Morgan Stanly analyst Kathryn Huberty is encouraging people to invest in Apple, because the launch of the iPhone is likely going to cause their stock to soar. This would be due in part because she thinks that the iPhone’s success is greatly underestimated by the general public.

She backed up this claim by citing a recent survey that they conducted last month of 2,500 US consumers. Most people looking to buy the iPhone come from two groups, those that own or plan to purchase a high-end device, and those that already have an Apple product.

The survey showed that the consumers that have, or plan to purchase the high-end devices are 12 times more likely to purchase and iPhone. Those that already own an Apple product were 13 times more likely to purchase one than those that don’t, or don’t own a high-end device.

Also, they found a direct correlation between consumers that had a high awareness of the iPhone, and those that desired to purchase one. So likely in the coming months as Apple does more marketing for the iPhone, more people will become aware, and want to purchase one.

Apple has done enough subtle marketing, I think that soon they’ll step it up and start releasing more solid details. Once they do, the general public will become more educated, and as the study shows, more interested.

Morgan Stanley sees demand for Apple’s iPhone underestimated [via appleinsider]