The remarkable success of the Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone is even more extraordinary when put in the context of its sales in the five years since it was launched. Research firm Strategic Analysts estimates that over the period, the iPhone has generated $150 billion in sales and reached a quarter-billion units shipped. The firm said in a note:
Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, said “The iPhone portfolio has become a huge generator of cash and profit for Apple. A quarter of a billion iPhones have been shipped cumulatively worldwide in the first five years since launch and Apple reaches its fifth birthday at the top of its game. However, there are emerging signs that the iPhone’s next five years could get tougher. Some mobile operators are becoming concerned about the high level of subsidies they spend on the iPhone, while Samsung is expanding its popular Galaxy portfolio and providing Apple with more credible competition.”
Much of the handset’s success or failure will depend on the reception for the iPhone 5. The new smartphone will have to have at least two sets of features. The first is the ability to operate on new 4G networks. Most of its competition already does. The other is a price point close to its strongest rival, the new Samsung Galaxy S III
Douglas A. McIntyre
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