UBS: "Apple's growth is a matter of when, not if"

Apple is on course to enjoy a 5 percent bump in its iPhone sales for 2017, followed by a strong gain of close to 20 percent in 2018, according UBS.

The report anticipates that iPhone sales in 2017 will be 222 million, up from its earlier forecast of 207 million. Additionally, its 2018 sales prediction has ballooned to 264 million from a previous 240 million, equaling an 18 percent rise.

UBS reasons that a large existing consumer base and high retention rates mean inevitable growth for Apple. "The question of iPhone growth is a matter of when, not if,".

But Apple has a number of rivals aiming to take a slice of its business. Samsung Wednesday launched the Note 7, a premium smartphone released just ahead of Apple's iPhone 7 expected launch next month.

According to some analyst there are signs that some of Apple's fans may be starting to tire of the brand, citing a drop in iPhone and iPad shipments, as well as the less successful Apple Watch.

If the new iPhone fails to excite consumers, the door opens for Samsung's very unique devices to steal significant market share from Apple.

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