Many of these points may be moot for analysts and investors who most want to see impact from the iPhone in other areas, namely lower churn (the number of customers who leave Sprint for other carriers) and greater customer loyalty.

FORBES: Despite Tough Q4, Sprint CEO Upbeat On All Things iPhone

Small businesses are looking at an increasing number of digital loyalty programs, which replace the traditional paper punch card and help merchants reward their repeat customers.

FORBES: Swipely Expands Credit Card-Based Loyalty Service