Apple hits milestone: 2 billion iPhone apps sold as Chinese market beckons

Apple (AAPL), the PC pioneer turned music and phone juggernaut, has sold 2 billion iPhone "apps," underscoring the widespread popularity of its signature smartphone and the mobile applications that run on it. Apple made the announcement the same day that China Unicom, the country's No. 2 wireless carrier, said the iPhone would go on sale this month for 5,000 yuan ($732.5).

But is everything smooth sailing for the good ship Apple now that Steve Jobs is back at the helm? Concerns over consumer demand this holiday season are justified. But here's a prediction: Apple, the perennial expectations down-player, will impress the market with its earnings later this month as the stock breaks through $200 per share.