Some interesting tidbits relating to the next-gen iPhone have been buzzing around the web today. Apple almost never speaks publicly about a product until it’s being announced, and that hasn’t changed, but Tim Cook did let slip a bit of information that could have some relation to the mystical iPhone 5.

An analyst from Barclays was interview Apple CEO Tim Cook, and asked him questions regarding “sequential change in margins” as well as projected earnings in the December quarter. He even went so far as to ask Cook if he had, “any idea with the iPhone, how much rumors and speculations hurt sales?” Cook’s response was calculated, but definitely intriguing.

“It’s difficult to sort out. I am fairly convinced that there’s an incredible anticipation out there for a future product. And as you would expect given what we would be able to deliver in the past…it’s a reasonable amount. In terms of channel inventory, we put our current thinking in the guidance (CFO Peter Oppenheimer) provided you.”

Personally I never really thought of iPhone rumors as potentially harmful to current iPhone sales. In retrospect, I suppose I should have. I tell anyone who will listen to hold off on buying an iPhone, as the next generation will probably come out in the Fall. I suppose I didn’t think such a gargantuan company could be affected by such things as rumors. I was wrong. According to Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer,

“We’re reading the same rumors and speculation about a new iPhone as you are, and we think this has affected sales.”

Though, despite Apple’s propensity for secrecy and possible financial harm caused by rumors and speculation, Tim Cook still seems to enjoy the hype surrounding his company’s new gadgets. He says he’s glad people are looking forward to the next thing and that he isn’t going to “put any energy into getting people to stop speculating.”

So what do you guys think? Are stories of the next-gen iPhone putting people off from purchasing the current model, and if so, how much do you think this affects Apple? Sound off in the comments section below or let me know on twitter @TiP_Jake.

Via: CNET, Cult of Mac