Data Suggests Apple May Miss iPhone Sales Projections
According to a release from AT&T earlier, the wireless giant sold 10 million smartphones in the quarter,
largely led by Apple and Google. What does that mean for iPhone sales?
Last quarter, Apple reported selling 26.91 million iPhone units and AT&T said it sold 4.7 million iPhone
units. That means AT&T accounts for about 17.47 percent of total iPhone sales.
Also, the 4.7 million iPhones were about 77 percent of AT&T's total smartphone sales of 6.1 million units
last quarter.
If AT&T still accounts for 17.47 percent (or so) of all iPhone sales, that means a best-case sales number
of 7.7 million iPhones in the most recent quarter would equate to sales of just 44.1 million units for Apple.
That is a lot of smartphones, but it may not be enough for Apple. There are a few opinions, however.
Forbes contributor Chuck Jones said last month that if AT&T can sell 7.5 million
iPhones, Verizon (NYSE: VZ) with 5.5 million, and Sprint (NYSE: S) at 2 million, it should be possible
for other carriers to chip in 35 million and Apple to reach the magical 50 million unit number.
One of the more noted Apple bloggers, Horace Dediu of Asymco, sees iPhone unit sales of 55.5 million
units, making today's guesstimate even worse.
This quarter won't be like previous ones for Apple, as manufacturing and distribution improved enough
for a massive acceleration of offering the latest iPhone model in China about a month quicker than the
previous model's introduction. Adding another 3 million units to our number still doesn't put Apple at 50
million, though.
Does this mean Apple will miss first quarter estimates when it reports on January 23rd? Hardly, the iPad
mini is very hot and might put the quarter over the top. Second quarter guidance, however, is a big worry
among investors.
Shares of Apple are up in early trading Tuesday.
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