If Apple were to launch a redesigned iPhone with a screen size around 5 inches this year, it would become the "motherlode of all upgrade cycles" for the company, helping to reaccelerate year over year growth, one analyst believes.
This afternoon after markets close, Apple is set to announce its earnings for the recently concluded September quarter. But analysts are mostly interested in any comments the company may have about improving iPhone 5s production, as well as sales of the iPhone 5c.
Despite potentially offering a lower entry price, Apple's anticipated low-cost iPhone may actually boost the company's gross margins in the smartphone space while also increasing international market share, a new prediction suggests.
The ecosystem supporting Apple's products can be deceptively sticky, akin to flypaper, which is why one analyst believes its value has been underestimated by the investment community.
The latest iPhone activation data from Verizon suggests Apple may have shipped more than 50 million iPhones during the 2012 holiday season.
Greater China has become an increasingly important part of Apple's business, generating about 15 percent of the company's fiscal 2012 sales, and the nation's role is expected to grow even more with a particularly strong debut for the iPhone 5.
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Neil Hughes
