Apple seems to be really in trouble this time

How many iPhones Apple will sell Q4/2012? That is a really $AAPL stock-shaking question. But if the early signs are to be believed, Apple may be in trouble, at least temporarily.

The first sign of troube is the mnagement shakeup. The fight for power seems to be on, and the rumored unwilligness to apologize MAppleGate was enough to fire Scott Forstall. The articles describing the incidents also tell the tory about the fight for a new design. Apparently Apple design has stayed where it was when the first iPhone was released. Major changes have happened only on hardware side of the desing and many bloggers are now calling iOS user interface "outdated".

Also, the first news regarding the iPad Mini sales are not as great as we have heard with earlier product releses. iPhone 5 was a success, but that was easy to predict. There was a lot of demand because original iPhone 4 contracts were expired. Many of these buyers were willing to upgrade. But for me Apple's product strategy seems a bit hazy right now. Two new tablets right now was a bit surprise, as the New iPad was lauched less than a year ago.

The new products are all supporting the new Lightning connector, which seems to be the driver behind the product releases. For early adopters, it is now possible to get rid of the old hardware ecosystem at once. It will cost you, but it is possible. For those who are not willing to move on, or who have invested to the old hardware ecosystem, there is still iPhone 4S and older iPads available.

But I was expecting more from Apple. They should have coordinate the reneval of iOS interface and hardware and release thos at the same time. If the advancement in desing is too slow, Apple magic will disappear. And that is the worst thing that can happen to Apple and the brand.