MUMBAI: The next generation all improved iPhone 5 is claimed not only to boost the tech giant but experts believe that it will also enhance the overall US economy. The sales of the new iPhone could add between a quarter and half percentage point to fourth quarter annualized growth in the US, according to the note given by JP Morgan’s chief economist, Michael Feroli.
JP Morgan’s analysts expect Apple to sell around 8mn on iPhone 5 in its fourth quarter targeting the sales price upto $600. The government can factor in $400 per phone into its measure of gross domestic product for the fourth quarter with around $200 in discounted import component costs.
Feroli wrote, “Calculated using the so-called retail control method, sales of iPhone 5 could boost annualised GDP growth by $3.2 billion, or $12.8 billion at an annual rate. That 0.33 percentage-point boost and would limit the downside risk to our Q4 GDP growth protection, which remains 2.0 percent.”
According to the recent Reuters poll of Wall Street dealers and economists, US GDP was seen at 2.0% on average in 2013 which was slightly down from the valuation estimated this summer.
Schedule to launch today in the US market, iPhone 5 is upgraded with the iOS 6 software and will sport more than 200 new features though some won’t be available on all devices. The company will avail free upgrade for this year’s iPod Touch, iPad models and iPhones released since 2009.
The device will feature built-in Maps along with voice navigation, enhanced integration with facebook, and Apple’s Safari browser. The iphone5 is further enhanced with upgraded apps like ‘Siri,’ ‘Calls’ and Passbook. The new Siri feature has added new languages from different countries in its catalagoue. Better at fielding questions about movies, restaurants and more, the app will interprets voice commands and talks back to the user. For the first time, the app is also available for iPad user.
Apple’s new software ‘Call’ prevents untimely disturbance caused due to messages and text notifications at night. The app also acts as cue for user reminding him to call that person back later or have a text message sent directly to the caller.
The additional feature Passbook will be a central place to keep your boarding passes, tickets and gift cards. The feature will also alert user about the gate changes and flight delays once user have stored the boarding pass. With the enablement of the location feature, the device will also provide user with their gift card or ticket for movie theater or baseball stadium.
The handset also enables ‘near-field communication’ chip that enables payment information to be transferred by tapping a device on a terminal at a checkout stand. Apple is also working with car manufacturers to provide button on the steering wheel to talk to Siri, allowing you to keep your hands on the road. Apple says General Motors, BMW AG and Daimler AG’s Mercedes are among the automakers that have promised to offer Siri integration in the next 12.
