Analysts Expect Consumers to Embrace iPhone 6

It's expected Apple will unveil the iPhone 6 this September, with the device going on sale shortly thereafter. As anticipation ramps up, several analysts have publicly stated that they believe sales for the new device will be enormous.

Although photos and hardware specifications of the iPhone 6 have yet to be unveiled, industry insiders believe it will come in two flavors: one with a 4.7-inch screen, while the other with a much larger 5.5-inch display. For the record, last year's iPhone 5S features a 4-inch display, which was up from the 3.5-inch iPhone 5. (Source: forbes.com)

Demand Growing for Larger iPhone

Analysts believe there's huge potential for any iPhone that boasts a larger display. In fact, the most lucrative market for large smartphones is China, where consumers have already shown a special appreciation for "phablets" that effectively serve as both smartphones and tablet computers.

According to Van Baker, a research analyst at Gartner, the Chinese aren't alone in desiring a larger iPhone. "There's a lot of pent-up demand among developed economies for a bigger iPhone, too," Baker said. "I think [the iPhone 6] is poised to do extremely well."

Independent analyst Ben Thompson agrees. "I am extremely bullish about the iPhone 6," Thompson said. "It's going to be unbelievably massive." (Source: computerworld.com)

Apple Commits $21 Billion to iPhone Production: Report

For its part, Apple is gearing up for a very successful fall and winter. The company has reportedly committed $21 billion to the third-party manufacturers responsible for producing components for a new iPhone. Apple has rarely committed so much money to production; last year it only committed roughly $11 billion to production prior to the launches of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, suggesting it too believes the iPhone 6 will sell very well.

Analysts also believe that the release of a larger iPhone will have a dramatic impact on the smartphone market. Brian Marshall, an analyst at ISI Group, insists that "many loyal Apple users who switched to Android for a larger display are likely to return to iPhone." (Source: computerworld.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Are you interested in buying an iPhone with a much larger display? Do you agree with industry analysts who suggest that a larger iPhone will be a runaway success? What other features do you hope to see included with the iPhone 6, and next-generation smartphones?