Bad Can Be Good

By now you have read about the problems with AT&T and iPhone 4.  There were so many orders that AT&T stopped taking new orders.

This probably isn’t good for AT&T, who may soon lose iPhone exclusivity.

But from Apple’s perspective, the problems with AT&T are the perfect advertising.

It can be a challenge to generate buzz for a new product release.  (Granted, the iPhone 4 isn’t just a normal new product release.)

All the bad press AT&T is getting keeps the iPhone in the news.  For now, people will hold their nose about the network if it means they can get their new toy.

This is perfect for Apple because the problem is with the network.  Their new product and its features will continue to get talked about, and even if a few people get miffed because they have to wait a week to get theirs.  Sales will go up because the problem is not with Apple.

All the record sales do for Apple is attract new buyers.  And once Apple releases the iPhone to other wireless providers, this will make sales soar.  It may be the perfect way to fend off the Andriod taking market share.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Steve Jobs arranged the shutdown of the AT&T webpage just to get the iPhone 4 in the news more.

Are you going to get the new iPhone?

Tags: Marketing Plan, Product Development, Public Relations

This entry was posted on June 21, 2010 at 9:11 am and is filed under Marketing Plan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.