How do Apple do it?

[kingdave]

Hi all,

This is not a thread to praise Apple by any means. I'm a Phandroid through and through, but there is one thing about Apple that I am genuinely curious about.

Every year they release a new iPhone. For months before hand there is constant speculation about what it will and won't contain (and every year its always whole staircases behind what Samsung, HTC, Motorola etc are doing, but that's another story) and nobody really seems to know for certain until the September launch event.

Yet, on the news articles on this very site we are constantly seeing headlines like "Mystery Samsung device shows up in FCC logs for approval" or whatever the hell it is that the FCC have to do to license (or whatever) a new device on the market. From the FCC logs we often get a pretty detailed spec of what this mystery device is, with the processors, RAM, GPU, wireless radios etc.

How do Apple products not seem to show up in these FCC leaks like every other phone in the world does?

Maybe I'm not reading the right news sites, or not caring because its another iPhone incremental upgrade, but what are they doing that Android manufacturers aren't?

Thanks

 

[breadnatty08]

One thing that Apple does a superb job with (and Samsung is catching up) is announcing a device and launching it very soon after, within a week or two.
I'm not sure this is true, but I've read that Apple also is able to rush the FCC certification do distribution of the phones so it passes after the announcement, not before. Could be completely wrong there, though.

 

[!on]

One thing that Apple does a superb job with (and Samsung is catching up) is announcing a device and launching it very soon after, within a week or two.
I'm not sure this is true, but I've read that Apple also is able to rush the FCC certification do distribution of the phones so it passes after the announcement, not before. Could be completely wrong there, though.

True, but first of all in the apple stores. I prefer to buy phones from a phone shop, & their stock & availability may vary, due to their own sourcing & distribution chain.

It can be the same from authorized apple resellers, especially online. But go in their shop, & they're there waiting . At full price. With somebody there to force other apple goods (including apple care), upon you.

 

[dan330]

I think...


the leaks are planned leaks...

apple dont let things leak.. they employ a different marketing plan / hype / reality distortion field

others use the leak to create interest and start the buzz; and let the info out in a controlled timeline... there are many android phones dropping all the time, so they have to create hype.

 

[!on]

You knows it!

Edit. It's funny how so many "tech" media outlets are apple promo by default - even when apple themselves are being a bit "last minute"

 

[Bob Maxey]

I think...


the leaks are planned leaks...

apple dont let things leak.. they employ a different marketing plan / hype / reality distortion field

others use the leak to create interest and start the buzz; and let the info out in a controlled timeline... there are many android phones dropping all the time, so they have to create hype.

No way to substantiate your claims. One thing I know about Apple is they are tight-lipped. Perhaps they do release stuff in secret to wet the public's whistle. Not sure if this practice would remain a secret, however.

As far as I can tell, all Apple product leaks come from Photoshop. So perhaps Adobe is to blame?

Has anyone looked to see how close Apple's released products conform to the many leaked images and specifications? I am too tired to do the research but it seems to me, those with claimed insider knowledge often miss the boat. But again, I do not know.

 

[Bob Maxey]

I do admire apple for their excellent job in keep everything under the bonnet and creating a mysterious atmosphere around whatever they are launch next.

As for the FCC, they have jurisdiction on all smartphone and other devices that uses communication bandwidth of 9k Hz or above.

Apple is still subjected to submit their products to FCC and meet their requirement. My understanding is that they timed everything so the launch event actually happens before or at the same time as the FCC test. The new iPad got FCC approval after its launch event.

Other members, please correct me if I am wrong. Thanks

Because the FCC must approve telecommunications devices and (apparently) the info becomes public knowledge at some point and to some degree, it is in Apple's best interest to do whatever it can to keep the big secret a big secret.

The law requires patents to be made public and depending on the patent, you can take what is published and recreate the product. In other cases, not so easy.

The FCC does allow some confidentiality; it costs Apple a bit more and I am not sure how that works. Some private concerns can use what the FCC calls a TCB. I looked it up.

Not sure about the process, how it works, the rules or laws. Just know that Apple probably does whatever it can to keep the essential details a secret for as long as possible and that is certainly what they should be doing.

 

[Bob Maxey]

You knows it!

Edit. It's funny how so many "tech" media outlets are apple promo by default - even when apple themselves are being a bit "last minute"

Same can probably be said about Android related tech sites as well. Fortunately, a little digging will reveal such sites.

 

[AntimonyER]

Yeah, I have to say, Apple definitely has the timing of a device launch down like no-one else. Maximizes excitement, while minimizing debacles like the VZW GNex launch. Although Moto is pulling off the RAZR M launch in a very Applesque way, and the S3 is a HUGE marketing success. So Apple's massive advantage in the marketing world is being reduced, just like their technical advantage was.