iPhone 5 suppliers braced for largest Apple launch in history

Apple’s component suppliers reported a record month of business for July, according to Topeka Capital Markets, as the company gears up for launch of its iPhone 5 and iPad Mini.

‘In a research report to clients Thursday,’ reports Apple Insider, ‘Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White said preliminary July sales from the firm's proprietary 'Apple Monitor' rose by an estimated 14 per cent month-over-month, or nearly twice the average increase of 8.5 per cent seen over the past seven years.’

Component suppliers are now working around the clock to meet demands for Apple’s iPhone 5 – and, potentially iPad Mini – ahead their respective September 12 launch.

‘This July represents the strongest month-over-month sales growth of any July we have on record over the past eight years for the Apple Monitor,’ said White. ‘It was well above the 7 per cent growth experienced last July, supporting our view of an earlier launch of the iPhone 5 versus the iPhone 4S last October.’

The data collated by White shows that Apple may launch several new products, one of which is expected to be the iPad Mini. White says the second half of 2012 will bare witness to one of the largest product launches in the history of consumer electronics.

‘With the iPhone 5 launch and "iPad Mini" on the horizon, along with the potential for an Apple TV in the coming quarters, we believe Apple's stock is prepared for the next major leg up that could propel Apple to our $1,111 price target over the next year,’ added White.

White believes Apple will secure a lucrative deal with China Mobile – the country’s largest mobile network – in Q1 of 2013, which would lead to further spikes in the company's share value.

Looks like Tim Cook does know what he's doing after all.