The white iPhone has missed two alternate deadlines already. When it didn’t come out alongside the black version at launch, Apple said July would see the white model’s arrival. After that revised date came and went, before the end of 2010 became the official line.

Apple apologized yesterday as it changed the arrival date once more, saying “We’re sorry to disappoint customers waiting for the white iPhone yet again, but we’ve decided to delay its release until spring.” Speculation about why the white model wasn’t released ranges from issues matching the color of the home button to the phone’s faceplate, to problems with the screen’s backlight leaking through the lighter color.

Customers don’t seem to have been too put off by the lack of choice, as the iPhone sold in record numbers yet again, with 14.1 million sold last quarter. This is why I think Apple’s decision to shelve the white version isn’t about manufacturing problems, at least not anymore.

I find it very hard to believe that Apple would continue to be unable to create something as simple as a white version of its device. At some point, it must have made a decision to sit back and evaluate the cost/benefit of releasing another version, which would increase production costs. Since sales didn’t appear to be flagging, it decided to wait till the next product cycle to worry about the white iPhone.

Making white an iPhone 5 exclusive, especially if Apple isn’t planning on changing anything else about the case design of the next model, is good business, because it’ll provide an extra upgrade incentive. The next iPhone will probably have only incremental upgrades (more storage, better cameras, etc.) without a major overhaul. A white case would offer users a way to immediately show that they’ve got the latest and greatest, without necessitating changes to the body itself.

It may seem incredibly superficial, but this is the company where Jony Ive works, so I hardly think it’s out of line to say Apple customers put a premium on design. The availability of a white model could be the tipping point for those uncertain about whether or not to upgrade.

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Which is why it’s good news that AppleInsider is reporting this morning that the 17-inch version of the aluminum-glass MacBook Pro is not, as some speculated, going the way of the dodo. Rumors of optical drive and display issues on the bigger MBP delaying shipment appear to be correct, and will delay its arrival until after the holiday season. Meanwhile, Apple is offering improved specs on the existing 17-inch MBP. A high-resolution 1920×1200 display, 4GB of memory, and a 320GB hard drive now come standard, with the option available to switch in a 128GB SSD.

It should be noted that the original 17-inch MacBook Pro was also delayed when the high-end laptop was initially introduced in January of 2006.  Still, Apple is staying mum on the subject of new larger Pros, in what could be interpreted as an attempt to clear existing inventory. Many retailers delay bringing new stock to floor upon initial release, hoping to catch consumers unaware of recent model changes. Best Buy is notorious for this kind of sales tactic, and often won’t display new models of some stock until many months after its introduction, depending on store location and stock levels. It would be a shrewd move on Apple’s part to leak vague claims of technical issues preventing the release, and sell off remaining inventory in the mean time, especially to corporate buyers who need the machines now and aren’t willing to wait a couple of months to make purchases.

Still, the high resolution display and bigger hard drive amount to an $150 discount in the price of the 17-inch MBP, so it’s not a bad deal if you’re in urgent need.

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