Just How Massive Can the iPhone 5 Be in China?

In the video below, Fool analyst Andrew Tonner discusses sales of the iPhone 5 in China and what investors should expect.

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) sold off to the tune of about 3.5% last week after anecdotal evidence, such as the lack of long lines, suggested sluggish sales for the iPhone 5 in China. But after the weekend, Apple announced it had actually sold more than 2 million of the handsets.

So what are investors to make of this story? Andrew says that estimates showed a substantial decrease in market share for Apple, which typically holds 18% to 20% of the overall smartphone market there. But some say that is due to consumers delaying the purchase of iPhones in anticipation of the iPhone 5.

If Apple can sell another 3 million to 4 million units of the $850 iPhone 5, it could generate some extra $3 billion in revenue, Andrew says.

Andrew sees Apple selling  a total of around 47 million or 48 million devices during the quarter. He says investors should remain bullish on the stock.

Investors may worry over sales of the iPhone 5 in China, but there's no doubt Apple is at the center of technology's largest revolution ever, and that longtime shareholders have been handsomely rewarded with over 1,000% gains. However, there is a debate raging as to whether Apple remains a buy. The Motley Fool's senior technology analyst and managing bureau chief, Eric Bleeker, is prepared to fill you in on both reasons to buy and reasons to sell Apple, and what opportunities are left for the company (and more importantly, your portfolio) going forward. To get instant access to his latest thinking on Apple, simply click here now.