Apple, Jobs and the UPOD iPhone strategy

Apple is executing a well-known strategy when it comes to the iPhone: Under promise over deliver (UPOD).

Apple said in a statement today that the iPhone's battery life will have 8 hours of talk time, 6 hours of Internet use, 7 hours of video playback and 24 hours of audio. Standby time will be up to 250 hours. These benchmarks depend on configuration and other factors.

Apple also noted that the top surface of the iPhone will be "optical-quality glass" instead of plastic. This glass will "achieve a superior level of scratch resistance and optical clarity."

At least until you drop it and have to buy a new one.

As Jason O'Grady notes these new specs are upgrades to those announced previously by a wide margin. Gee you think Apple just discovered this newfound battery power? Not a chance.

Apple also appears prepared to stack up against its rivals. Here's a chart that already takes a few jabs at Nokia, Samsung, RIM and Palm.

Needless to say Apple's statement went over well with Wall Street. UBS analyst Ben Reitzes was out with a research note shortly after the Apple statement. His take: "Battery life and potential scratching are two of the major concerns we have fielded from bears into launch. We believe that Apple is effectively addressing these concerns and believe the product will be a big success met with strong demand."