Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) on Thursday released a software update for the iOS 5 operating system in order to address complaints about the battery life of the iPhone 4S. [1] Unfortunately, it seems the update has not completely resolved the issue as users continued to complain about the battery life, with some even saying that it has gotten worse. In a statement released a day later by the company, Apple acknowledged that the software update addresses only some, but not all of the battery issues troubling iPhone users. [2]
Apple’s iPhone 4S has gained tremendous coverage given that the 4S was the best-selling smartphone in October for Verizon (NYSE:VZ), AT&T (NYSE:T) and Sprint (NYSE:S) despite only being available for half of the month and accounts for over half of the company’s value by our estimates. However, some early bugs (Siri has also faced issues) are adding a little tarnish to its sterling image and possibly slowing its demand. According to a recent report by a Taiwanese newspaper, Apple has informed suppliers of iPhone 4S parts to delay part of their Q4 and Q1 2012 shipments as sales have not been as strong as expected and also due to some component shortages. [3]
While we believe it is too early to say if the iPhone 4S demand is slowing down due to these software bugs, which are inevitable given the increasing complexity of smartphones, such issues do dampen the iPhone enthusiasm somewhat and with Samsung and HTC munching on growing market share in the smartphone market, Apple will want to rectify these issues as soon as possible. (see Apple to Fix 4S Battery Drain Bug; Siri Has Some Early Stumbles)
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Notes:- Apple releases iPhone battery drain software fix, Reuters, November 10th, 2011 [↩]
- Apple: We Continue to Investigate iPhone Battery Issues, Apple’s statement given to AllThingsD, November 11th, 2011 [↩]
- Apple slashes parts and components orders for 4Q11, Digitimes quoting a Chinese-site Commercial Times, November 9th, 2011 [↩]
