Apple Ready to Launch New Smartphone Models in First Half of Year... "Sales Expected to Perform Well"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Myunghwan] Apple is expected to continue strong sales this year as it plans to launch a new smartphone in the first half of the year.

According to the securities industry on the 5th, Apple's revenue and operating profit for the fourth quarter of last year were $123.9 billion (about 148 trillion KRW) and $41.5 billion (about 49 trillion KRW), respectively. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by 11%, and operating profit rose by 24%. Both figures exceeded market expectations.

Apple's flagship product, the iPhone, achieved record-high sales and service segment performance. iPhone revenue increased by 9% year-on-year to $71.6 billion (about 86 trillion KRW). Service segment revenue rose 9% year-on-year to $19.5 billion (about 23 trillion KRW).

Kyobo Securities analyzed that Apple achieved these results despite last year's semiconductor supply shortage, as sales of the iPhone 13 series increased in key markets such as China. Choi Boyoung, a researcher at Kyobo Securities, noted, "By launching the iPhone 13 and lowering the sales price in China by 300 to 800 yuan (about 56,000 to 150,000 KRW) compared to the previous model, Apple recorded the No. 1 market share (23%) in China in the fourth quarter for the first time in about six years."

Kyobo Securities expects Apple to release two new smartphone models in the first and second halves of this year. Researcher Choi predicted, "Apple plans to launch new models, the 'iPhone SE3' in April and the 'iPhone 14' in September. The iPhone SE3 is expected to support 5G and feature the latest AP, while the iPhone 14 is anticipated to have a camera spec upgrade for the first time in seven years."

The securities industry commonly forecasts that Apple will continue its strong performance in the smartphone market this year, leveraging its solid premium image. Researcher Choi said, "The continuous record-breaking sales of the iPhone series prove the steady demand for premium smartphones despite the expansion of the mid-to-low-end smartphone market. Apple is expected to continue expanding sales this year with the new iPhone 14 effect."

Kim Dongwon, a researcher at KB Securities, also noted, "Compared to Chinese smartphone makers whose sales in the fourth quarter decreased by an average of 16% from the previous quarter, Apple's performance in the Chinese market is quite contrasting, indicating that the iPhone currently has no rivals. Even in Apple's off-season in the first half of this year, the sales of the iPhone 13 are likely to maintain a steady trend."

Meanwhile, there are also predictions that Apple may enter new business areas such as augmented reality (AR) and electric vehicles. Lee Seungwoo, a researcher at Eugene Investment & Securities, said, "Although not officially confirmed, the market expects Apple to launch AR/virtual reality (VR) new products this year and further believes that Apple will enter the electric vehicle competition. Apple has shown definite results in expanding markets, so the possibility of new product launches is likely to lead to growth opportunities and further valuation upgrades."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.