The Day the iPhone Died? – Apple Inc. (AAPL), QUALCOMM, Inc. (QCOM)

The low end of the spectrum
According to a recent release from the Times of India, the native Reliance Industries has selected Samsung to help it spearhead the buildout of a 4G LTE network in that country. Associated with the initiative is the expected rollout of a $100 smartphone from Samsung to help secure the position of the new network. Android Authority explains the importance of the move for the smartphone maker: “Samsung devices are already incredibly popular in the country, and this step will only help the company capture an even larger piece of the market share in the third largest mobile consumer base in the world.” The importance of emerging markets are not a new part of the discussion, but Samsung’s success in leveraging Android to capture increasingly large market share in these markets is critical. While China has been the biggest focus, given the immense size of that market, India should not be overlooked.

The move by Samsung is particularly significant given the power of the connection it is potentially forging. The Times of India also reports: “Samsung will not be just another vendor to RIL supplying handsets as it was when Reliance Infocomm was launched in 2002. They are seeking a much broader role. A possible joint venture could also be in the offering.” This low-end development could be as important to the company as the release of the new Android device in the U.S.

A real iPhone killer?
It is obviously difficult to make any informed claims about the S IV relative to the iPhone until the new device is unveiled. With this being said, expectations are high. If the new Samsung smartphone comes even close to meeting expectations, this may be the catalyst needed to push Apple below the $400-a-share level. While I would not necessarily sell Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares ahead of the release, I would be prepared for some real volatility on the news. If the new product does not measure up, it may be the positive catalyst Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been needing to get back on track. This release is as important for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) as Samsung.n Fool.com.

The article The Day the iPhone Died? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Douglas Ehrman.

Fool contributor Doug Ehrman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Google, and Qualcomm.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.