London - With enough cash reserves to weather the economic climate, Apple's (NASD: AAPL) iPhone will command 40% of the global smartphone market by 2013, according to a report from market research firm Generator Research.

"With cash reserves exceeding $25 billion, 33% gross margins and the iPhone just about to enter its fastest-growth phase, Apple has the resources, competencies and motivation to invest in the mobile sector just at the time when the economic climate is forcing many established players in the mobile industry to cut back on product development," said Generator head of research Andrew Sheehy.

Apple's surge could cut Nokia's (NYSE: NOK) share of the smartphone market from 40% today to 20% by 2013, the firm proffered, projecting that Apple could ship as many as 77 million iPhones that year -- including several different models addressing different market segments.

"Our analysis is that the iPhone and App Store constitute a vertical platform for the delivery of advanced mobile services that will be developed in a similar manner to how Apple developed its digital music platform, which included the iPod and the iTunes Music Store," added Sheehy.

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