Reuters Pulls Story on Phil Schiller's iPhone Comments Following 'Substantial Changes' to Source Article [Updated]

phil schillerYesterday, a report from the Shanghai Evening News including comments made by Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller about Apple's refusal to build "cheap" devices was widely re-reported throughout both the Apple-focused rumor scene and in mainstream media.

Schiller's comments were viewed by some as a direct rebuttal to recent rumors from The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg that Apple is working on a less expensive iPhone for launch as soon as later this year, although he actually appeared to simply be noting that any product Apple releases would not sacrifice quality in order to grab market share at lower price points.

Reuters has now issued a brief statement retracting its re-reporting of the Shanghai Evening News piece, citing "substantial changes" to the source article. Reuters will not be publishing an amended version of its story.

It is unclear exactly what changes Reuters is referring to, as the online version [Google translation] of the Shanghai Evening News piece appears to be essentially the same as when it was first covered by English-language media.

Still, the retraction by Reuters casts significant uncertainty on the original report and raises questions about whether Schiller's comments were mistranslated or misinterpreted.

Update 12:30 PM: Reuters has now published an explanation for its retraction, citing the changes made to the original Shanghai Evening News article.

[I]n a new version of the story published after the original, the Shanghai Evening News removed all references to cheaper smartphones, except for a mention of a "cheaper, low-end product." It also amended its original headline from "Apple will not push a cheaper smartphone for the sake of market share," to "Apple wants to provide the best products, will not blindly pursue market share."

Apple confirmed the interview had taken place and that it had contacted the Chinese newspaper about amending its original article, but had no further comment and declined to provide a transcript of the interview.

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Top Rated Comments

paulold Avatar
163 months ago
Couldn't releasing the iPad mini without a retina display be seen as Apple "sacrific[ing] quality in order to grab market share at lower price points"?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mabaker Avatar
163 months ago
You're using google translate to verify the story? :eek:

I know. should have used BabelFish.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chupa Chupa Avatar
163 months ago
This is why I laugh when I read quotes from "old media" journalists at established news organizations whining that bloggers and online news isn't true journalism. I can't tell the difference. In both instances it seems to be publish first, fact check later. Simple case of pot calling kettle black.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
163 months ago
Couldn't releasing the iPad mini without a retina display be seen as Apple "sacrific[ing] quality in order to grab market share at lower price points"?

I thought releasing mini without retina was so the tablet could be thin and light with great battery life.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JAT Avatar
163 months ago
Budget = 3.5", 320x480 non-retina display (like the first versions of iPhones)
Regular = 4.0", 640x1136 retina display (iPhone 5 and up)

No fragmentation, no headaches for developers.
They already have this, right now. Except the cheaper one has a retina display.

Sometimes I wonder if this place is just filled with people taking a break from debate class. So little reality.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Yvan256 Avatar
163 months ago
Budget = 3.5", 320x480 non-retina display (like the first versions of iPhones)
Regular = 4.0", 640x1136 retina display (iPhone 5 and up)

No fragmentation, no headaches for developers.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)