Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster is one of the top Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) analysts in the markets today. Over the past couple months, Munster has sounded off on a variety of topics concerning the tech giant’s future, from a so-called “iTV” (his most popular prediction), to a dividend boost this spring. The analyst also believes that a deal with cellular behemoth China Mobile “should be a catalyst for iPhone growth in the back half [of 2013],” which might be the event that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) bulls are most looking forward to this year.
According to a new research note (via Apple Insider), Munster also supports the possibility that Apple-created “wearable computers” can be the eventual successor to the iPhone, but not before 2014. Here’s what he had to say:
“We believe technology could progress to a point where consumers have a tablet plus wearable computers, like watches or glasses, that enable simple things like voice calls, texting, quick searches, navigation, etc. through voice control […] Longer term, screens in glasses or projectors could replace the necessity of a screen from a smartphone or tablet.”
While many on Wall Street think that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will attempt to appeal to emerging market consumers via a low-cost iPhone, as we’ve covered here before, Munster hypothesizes that smart watches or glasses could be the “best answer to addressing” this market.
So what did Munster have to say about Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s Made for iPhone program (MFi)?
MFi helps third-party developers create accessories for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone, iPad and iPad. On the program, Munster mentioned the following:
“We believe the company could utilize its MFi program to benefit other companies making wearable devices. Examples could include clothing, shoes, belts, earrings, bracelets, hats, etc.”
The beauty of the MFi program is that it allows Apple to gauge its users’ interest in wearable computers, though it’s possible that an iPhone successor wouldn’t be located on the wrist at all.
Last month, we discussed the possibility of Apple-manufactured smart glasses, much in the style of Google’s famed Project Glass. It’s worth noting that Cupertino already holds a patent on a version of the optical technology, seen below.
Munster has also indirectly speculated on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s future in this marketplace, saying at Business Insider‘s Ignition Conference that they “fit into an obvious pattern, where computers have been getting smaller and closer to our faces since their very beginning.”
While we don’t know exactly what the future will bring, it’s possible that in a decade, iPhones may be replaced with wrist or head-mounted devices, perhaps both. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below, and for more Apple coverage, continue reading here:
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