KGI Greater China Comments on Apple Investment in Lightning

KGI Greater China has published a research report that commented on Apple's

new iPhone 5 and Lightning investment. In the report, KGI Greater China wrote, "We think Lightning, once rolled out, won't be replaced for 5-10 years. We also expect Lightning will be applied in various new iOS devices, so the investment is strategic for Apple. In the long run, if Lightning can meet the needs of product design, offer flexibility for function upgrade and secure royalties income, we think the high costs in the initial 1-2 years resulting from manufacturing difficulties are acceptable. Future iOS processors, in our view, will be able to support USB3.0 or Thunderbolt with higher transmission rate. Also, Lightning will have to meet the needs of video transmission, so there must be room for future transfer speed upgrade. Raising transfer speed for smaller connectors will increase design and manufacturing difficulties." Apple is currently trading down 0.79 percent from Wednesday's $702.10 closing price.