Folks who had their hearts set on a white iPhone 4 may have better luck getting their hands on a white iPhone 5. Or at this rate, maybe an iPhone 6.

News today indicated Apple (AAPL) once again has pushed back the release date for the smart phone. The company announced that the white iPhone won’t be available until spring 2011, after two prior delays.

 

In June, Apple pushed the date back to late July.  In July, the tech giant claimed the phone would be available "later this year."

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But lest you hope that the third time will be the charm, Apple officials had little to say on the matter.

 

"We're sorry to disappoint customers waiting for the white iPhone yet again, but we've decided to delay its release until this spring," Apple said in a release. Notice the lack of a date. Or month. But hey, we at least got a season out of them! Post continues after video:

If these delays continue, Apple runs the risk of tarnishing its reputation for successful product launches. With rumors of another iPhone in store for 2011 -- and the almost certain release of a Verizon (VZ)-connected iPhone in just a few months -- AAPL would be wise to make sure these seemingly minor delays are just an isolated instance.

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Interestingly, Apple had recently created an App Store iPhone application that would allow shoppers to reserve a white iPhone. The application seems to have served as only a tease for consumers and a source of frustration.

 

The delay isn't going to sink Apple, which has been on a tear in 2010 and has seen its stock hit record highs above $300 a share. But it could be a sign that Apple is losing its edge on product launches.

Last summer, consumers were up in arms about the spotty reception caused by the iPhone 4 antenna.  Apple CEO Steve Jobs shot back at reports, claiming that competing smart phones had the same reception problem when the antenna was covered, as commonly found in the death-grip style of holding the phone. Protective cases that prevent reception issues were later offered to iPhone owners.

 

Despite multiple delays and some upset iPhone owners, however, AAPL has fared pretty darn well. Year to date, the stock is up 45.5%, compared with gains of 9.7% and 6.2%, respectively, for the Nasdaq and Dow Jones. Since July, when "Antenna Gate" was in full swing, the stock has climbed 21.9%. 

 

Additionally, Apple has exceeded earnings estimates in the past four quarters, causing analysts to project earnings of $5.24 this quarter, after EPS of $4.64 last quarter. Apple may be an expensive stock at $306.69, but it's clearly thriving despite multiple product setbacks.

 

At the end of the day, a few techies and Apple fan-boys may be upset that their white iPhone 4s will not arrive until spring 2011, but it's very likely Apple stock is still headed up. As long as the iPhone is available in its classic black, consumers will continue to buy it.

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