Next five years could be 'tough' for the iPhone, analyst

In the five years since the launch of the iPhone in June 2007, Apple has seen $150 billion in revenue thanks to the device, and sold 250 million units worldwide, however analysts think that the next five years may be less lucrative for the company.

Discussing the impressive sales and revenue figures, Strategy Analytics executive director Neil Mawston noted that Apple is at the "top of its game", but added: "There are emerging signs that the iPhone's next five years could get tougher."

"Some mobile operators are becoming concerned about the high level of subsidies they spend on the iPhone, while Samsung is expanding its popular Galaxy portfolio and providing Apple with more credible competition," Mawston claimed.

Strategy Analytics analyst Neil Shah revealed the sales figures in celebration of the iPhone's fifth birthday saying: "Between June 2007 and June 2012, we estimate the iPhone family of models has generated US$150 billion of cumulative revenues worldwide for Apple."

He added: "This is an impressive achievement and it illustrates just how popular the iPhone has become during the past five years."

Mawston said: "A quarter of a billion iPhones have been shipped cumulatively worldwide in the first five years since launch," adding that: "Apple reaches its fifth birthday at the top of its game."

Strategy Analytics report is available here.