Apple Poised for 2H Computing Share Gains: Analyst

Consumer technology giant Apple is set to gain share in the computing market during the second half, helped by new operating systems in desktop and mobile space.

"Within the computing market, we see significant opportunity for Apple to take meaningful share in the second half as the Microsoft / PC ecosystem is relatively stagnant, lacking meaningful new offerings," Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore wrote in a note to clients.

On the other hand, Apple will be competing with an upgraded Mac OS X Lion, new MacBook Airs and iOS 5.

Within the Tablet market, the iPad remains the Gold Standard as competitors struggle for mindshare and traction. HP's recent price cuts on the TouchPad are a clear example of iPad dominance.

Meanwhile, competing PC manufacturers have suggested Ultrabooks won't ramp in material volumes until 2012 due to challenges driving price points meaningfully below Apple's Air.

"As such, Apple appears particularly well positioned for more share gains heading into the back-to-school and holiday selling season," Whitmore said.

Last month, Apple released Mac OS X Lion which has more than 250 new features including new Multi-Touch gestures, system-side support for full screen apps, Mission Control, the Mac App Store, Launchpad, and a new Mail app. Apple said that Lion downloads exceeded one million in the first day alone.

Apple also updated its MacBook Air line to include next generation processors (Core i5 and Core i7), Thunderbolt I/O technology, and a backlit keyboard. The MacBook Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models with pricing still beginning at $999.

Meanwhile, Apple is expected to release its upgraded mobile operating system iOS 5.0 in the third quarter of 2011. Apple recently released the iOS 5 beta for developers.

iOS 5 will introduce the iCloud service and the Notification Center, as well as improvements to native apps such as Camera. The operating system also features new applications, such as the "Reminders" app and "Newsstand," an application resembling Folders and iBooks.