In a lot of ways, Apple (AAPL -0.08%) investors had a forgettable 2013. Shares underperformed the market, and Apple had no major surprises up its sleeve. However, 2014 could have plenty of notable developments in store for Apple. The company will likely announce changes to its capital return program within a matter of months. Even if Apple doesn't pursue a share repurchase program that's as hefty as Carl Icahn is proposing, the company will still likely increase its capital returns to shareholders.
Both a larger iPhone and iPad are possibly in the pipeline as well, which would expand Apple's two most important product portfolios by addressing different segments. The iPhone could see renewed growth in Asia, as Apple has now inked official carrier partnerships with both NTT DoCoMo (NYSE: DCM) and China Mobile (CHL). Next year could also be the year that Apple decides to jump into the wearables game with an iWatch, considering how the smartwatch market has the potential to explode in unit volumes in the coming years.
