“Expectations are low given Steve Jobs will not speak at the conference,” Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster told investors Tuesday. Earlier this month, Jobs announced he was handing the speaking reigns to Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller. The 2009 event will also be the last for Apple.
The introduction of Schiller at the key Apple gathering “suggests there will not be any revolutionary products this year,” Munster wrote. As a result, chances for a new iPhone being launched at Macworld are not as likely as once thought by the bullish Apple watcher.
Despite the scaled-back expectations, the Piper Jaffray analyst felt the Macworld upset isn’t significant to promoting Apple products. Indeed, Munster expects updated Mac minis or iMacs as possible news coming from the San Francisco, Calif. event.
Although 2009 is expected to be another rough year, we may see Apple introduce a lower-priced iPhone. Munster said Apple could offer an iPhone by March with slide-out keyboard for between $99 and $149. The price drop could be permitted by Apple using a plastic case or shipping a thinner handset.
The analyst retained his “Buy” recommendation and a $235 price target on Apple shares.
