Analyst predicts 10 million iPhone 5 sales in first week

With Samsung setting incredible milestones by hitting 20 million units sold of the Galaxy S III in the first 100 days, attention is swiftly shifting to the brand based in Cupertino. With Apple set to unveil the iPhone 5 in the next few days, predictions for the device are coming in thick and fast from analysts. The latest bit of information comes via CNET who states that Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster predicts that 10 million units of the handset will be sold in the first week itself.

A glimpse of what we will see (Image Credit: iLab)

Apple had recently announced an event slated to take place on the 12th of September 2012 and in all likelihood, this is the date that the new iPhone will be unveiled. Rumours are also floating around claiming that the iPhone will be launched in the US nine days later, which is the 21st of September. Based on this information, the report states, “An investors note released today by Munster projects iPhone 5 sales of anywhere from 6 million to 10 million. That estimate covers September 21 to the end of the month. Last year, Apple sold 4 million iPhone 4S units during that phone's first three-day weekend in October. A full 10 million in sales over a little more than one week seems attainable this year, as long as there's enough supply to meet demand. Overall, the analyst is eyeing total iPhone sales of at least 26 million units for the full September quarter, higher than the average Wall Street estimate of 22 million to 23 million.”

Gene Munster is not the only analyst who has provided estimates of the upcoming iPhone. The report also goes on to state, “Looking at the longer haul, J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz sees fiscal 2013 iPhone sales of 168 million, a boost from the previous estimate of 147.4 million. The analyst now believes the new iPhone won't be hindered by supply-chain shortages as previously expected. Apple's first quarter of fiscal 2013 starts next month and includes the critical holiday shopping season.”

One of the biggest changes expected on the next flagship handset is that it will come equipped with a display measuring 4 inches diagonally. If Apple does intend to add a 4-inch display to its next iPhone, then this will be the first time it usesa a display size that is larger than 3.5 inches. The resolution of the next iPhone is believed to be 1136 x 640, with the width remaining the same. The change in design is a likely indicator which may propel Apple to reach these high sales figures.

With the possible change in design, we can also see that Apple will redo the design of the dock connector at the bottom and it will be a lot smaller in comparison. This change will apparently be implemented to fit the handset with LTE capabilities.

As for the display of the next iPhone, it is believed that Apple will incorporate a new technology called in-cell, which will help in making the handset a lot slimmer. This will help in negating the brand from using another touchscreen layer as with in-cell technology, the touch sensors are integrated into the LCD itself.

For more information on the next iPhone, click here.