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For the past few weeks, Apple pieces were leaks left and right. Today, about three weeks before that we expect the new iPhone to launch, iResq has rebuilt the new iPhone spare parts, showing the new connector (a micro port USB-size that I predicted a month ago) and a slightly longer screen. The glut of pictures of this new model point to little, and especially the new role of Apple in the ecosystem of providers.
Remember two years when the Apple security and local police literally low busted door Jason Chen, and stole his computers at the instigation of Apple? It was then that Steve Jobs was still at the helm and security was apparently important to the organization.
Instead of protecting against leaks, Apple is now shrug his shoulders at them. "Our weekly iPhone sales continue to be affected by rumors and speculation about new products," said Peter Oppenheimer, Chief Financial Officer Apple. Two years ago, Apple had Office of San Mateo County Sheriff as their private army. Now, they are all "Shit happens".
I am much less concerned by an iPhone reconstructed from pieces of scrap metal that ask how these parts a leak first scrap. To be honest, I prefer an Apple trying to change this manufacturing industry by forcing accountability, control and secrecy. Manufacturers love of leaks of information to pump and dump their stock. Would previously, Digitimes position simply refers to an Apple partnership do usually the tip. Now, with a new, kinder Tim Cook at the helm, it is clear that the manufacturers are less afraid of Cupertino.
I am upset by this for a reason: Apple manufacturing environment will be much less regulated and far more damaging to the environment and in terms of human capital. Mike Daisey and his magical, iPad psychologically crippled men side, Apple has done more to change the face of Asian manufacturing than any material business. The constant refrain of "cheaper, faster, less regulation" was completely disrupted by the power of Apple and the subsequent criticism that their role in the industry were forced to accept. Apple, force being the largest and the most lucrative client for many of these factories, forced the plants to change. When Greenpeace and This American Life are against you (and I think that Apple knowingly ignored the issues of human rights until they are not), you try to change things as quickly as possible.
These show leaks than this fear (and perhaps respect) has decreased significantly. Equipment suppliers, don't care, repair of Don't care and soon Foxconn does care. An Apple without teeth is not much better than an Apple that captures the notebooks of journalists on a whim.
I have a theory (and it is far-fetched) as to why these leaks are produced: Apple needs to Telegraph the changes that they are considering the hold and, therefore, are obliged to release test equipment more than usual. This material is falling into the wrong hands. That we have not seen a real working new iPhone in the wild is a testament to the respect that apple has in the industry (as a testament to their tendency to literally prototypes of iPhone chain of offices, design partner shops). If this is the case, it is not yet excuse failure of Apple to keep a lid on things.
Apple is strong and scary - or at least as before. These leaks are on one level, but on the other hand, they show a certain recklessness never leaving jobs fun. Love them or hate them, Apple has changed manufacturing for the better. If they lose this fear, the dark days can still return.
