In fact, Strand Consult thinks it may even have hindered Apple's partners.
Nobody doubts that the iPhone, iPhone 3G and now the iPhone 3GS have been phenomenal successes for Apple. But how about for the company's operator partners around the world?
A new report from Strand Consult claims that the iPhones haven't had as positive an effect for carriers. It doesn't mince its words, either:
"Acording to the research we have conducted on the operators, not one of these have increased their market share, revenue, or their earnings as a result of introducing the iPhone," claims the report.
"When looking at the numbers we can't see the iPhone effect - a lot of competitors are actually doing better."
It's a controversial assertion, given the heavy subsidies operators have invested into iPhone when they have a territory exclusive on the handset(s).
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One factor may be the fact that while iPhone owners pay a monthly tariff to the operator for calls and data, any money they spend on entertainment - games, music and video - goes to Apple rather than the carrier.
