Study Says Huge Potential for Apple Phone

Among key highlights of the research:

16% of Americans aged 12+ (about 40 million) say that an "iPod" phone is a "great idea" for them personally based on a description of its likely features. In comparison, 24% of Americans aged 12+ (or 28% of cell users) own a Motorola phone and Nokia is used by 17%.

An iPod phone would have the potential to increase Apple's customer footprint substantially. Currently just over 20% of Americans 12+ (about 50 million) own an Apple product - within 18 months of the introduction of a new iPod phone, Apple's footprint can increase to over 30% according to forecasts based on the study.

Who would buy an iPod phone?

• 53% of likely buyers are women and 47% are men, suggesting broad mainstream appeal.
• Their average income is about 10% above the national average.
• The average age of likely buyers is 35, with 40% over the age of 40.
• Sprint/NexTel and T-Mobile customers are more enthusiastic than average.
• African-American and Hispanic Americans show above average interest.

Potential buyers are above average music and movie downloaders, suggesting significant incremental revenue opportunities - for example, 29% of likely iPod phone buyers paid for music in the past month from a site such as iTunes or Napster compared to an average of 12% of the US online population.

In the research, the iPod image and user experience was a big plus driving appeal. The biggest barrier to an iPod phone was the impact on battery life if used as a phone and an entertainment device. Clearly, the rumored two-battery design would go a long way in addressing this significant perceived limitation. source:cellular-news