Apple’s final quarter of 2014 might have been its best festive quarter yet, if analyst predictions are anything to go by.
A new investor note from Morgan Stanley (via Cnet) revealed that combined shipments of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus units may have topped 69 million.
The firm previously estimated 62 million, a figure later revised to 67 million, and then revised once more to today’s total.
This is a huge leap on Apple’s previous record quarter – Q4 2013 – which saw a formidable 51 million iPhone units fly off the shelves.
You shouldn’t be surprised – Apple retail outlets struggled to keep up with the unprecedented demand, leading to lengthy wait times for many.
So why is Q4 such a big deal? Well it’s typically the strongest season for Apple anyway thanks to the seasonal splurging that goes along with Christmas.
It’s also the first time Apple has launch two flagship smartphones simultaneously, which was sure to boost sales.
What’s more, Apple also ventured into previously uncharted form factor territory – a la 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays – which likely wooed previous iPhone sceptics who couldn’t bear the thought of a small display.
Related: Black Friday UK deals
Morgan Stanley also reckons Apple flogged at least another 50 million units for the current quarter, set to end in March.
It also revealed it thinks that the fruity firm will manage to ship at least 3 million Apple Watch units this quarter.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
