just ending so I just got the 4S.
I really hope they at least wait another year.
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October 19th, 2011 at 1:54 am
I never said the 4S had terrible battery life … Apple said the 4S had BETTER battery life than the 4 … an improvement when all they did was improve call time for the most part. I just dislike false advertising, especially going back to that article on here a last week about AT&T advertising the iPhone 4S at “4G” speeds. The 4S is faster, has Siri, and pretty much matches up on battery life with the 4, that’s it. And when I say the battery life is regressing I meant it in terms of stand by time which will not be noticeable through out the day anyways so it won’t matter.
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October 19th, 2011 at 9:55 am
I am locked in for 20 months with Verizon until I can early renew next. Unless Apple pulls the AT&T stunt with all carriers allowing a early, early renewal if you are eligible in the current year as with the iPhone 4 launch.
The only thing this phone is missing is a larger screen IMO. Everything else works just fine for me. Any I only really notice the screen size if I’m playing a game (not often) or trying to use LogMeIn.
Was bowling with the kids last night and my daughter bumped my 4s out of my hands, and it went smack on the wood floor and bounced a few feet.
Glad I have it in a Hard Candy Street case, not a mark on it.
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October 19th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Thank you, Aggi! I will have to order it, but I am too excited to get it!
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October 19th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
My new phone has an estimated delivery date range of 1st November to 8th November. Will I be able to make it? I don’t know! LOL! Patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue….
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