iPhone 'may not succeed'

Analysts at IDC have warned that the launch of the iPhone might not be as successful as Apple and some industry pundits have anticipated.

Recent research suggested that seven million Brits and 19 million Americans were very interested in getting their hands on the device when it launches.

However, IDC reckons that when the iPhone launches in the US on 29 June, it may not do as well as expected.

"While the allure of owning the next 'cool' device will undoubtedly have early adopters – and die-hard Apple fans – queuing up to get the iPhone regardless of the price, the associated costs of ownership will persuade many others into a 'wait and see' position," said Shiv K Bakhshi PhD, director of mobility research at IDC.

Though the research is based on the US market, a launch date for the UK has not been announced, nor has a decision been taken on which operator or operators will be providing the iPhone here.

"Beyond these important adoption issues, a number of questions remain about how consumers expect to use the iPhone," said Chris Hazelton, senior analyst at IDC.

"The capabilities of the device, and its supporting network, present the next set of potential barriers to widespread adoption. These issues may ultimately determine the success, or failure, of the iPhone," said Hazelton.

Apple earlier this week moved to assuage fears about the battery life and screen of the iPhone.

www.idc.com
www.apple.com/iphone

More news via RSS Post item to Del.icio.us Post item to Digg.com