Apple to experience tougher competition in the next two quarters, says research paper

Apr 30, 2012 08:44 GMT  ·  By

Apple is seeing huge interest in its smartphones from the Asian market, particularly in China and Japan, according to a new report by Strategy Analytics, whose researchers believe Apple is in for a tough year because of the coming wave of Android devices.

In a report titled "Q1:12: Apple: Asia Demand Leads to another Strong iPhone Quarter”, analyst Matthew McKee acknowledges that “Apple shipped 35 million iPhones worldwide in Q1 2012, while nearly doubling its revenues.”

McKee tells investors that “The iPhone is seeing strong momentum in China, Japan and elsewhere and continues to broaden its distribution channel with growing operator partnerships.”

However, the analyst signals that “Apple will have some tougher competition in the next two quarters, with several manufacturers, particularly Samsung, launching new high-end Android devices.”

The full report can be found here (available to clients only).