Watch Apple ahead of iPhone X launch

Apple (AAPL) is expected to unveil the highly anticipated iPhone X tomorrow along with other new versions of its flagship mobile device. Commenting on the tech giant’s event, RBC Capital analyst Amit #Daryanani told investors that it may surpass expectations.

Meanwhile, his peer at JPMorgan argued that he expects the OLED based iPhone X to become available in October as Apple begins volume production in September.

APPLE EVENT

On Tuesday, September 12, Apple is expected to unveil its much anticipated 10th anniversary iPhone. According to a leak over the weekend, the new device will be called the iPhone X and will include wireless charging, facial recognition, edge-to-edge display and no home button.

Alongside the iPhone X, Apple is expected to release two other phones, namely the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Many also expect to see a third generation of the Apple Watch and a 4K Apple TV.

EVENT MAY TOP EXPECTATIONS

RBC Capital’s Daryanani told investors that Apple’s event tomorrow could surpass investors’ expectations, particularly as some of the new iPhone features are demonstrated live.

The analyst noted he believes the next generation flagship iPhone will feature a brand new form factor with an OLED display that spans edge-to-edge, upgraded A11 processors, wireless/inductive charging capability, a virtual home button embedded in the display, a 3-D facial recognition sensor for the front-facing camera, an augmented reality enabled rear-facing vertical dual lens camera, glass front and back with stainless steel edges, 3GB of RAM, 64GB and 256GB storage tiers, and improved water resistance.

Additionally, Daryanani expects Apple to introduce two new LCD iPhones, with pricing for the OLED device to start at $999 while the LCD models should be priced similarly to the current 7/7-plus. Alongside the new iPhones, Apple should also introduce a new Apple Watch with a cellular connection and a new TV product in addition to software updates for each device announced, he contended. The analyst reiterated an Outperform rating and $180 price target on the shares.

OLED IPHONE AVAILABLE IN OCTOBER

In a research note of his own, #JPMorgan analyst Rod #Hall told investors he currently expects the OLED based iPhone X to become available in October as Apple begins volume production in September. The specific week of October that the device begins shipping will have a few million units of impact on the December earnings forecasts, Hall noted, adding that the risk to earnings estimates is relatively small heading into the event.

The analyst pointed out that he estimates the 256GB version will cost $1,100, while the LCD models’ pricing should be similar to the iPhone 7 models. The analyst also believes that the most important thing Apple is likely to say about the Apple TV financially relates to the content available on the device, as he is expecting Amazon (AMZN) Prime Video to finally become available.

While the Apple Watch update that has been reported including LTE should be a small incremental positive, it is unlikely to move numbers, he added. Hall reiterated an Overweight rating on Apple’s shares.

SUPPLIERS TO WATCH

Here’s a look at five Apple iPhone chipmakers that should benefit from launch of iPhone X: Skyworks Solutions (SWKS), Texas Instruments (TXN), Analog Devices (ADI), Qorvo (QRVO) and Broadcom (AVGO).

PRICE ACTION

In Tuesday’s trading, shares of Apple have gained about 2% to trade near $161.50. Year-to-date, Apple shares have risen nearly 40%

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This article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility.