It’s been almost 200 days since Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s last major product announcement. But speculation is building that the company has a bounty of cool technologies in the pipeline.
Spring: World Wide Developers Conference
Lots of news expected to come out of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s World Wide Developers Conference on June 10.
iOS7: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is expected to release the latest version of it mobile operating system. The enhance version will feature improvements to the Safari browser, better built-in apps, and a new user interface. Following the company’s $356 million purchase of AuthenTec last year, analysts suspect iOS7 will also have a fingerprint bio-metric security feature.
OS X 10.9: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is also likely to announce the latest edition of its desktop operating system at WWDC 2013. The new version will resemble the overall design and functionality of previous versions but with a few new doodads. Analysts expect increased integration between mobile and desktop software. But the biggest difference may be on the enterprise side with enhanced security features to woo business customers.
iRadio: Thanks to a variety of leaks, rumors suggest Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is developing a streaming music service dubbed ‘iRadio’. The service will be similar to Spotify and Pandora, which offer unlimited streaming music for a flat monthly fee. Apple is rumored to be in negotiations with two major record labels and the service could be available by the summer.
iCloud: Apple’s cloud-based storage service is in need of some tweaks. While the platform is useful for backing up your iPhone, iCloud isn’t popular with developers due to data syncing issues. Apple is expected to fix these problems while improving the navigation and file system.
Apple TV: Apple may be due to refresh its TV set-top device, which could feature a modified operating system with apps.
Summer: iPad and iPhone refresh
Looking further out to this summer, most expect Apple to refresh its iPad and iPhone lineup.
iPad: Apple is expected to launch the new iPad 5 and the iPad Mini 2 this fall. Both may be redesigned with better screen resolution and a faster processor. The iPad 5 will be styled after the iPad Mini and the same size as the iPad 4.
iPhone 5S: The latest edition of the iPhone 5S is rumored to feature multiple color options and be available in two sizes. No major changes are expected from the previous version, but the phone will feature a better camera and a faster processor.
iPhone 6: Some argue that Apple may skip the 5S model and go straight to the 6. This would be unusual as Apple traditionally releases a half-step ‘S’ version between generations. The iPhone 6 could be available by summer of 2014 and may be sold in three sizes; iPhone 6 Mini, iPhone 6, and iPhone XL.
Low-cost iPhone: Rumors that Apple may be working on a low-cost iPhone were reignited by reports that the company’s suppliers are increasing their hiring activities. With the domestic market becoming saturated and growth moving to emerging economies, some analysts argue Apple needs to release a low-cost iPhone to maintain market share.
Is this a good strategy? Apple’s rivals have done well at lower price points.
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android operating system has had massive success penetrating emerging markets with its low-price strategy. The platform holds a monopoly-like 90% of smartphone share in China. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has a sizable price advantage because of the platform’s ad-subsidy and the company provides licenses to hardware manufacturers for free.
Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) is also betting low-priced smartphones will help the company take share in emerging markets. Last Thursday, CEO Stephan Elop unveiled its new Asha 501. This phone will be marketed globally for under $100 and feature social networking sites and other popular applications.
Sales of the company’s mid-priced Lumia handsets have also been strong with the company reporting a 27% rise in shipments last quarter. This strategy has allowed Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) to retake ground in the global smartphone wars.
Fall: Housekeeping
The third and fourth quarter looks a little light in terms of possible announcements. Analysts are expecting a small refresh to the company’s Mac and iPod products.
Mac: A new Mac Book Air plus a refresh of the iMac and iMac Mini for release by Christmas.
iPod: Analysts expect the launch of the fifth generation iPod Touch and an iPod Nano refresh.
Looking further into the far back-half of 2013, things get even more speculative. Apple is rumored to be developing the iWatch, a wristwatch like device with a 1.5-inch touch screen. And of course there’s the much hyped iTV, Apple’s rumored smart television, which could reinvent the living room.
Foolish bottom line
But the main takeaway for investors: lots of upcoming catalysts that can propel Apple shares higher. Finally something to get excited about!
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