Apple Correction Over, Eddy Cue's Big Unveil And More Stories Tech Analysts Are Watching

According to a note from tech analysts at Morgan Stanley, not only is the Apple Inc. AAPL correction over, but the tech giant has lots of upcoming events worth watching.

From new releases to global news and a final entrance into TV, Apple continues bolstering its reputation as tech innovator and relevant player in the broad market.

The iPhone 6s/+ Correction

Morgan Stanley's Jasmin Lu maintained her build and shipment forecasts, citing “low base in 1Q and potentially new iPhone 5se launch.”

The analyst anticipates the 6/6s and four-inch models will see replenishment in January, indicating that inventory digestion may be at its end; however, February shipments may continue the weakness trend. Parts manufacturers Hon Hai Jan and Largan were down month-over-month, 18 percent and 19 percent respectively, and Catcher has been down 10 percent month-over-month as well.

Eddy Cue And Apple's SVP Services

“AAPL SVP Services Eddy Cue says AAPL has 782 million iCloud users and 11+ million Apple Music subs (subscribers),” according to TheVerge and Morgan Stanley.

The new 1 million subscribers over the past month puts Apple on track to hit 20 million subscribers by the end of the year. Cue was quoted as having said that while there are 1 billion Apple devices in use, this is not a clear indicator of users, due to the likelihood of users owning more than one Apple device. Cue also noted that from the 782 million iCloud users, billions of photos are being uploaded on a weekly basis.

Related Link: TV Networks Are Underestimating Apple's Power

4-Inch iPhone 5se, iPad Air 3

Called the iPhone 5se, the new four-inch model is planning to be released “as early as Friday, March 18,” according to 9to5Mac. At the same time, the new iPad Air will also be available for sale.

Morgan Stanley stated, “[T]hat's probably why Tim Cook sounded confident that iPhone units would not be as bad as down -15–20 percent year over year.”

Unlike previous releases, the launch and reveal is scheduled just days before the products will be available for purchase. Apple typically has a pre-order period and a two-week lapse between the official launch and the product availability.

Apple Pay And China

Mid-week, Apple Pay will go live in China, according to Reuters.

For Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC) customers, this marks a huge step forward into the world of digital pay. This will make the fifth country in which Apple Pay is available. While ICBC is the largest lender by assets in China, there are an additional 18 Chinese lenders slated to be official Apple Pay partners.

According to Reuters and Morgan Stanley, China is the global leader in the smartphone market. “By the end of 2015, 358 million people, more than the population of the US, had already taken to paying by mobile phone. Dominating those payments are China's two biggest Internet companies: Tencent WeChat Payment and BABA Ant Financial Alipay,” the report said, giving a glimpse into the disruptive potential for Apple.

Apple TV Series

Apple is jumping into the TV business, but not in the way many anticipated. The company's first scripted TV series, according to Morgan Stanley, “will be more of a baby step Apple Music extension rather than full-fledged entry into the NFLX & AMZN original content world.”

As circulated by Morgan Stanley and Recode & Hollywood reporter, Dr Dre will be featured in the new series, "Vital Signs," which will be exclusively available through Apple Music.