Analysts say the iPhone 8 could have the 'most meaningful feature and technology upgrades in iPhone's history'

AppleApple CEO Tim Cook.2018 is shaping up to be a great year for Apple stock, Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty wrote in a note distributed to clients on Monday.

According to the research, there is "increasing evidence OLED iPhone launches in October, rather than September."

If the new iPhone with an OLED screen launches in October, none of the sales will be counted in Apple's September quarter, which could be weaker than what Wall Street is expecting. But the delay will only drive sales estimates for 2018 higher, Huberty writes.

Huberty's new forecast suggests Apple could have big December and March quarters after the anticipated launch of the new redesigned iPhone.

The context to Huberty's forecast is that one of the iPhone models expected to launch this fall will be a complete redesign with a higher price tag. Some reports have suggested Apple is still working out the kinks in the device ahead of volume production of millions.

"In light of the most meaningful feature and technology upgrades in iPhone's history - including OLED displays, wireless charging, and 3D sensors for AR - we believe it's reasonable to assume the new, higher priced OLED iPhone ships in October rather than September," Huberty wrote.

COMPUTER BILD TVThe OLED iPhone is expected to have a screen the covers nearly the entire front of the phone. This drawing shows what it could look like.Depending on how desirable this OLED iPhone is, it could spur a "supercycle" of sales as there is a buildup of current iPhone users waiting for a compelling new model before they upgrade.

Huberty says the iPhone "supercycle" hasn't been fully priced into other analysts' estimates.

Morgan Stanley rates Apple stock a "buy" and raised its price target to $182 from $177.

Morgan Stanley

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