The latest figures from market research company Strategy Analytics (SA) has revealed that  Apple has generated a staggering $150 billion of cumulative revenues for its iPhone range, within the first five years since launch in June 2007.

Neil Shah, senior analyst at SA, explained that the Cupertino-based tech outfit managed to reach this figure between June 2007 and June 2012. According to Shah, this speaks volumes about how popular the iPhone has become during the last five years. SA stated that more than a quarter of a billion iPhones have been shipped around the globe.

Neil Mawston, executive director at SA added: “The iPhone portfolio has become a huge generator of cash and profit for Apple. A quarter of a billion iPhones have been shipped cumulatively worldwide in the first five years since launch and Apple reaches its fifth birthday at the top of its game.”

Mawston did however add that there have been emerging signs that the iPhone’s next five years are going to be much more challenging. Some of these include the fact that a number of mobile operators are becoming concerned about the high level of subsidies which they have to cough up to be able to offer the iPhone.

The other big thorn in Apple’s side is the Korean tech giant Samsung, which is expanding its popular Galaxy portfolio, providing Apple with credible competition.

In related news, SA recently forecasted that global smartphone shipments will increase by around 38% year-on-year during Q2 2012, with economic slowdowns in Europe, Asia and the  US market placing a temporary cap on growth in the short term.