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Over the last several weeks, reports have been swirling around that Apple will be announcing its upcoming smartphone, the iPhone 5, in September. So far, the company hasn’t made any indication that that will happen, and chances are it won’t divulge any details until Apple CEO Steve Jobs is standing on the stage showing it off. Even so, that hasn’t stopped the reports from coming.
One of the more recent rumors suggests that Apple has contracted with a manufacturing company to build 15 million iPhone 5 units. That figure is staggering and suggests that Apple has high hopes for the upcoming smartphone.
Such high hopes are understandable. Even without all the details known at this point, there’s little chance that the iPhone 5 won’t sell exceedingly well. Simply put,Apple’s smartphone is poised for success.
Read on to find out why:
1. The production tallies rarely lie
Although there is no way to prove that Apple requested 15 million iPhone 5 units, the reality is, there’s a good chance it did. Apple has a long track record of accurately predicting demand. With each new iPhone release, the company typically accommodates the vast majority of requests within the first few weeks of launch. Given that history, if Apple ordered 15 million units, there’s a solid chance that it will sell that many iPhone 5s (and then some). And 15 million units is an impressive figure.
2. 4G could be a winner
Recent speculation suggests that Apple is considering offering 4G connectivity in the iPhone 5. If the company does so, there will be no wonder why the iPhone 5 sells well. When it comes to Web connectivity, 4G is the future. And Apple is the company that likes to capitalize on the future. Once it explains the benefits of 4G-namely, faster connectivity speeds-it won’t be long before consumers and enterprise users jump at the chance to ditch 3G in favor of their 4G-equipped iPhone 5.
3. It has been a long wait
In the past, Apple has released its new iPhone models in the summer. However, it doesn’t appear to be following that strategy this year. So, by the time the iPhone 5 finally launches, it will have been a long wait for iPhone customers who are used to seeing a new device every 12 months. When there are long waits, demand starts to build up, priming the market for a sales deluge.
4. AT&T could be a cash cow
It’s important to keep in mind that iPhone 5 sales need to be considered over the life of the product’s availability, not just its initial few months on store shelves. Realizing that, if AT&T gains the regulatory approval it needs to acquire T-Mobile USA, Apple could benefit greatly, since the company’siPhone will be available to tens of millions more customers who are chomping at the bit to have Apple’s smartphone in their hands. With T-Mobile’s help, Apple’s iPhone 5 sales could explode.
No Competing Mobile Device Can Slow It Down
5. When hasn’t it sold well?
Let’s face it: Apple’s iPhone has always sold well. And if the reports are true and Apple will be offering a nicely improved iPhone 5, there’s no reason to suggest its next release won’t follow suit. History must always be one’s guide when they forecast the future. When it comes to Apple’s history, the iPhone has always been a huge success.
6. Apple’s marketing will be top-notch
Part of the reason for the iPhone’s success over the years has been Apple’s marketing. As soon as it announces a new smartphone, Apple takes to the airwaves, showcasing the new device anddiscussing its finer points. Along the way, consumers get excited. This time around, expect Apple to do the same with the iPhone 5. And when it does, expect the same excitement to result. With Apple’s marketing, the iPhone 5 will be far more likely to succeed.
7. Android competitors can’t stop it
There are several smartphones on the market right now that are appealing to consumers. And many of those devices are Android-based smartphones. Even so, none of those devices can compete with the iPhone. Apple’s smartphone features the best design, outstanding software and a price that consumers like. To some customers, it’s the complete smartphone package. Apple’s iPhone 5 will be launching in a market in which it will likely be the superior option, as well. And as long as that’s the case, there’s no reason to suggest it won’t be a winner.
8. RIM isn’t appealing to the enterprise as much
Over the years, Apple’s iPhone has slowly but surely made strides in the enterprise. Part of that is due to attitude changes among IT decision-makers and the increasing crossover of consumer electronics products to corporate IT. But the iPhone’s increasing enterprise adoption also has to do with RIM’s troubles. The mobile company, which admittedly still has a strong corporate presence, has lost its way as of late due to poor product designs and ineffective product strategies. Save for BlackBerry Enterprise Server, the company’s solutions haven’t been as appealing to enterprise users as they have in the past. When the iPhone 5 launches, it will likely be even more compelling for enterprise users (after all, each new iteration has been more corporate-friendly). That alone could help make Apple’s upcoming offering trump the BlackBerry in the enterprise.
9. The iPad is helping to sell more iPhones
Apple’s iPad 2 is viewed by some as a competitor to the iPhone, since the device functions in a similar way. But the tablet is also helping Apple’s iPhone sales. After all, if an Android handset owner buys an iPad and likes what she sees, she might be far more likely to buy an iPhone 5 when her smartphone contract is up. Just as the iPhone helped sell iPads, Apple’s tablet will undoubtedly help the company sell more iPhone 5 units.
10. Timing is everything
Currently,it is believed that Apple will announce the iPhone 5 in September and possibly launch the device either that month or in October. In either case, the company would be releasing the smartphone at the right time. Each year, the holidays are a key time for technology companies, and every firm tries to capitalize on the heavy shopping season. By offering the iPhone 5 in September or October, the iPhone 5’s novelty wouldn’t have worn off by the holiday-shopping season, thus helping Apple’s smartphone top the shopping lists of consumers around the globe.