The wait for the latest iPhone is finally over, or is it?  According to my contacts at Sprint and Verizon many will be a bit frustrated to see that they will not receive their iPhones for possibly 2-3 more weeks!  I have spoken to a few people today that were complaining about the delay in shipping, although only a couple were upset.  The others stated that they would just upgrade their current phones and wait it out.

I have to wonder if APPLE is losing some of their appeal with the predictable modifications to their new units.  When the iPhone 4 was released, my company assisted about 400 people with pre-orders.  At times we were so busy that we got nothing else done.  With the 4S, there were no more than 50 pre-orders.  I expected an increase in pre-orders for the 5, but only received 6 pre-orders and they only wanted the 4G speed.

Something else that I found interesting is the line, or lack of, at the AT&T store located just off of the Notre Dame campus.  As you can see by the picture below, there were only a few people lined up.  Is this a possibly a glimpse at what the iPhone’s future has become?

Don’t get me wrong, I like the iPhone, I own the 4S and use it daily.  I also own a Droid Razr, and use it a bit more than the iPhone though.  I wouldn’t say I am a fanboy of either, and could live without one or the other.  I almost feel that APPLE has lost their motivation and has fallen behind the times.  Do you think that the next iPhone has to be a complete redesign with innovative new features, or can they keep getting away with the minor/predictable upgrades?  Personally, i would like to see one of two things happen:

1) release more than one model.  create different form factors and release them more often.  It will keep people excited, as well as keep the iPhone at the cutting edge of technology.

2) Allow other OEM’s to create iPhones.  Think of the competition for a better iPhone if Motorola, HTC, and Samsung jumped in the ring!

What do you think APPLE needs to do to remain the top dog, or do you think they are doing fine as they are?

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