Apple predicts climate change disasters could increase iPhone demand

Climate disasters could result in an increased demand for iPhones, Apple has claimed.

In a report to CDP, a nonprofit organisation that tracks the environmental impact of companies, Apple detailed "climate-related" risks and opportunities for its business.

The tech giant believed its iPhone business would benefit as a result of increased severe weather events, the CPD report said, according to Business Insider, which initially reported on the findings.

"Mobile devices can serve as the backbone communication network in emergency and quasi-emergency situations," Apple wrote in the report. "They can serve as a flashlight or a siren; they can provide first aid instructions; they can act as a radio; and they can be charged for many days via car batteries or even hand cranks."

Natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy have already proved the importance of technology when it comes to emergency communications, Apple said.

Features available on iPhones and Apple Watches, such as SOS, could also result in "increased customer loyalty and demand," the tech giant added.

"Over the past few years, for example, we enabled iPhone to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts, including alerts from the National Weather Service and local law enforcement," the report stated. "These alerts also appear on Apple Watch. We also offer a free 'find friends' app, and a fast-access flashlight."

The total financial benefit to Apple as a result of climate change could be as much as $920m (£703m), according to the firm's estimations.

Catastrophic weather events could also have a detrimental affect on Apple, though the potential losses are less than a third of the potential gains.

Around $300m (£229m) could be lost as a result of a strain on the infrastructure needed to manufacture and sell products.

Apple is among several large corporations to submit reports to CDP, including Walt Disney Co and Bank of America.