Apple phone draws near

THE LONG RUMOURED iTunes/iPod phone from Apple is again being discussed by industry analysts.

According to American Technology Research Analyst Shaw Wu, his company's research indicates that the phone has moved from concept to prototype and recently has progressed to near completion as a production unit.

Wu believes that the converged device has been in development for over a year with Apple overcoming challenges including design, interference, battery life, etc to produce a blend of mobile phone and portable media player that meets the 'very high standards' of Steve Jobs. Wu said that Jobs 'is finally satisfied with the end product Apple engineers have produced in terms of quality and the right blend of cell phone and portable media player.'

The Apple CEO has recently been noted as boasting about the phone amongst his inner circles, giving credence to the rumour that the mobile is near to completion.

The analyst said he has the utmost confidence the Apple branded cell phone, given Given Jobs' previous track record, which he says will conform to a sleek candy bar form factor, and will meet the highest of standards with no exception. Wu stated that the design will be an iPod nano-like candy bar form factor and come in three colors, probably white, black and platinum.

Shaw Wu continued his analysis by saying he's 'very positive' about Apple's prospect for entry into the mobile phone business by building upon its strong brand name, loyal customer base, unique user experience, and huge installed market-base of iPod users. "Should Apple gain 1 percent share in the billion unit [cell phone] market, we believe that could amount to a $2 billion opportunity assuming around 10 million units at a $200 average selling price, but not including potential services and accessories revenue," he said.

This certainly smells like analysts drumming up stock prices on behalf of Apple, and statements such as "We encourage investors to get aggressive in purchasing shares of Apple prior to the potential revolution of the handset industry", and the problems Apple are facing regarding the reinstatement of financial figures from 2002, certainly add to this belief. But it's probable any well designed phone from Apple will capture a reasonable amount of market share, and is certainly likely to bolster an already well-performing bottom line. µ

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