We learned yesterday that Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has approved the sale of two unreleased iPhones, specifically with the model numbers A1524 & A1586, ahead of the expected announcement on September 9th. Confirmation of the approval for the new iPhone models was even publicized via Twitter by the NBTC’s Secretary General in addition to being discussed on video.
Whether or not the two new model numbers point to the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions of the next generation iPhone or simply changes to existing iPhone models sold in Thailand isn’t certain until the devices hit the market, but a local report filed from Thai Rath claims that Apple South Asia has “requested a meeting to discuss the case of the NBTC,” suggesting these model numbers are more than just changes to existing devices…
According to the report, Apple expressed concern that confidential information including device specifications would surface out of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission following the disclosure and approval before the company is prepared to bring the device to market next month, but the NBTC Secretary General apparently insisted that Thailand’s disclosure process fit with the laws of the nation as device specifications were not revealed.
The report also notes that Apple could decide to not sale the new iPhone models in Thailand following this episode, but that would not be expected considering the business implications that would have, of course. While the publicity of the disclosure of the two model numbers’ approval in Thailand may not have an impact on the device sales in the country, it seems the model numbers going public skated close enough to the edge to become an issue for the Cupertino company, regardless, which may further validate these as new models rather than updated existing hardware.
Apple is expected to reveal the next generation of iPhone hardware at an unannounced event scheduled for September 9th.
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Expect iPhone 6S and future models to hit Thailand starting in LATE FALL or early winter of their respective release years… #stupidgovernmentdrones
Simple solution: delay any and all information about a new device going to the country until after announcements. Sure, because of local government approval, etc. requirements, that means the product won’t be available in the country for many months after release, but it’s better than cutting them off completely.
In the big picture, what is the harm to Apple?
I understand Apple wanting control but not to the point of a nation not following its own laws. Maybe Apple needs to spend more money on lobbyists in Thailand?
Delay sales. Good move (for the competition).
Maybe then Thailand will just ban the device because it’s too shiny …
As the article states, they may have been worried about far more information than model numbers being released before they announced the device. That would be bad. They don’t want the device to leak before it is announced, too bad leaks can’t be stopped.
If I were Apple, I would flood their market with dozens of dozens of new model devices.
So next year the gov announces that Apple is likely to sell say 85 new devices, which obviously they will not. But no one will be able to identify the real device among them. Also, this means more work for the Thai gov for nothing…..
I’m sure making a video and tweeting about product approvals with model numbers is doing more than just following the transparency law. Sounds like some official got a little puffed up about his “insider” info.
Part numbers? Really Apple? Even your part numbers, which give zero clues about anything, are secret now?
Apple, your “secrecy” stupidity is reaching new levels now.
that’s easy for you to say as some one who didn’t do anything in his life.
Me, as some one who did, can tell you that the more you surprise your competition – the more money you make. Because in the end they’ll copy you and then you make much less.
one of the products I wasn’t secretive about was copied before I could make the real money of it, so I know.
yes. I agree that some times it looks stupid and too much, but in the end of the day you in their shoes would do the same.