Cords and cases

With the release of the iPhone5 there have been two accessories that were noticeably absent from the Apple store.  Typically the in-store iPhone buying experience includes your Expert or Specialist taking you on a magical journey that involves pitching you on accessories like cases, chargers, applecare.  This time around both cases and adapters were missing.

Cords...

I understand the omission of car chargers and the like.  The Lightning connector is more technically complicated than the old dock connector.  For a digital connection using multiple different pins to work in either orientation requires communication between the cable and the phone itself.  This is handled by a microchip embeded in the cord which directss pin assignment.

Creating replacement cords certainly wont be difficult with a proper Apple license - but without "confirming" the new connector rumors, it would have been hard to bring cable vendors on board in the week between the announcement and launch day.  Mix this with Apple's obviously outstanding markup on their own cables and converters, the ability to (due to the chip) slow down third parties from making knock-offs - and the lack of charging options makes sense.

Cases...

More surprising is the fact that Apple didn't have any case options available.  This is a new direction completely for Apple.  Some have argued that it's because the new phone is so much more durable - a position I believe is ludicrous.  The iPod is equally durable but this hasn't stopped Apple from having, if limited, some supply of cases available at launch.

Additionally where cases are concerned Apple has no option the way they previously have.  With the iPhone 4/4s Apple was selling their bumper case, the iPad could be bought with a Smart Cover.  Still in both instances the Apple store had other options available (most stores on launch day, and all shortly thereafter).

My guess is that somewhere inside Apple numbers were run showing that while cases are extremely lucrative, more money will be made without them due to increased Applecare sales.  I'm guessing on launch day there were loads of people who intended to purchase a case, not Applecare.  When these people learned there were zero options, wanting to leave the store with some form of protection they bought Applecare.

 

Obviously this analysis is pretty basic... but I just wanted to take a moment to write about such a clear departure from previous practice.  Personally I love the new cord, and Applecare is a lot better looking protection than a phone condom.