Apple Blames Rumors For Slowing Sales

Apple failed to meet analysts expectations in the last quarter a first for the company in years and now executives have been quick to blame bloggers, newscasters and journalists who tend to spread multiple iPhone device rumors months before new versions reach the market.

According to Apple’s Chief financial officer Peter Oppenheimer:

“We’re reading the same rumors and speculation that you are about a new iPhone.”

Apple witnessed 100 percent year-over-year iPhone sales in China but other markets have slowed.

Executives at Apple have not revealed what type of declines they believe are afforded to product speculation and rumors while CEO Tim Cook adds:

“I’m glad that people want the next thing; I’m super happy about it. I’m not going to put any energy into getting people to stop speculating.”

While Apple has complained about speculative rumors AT&T Wireless on Tuesday revealed a lower than expected churn rate, AT&T executives claim that subscribers are sticking with the wireless network in anticipation of a six-generation iPhone which is expected to land in September or October 2012.

Among iPhone 5 rumors are a new 19-pin dock connector that will replace the current 30-pin connector, 4G LTE data speed support and a potential metal housing, all firsts for the iPhone smartphone line.

Apple has not released a new iPhone since October 2011 when the iPhone 4S was met with considerable early sales thanks to the hype surrounding Siri voice-assistant technology.

Do you think rampant speculation surrounding Apple devices has hurt or helped sales for the world’s largest tech firm?