Despite analysts recent projections, Apple says it’s sticking by its goal of selling 10 million iPhones by the end of the year.
During Apple’s annual shareholder meeting, CEO Steve Jobs reportedly said the company is comfortable with its previously stated iPhone estimate of selling 10 million handsets worldwide by the end of 2008. Jobs reportedly said the company had “plans in place” to reach its goal.
Investment bank Caris & Company lowered its year projections for Apple yesterday, saying that it now expects the company to sell 8.9 million units, instead of its previous 11.7 million expectation. The analyst reportedly said that its adjustments reflect information coming from Asian handset suppliers, and that it expects Research In Motion to dominate the enterprise smartphone market for the year.
Apple’s stock has dropped some in the last few weeks as fears of an economic slowdown grow. Concerns for the company also center on unlocked iPhones. Apple has worked to reach exclusive carrier partners in most markets where the handset is on sale; parts of its exclusive deals include revenue-sharing agreements. Unlocked handsets cut into Apple’s projected revenue for the devices, because it isn’t benefiting from carriers’ service charges.
Reports of unlocked iPhones in China and India could hurt Apple’s sales in those countries, where it has yet to announce carrier partners.
Filed Under: Devices
