iPhone 4S’ well runs dry

Potential iPhone 4S buyers seeking to purchase the phone may have to wait a little longer for new stock to come into the country, as operators such as Vodacom have been experiencing shortages, since the festive season.

Vodacom says the overwhelming response to the release of the iPhone 4S was expected, as it is the “norm in the case of Apple products, where the demand for the product always exceeds the supply”, said Vodacom executive head of corporate communications, Nomsa Thusi.

Core Group, which is the authorised distributor of Apple products in South Africa, referred Moneyweb to the mobile networks, on seeking clarity on the phone shortage.

Vodacom said it expects new stock to be available in early February. It officially went on sale on December 16. Some potential buyers have informed Moneyweb about their troubles in trying to identify stores that have the phone on hand.

Thusi has in the interim encouraged “consumers to provide their details to the Vodacom Stores to ensure that they receive their cellphone as soon as stock becomes available, since we continuously receive stock and allocate it to our trade partners”.

Vodacom, however, was reluctant to reveal the sales figures for the devices so far, due to “competitive reasons”.

New mobile operator, 8-ta and “Android-loving” Cell C don’t have the Apple smartphone available on either of their prepaid or contract packages.

8-ta’s Managing Director Amith Maharaj said the young network “is continually investigating new devices featuring the latest technologies. As in the past, as soon as these technologies become available, this will be communicated to the media.”

Meanwhile Cell-C seems more promising in striking a deal with Apple to offer the phone to its subscriber.

“It is Cell C’s intention to offer the iPhone to our current and potential customers as soon as both parties are able to agree on the overall terms and conditions,” said public and media relations at Cell C, Karin Fourie.

Cell C is currently not an authorised reseller of Apple handsets and hence is not able to offer the iPhone as part of its device portfolio. Cell C has engaged Apple directly and will be in discussions with the device vendor.”

MTN did not respond to our questions.

Source: Moneyweb