Apple Inc. (AAPL) launched its latest iPhone 4S, the fifth edition of its revolutionary smartphone. Though many Apple fans were expecting an iPhone 5, in October, iPhone 4S is likely to keep the company competitive in the smartphone market.
iPhone 4S comes with a 3.5 inch high resolution screen (same as the earlier versions) and has its usual black and white casings.
One of the key attractions of the new version is the 8 mega pixel camera which has an improved sensitivity light sensor and better lens quality. The camera response time is also better, speeding up the time to click a picture. Moreover, the video capture was upgraded to 1080p HD, which will enhance the video quality.
iPhone 4S is also loaded with the new A5 processor (used in iPad2) which will significantly accelerate operations. The phone also has Siri under its hood. This is a voice recognition command system that initiates operations, accesses information and navigates through its various features.
The inclusion of both GSM/HSPA and cdma2000/EV-DO, which make the phone operable on AT&T Inc.’s (T) network, as well as on Sprint Nextel Corp’s (S) and Verizon Communications’ (VZ) CDMA networks is expected to drive iPhone 4S sales the most.
Promoted as a “world” phone, the iPhone 4S is compatible with any network and this is likely to boost overall volume.
Moreover, iPhone 4S can sync with other devices and has accessibility to Apple’s iCloud service.
Priced at $199 (16 GB), $299 (32GB) and $399 (64 GB), the iPhone 4S will be available in the U.S., Japan and other countries from October 14, 2011.
The features that are added to the iPhone 4S are already present in some of the smartphones available in the market. However, considering the loyal customer base, international expansion plans and competitive pricing strategy, we remain optimistic on Apple’s long-term growth.
Increasing competition in most of its major product segments, coupled with higher operating expenses and increasing legal complexities compel us to maintain our Neutral rating over the long term (6-12 months).
Apple’s iPhone, the brainchild of Steve Jobs (1955-2011) gained immense popularity since its launch in 2007 and remains the star performer among all Apple products. While Steve Jobs was at the helm, the company went from one success to another, always staying ahead of the competition and taking away a huge chunk of profits.
No doubt Apple will miss this great leader who has steered the company to such great heights. Especially so, when Apple is at a crucial juncture, with its new goal of targeting international growth, and possibly, also lower-end markets that Apple has historically avoided.
In the recently concluded quarter, iPhone continued to be a star performer for Apple, with strong growth in both the Americas and the Asia-Pacific regions. Overall, iPhone unit sales were 20.3 million during the quarter, representing a surge of 142.0% from the year-ago quarter.
iPhone sales growth also outpaced IDC’s estimated growth of 67% for the global smartphone market in the June quarter. iPhones accounted for 46.6% of revenues at Apple.
The new iPhone 4S is expected boost Apple's market share going forward in our view. Currently, Apple has a Zacks #2 Rank, which implies a Buy rating in the short term.
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