A woman looks at the screen of her mobile phone in front of an Apple logo outside its store in downtown Shanghai September 10, 2013.
A woman looks at the screen of her mobile phone in front of an Apple logo outside its store in downtown Shanghai September 10, 2013. Reuters

Apple Inc. is gradually eating away Microsoft's personal computer market share.

According to Leading Analyst Benedict Evans in an Appe Insider report, the company's combined production of iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac reached its peak in December. The figure was slightly higher than all the Windows PC market combined. If Windows Phone shipments were considered, Apple's total production would be somewhat equal to Windows PC.

A few years back, it was unthinkable for Apple to achieve this kind of sales volume. The company notebooks and desktops enjoyed significant growth in mid-2000 where Apple's Macs were behind the annual Windows PC shipments of more than 200 million.

According to reports, smartphone and tablet sales are expected to slowdown in 2014. But Apple's position has allowed the company to sell the most profitable computers and smartphones at a higher average selling price two to three times more than rival platforms like Windows.

Apple is also expected to take advantage of its loyal customer base with its strong App Store and iTunes services.

Apple Opens First Latin American Store In Brazil

Apple has finally opened its first store in Brazil, its first official store in Latin America. Brazil has the seventh largest gross domestic product in the world. It is also the fifth biggest nation in terms of population.

The move to open a store in Latin America was viewed as a new opportunity for Apple to reach its growing markets outside the U.S, Europe and China. According to analysts, Latin America may be the best region for the company to push its iPhones, iPads and Macs in an effort to generate more sales.

If Apple will be successful in Brazil, Apple can penetrate the rest of the region, including Argentina and Peru. International sales can boost the company as reports claimed iPhone sales in the U.S. have generated modest success.

Analysts have previously cited Apple's stock buybacks will not be enough to keep the investors happy. Some analysts noted stock buybacks may not be the best way to use Apple's vast resources despite helping the company to deliver its first quarter of earnings-per-share growth after four consecutive lows. Stock buybacks may be perceived by some as reactive behavior.

Tim Cook, Apple CEO, has previously said in December that Apple will venture into new product categories in 2014. The recent interview may be perceived as a move to assure investors that Apple continues to be a "growth company."

Cook added the company continues to explore significant opportunities in its existing product lines and new product categories which will soon reach Apple stores worldwide.