Could Apple Inc. (AAPL) Benefit from this Emerging Market Trend?

At this point, it is no secret that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is interested in pushing its products in countries throughout the world. There used to be a time when Cupertino thought that the United States would be its top market, however, things have changed over the years and the company is now shifting its approach.

With all this in mind, we should take a closer look at a recent study released by International Data Corporation (IDC): Smart Connected Devices in Emerging Markets to Surpass 1 Billion Unit Shipments by 2014 with More Than 60% Going to BRIC Countries

The title of the study pretty much says it all. Smart connected devices are growing big time in emerging markets, and things are supposed to get even better as the years go by.

For companies such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), as well as its competitors, this is good news. Of course, the news is only good if Cupertino is able to take full advantage of this trend.

For a better idea of what the trend entails, here is an excerpt from the study:

“According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Smart Connected Device Tracker, global shipments of smart connected devices (PCs, tablets, and smartphones) are expected to surpass 1.7 billion units by 2014 with roughly 1 billion units delivered to emerging markets. Within the emerging markets, the BRIC countries — China, India, Brazil, and Russia — are expected to generate shipments of 662 million units with a shipment value of more than $206 billion. More than 650 million units are forecast to be shipped to developed markets, with the United States, UK, and Japan capturing more than 400 million units with a shipment value of $204 billion.”

As you can see, there are countries mentioned that are growing at a faster rate than the rest. China is on the list, and this is why Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook has stated previously that it could turn into the company’s biggest market in the future.

Megha Saini, Research Analyst with IDC, added the following:

“It is evident that smartphones and tablets have successfully established a strong presence as the ‘second screen’, owing to the transformation in usage patterns, device affordability, and, most of all, the comfort of a mobile and digital lifestyle.”

This is a big opportunity for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and it is safe to say Cupertino is ready for what the future will bring.

On the next page you will find a graph explaining these numbers in greater detail.