14 DAY TRIAL // Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster issued a note to clients this week saying that Apple was ready to introduce camera-equipped iPods, although not everyone would greet the new models with cheers. Other forecasts include an appearance on behalf of Mr. Steve Jobs (some analysts say otherwise), and an AppleTV announcement.
In his most recent note, the analyst warns investors may not be blown away by the new iPods carrying cameras, while noting that iPod sales are slowing down, except for the iPod touch. As reported by CNNMoney, other possible announcements include the following, according to Munster:
- A new version of iTunes with integrated social networking features. - Changes to the iTunes Store, including new music features with richer album artwork. - Expanded TV and movie options on iTunes with more available content and/or better viewing rights for multiple devices.
According to 9to5Mac, earlier, Munster expressed his belief that Apple might introduce a cable TV-show subscription service through iTunes, to move AppleTV units. “We continue to believe that Apple will eventually offer a monthly subscription for iTunes TV shows accessible on Apple TV, iPods, iPhones, and Macs/PCs,” Munster noted.
“Such a product would effectively replace a consumer's monthly cable bill (~$85/month) and offer access to current and older episodes of select shows on select channels,” Munster wrote in his note, according to Fortune. The Piper Jaffray analyst also estimates Apple will eliminate carrier-exclusive deals for iPhone in the next 12 months.
While the note doesn’t say anything about an Apple tablet, the question, “Will Apple ever make a cheap, mass-market phone?” seems to have risen again. “We do not believe Apple will make a basic phone, or feature phone, to compete with rudimentary $10 models like those that dominate the cellphone market in India,” Munster said. “The screen resolution and all the apps made for the current iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPod touch also represent a barrier to Apple creating a smaller, cheaper device, one that likely could not run the apps developed for the current devices, and eliminating one of Apple's key features of the iPhone,” the analyst concluded.