Apple roundup: China Mobile, India, Nest, FQ1 estimates

• A source tells the WSJ Foxconn shipped ~1.4M iPhone 5S (AAPL +1.7%) units to China Mobile last week in advance of the carrier's Friday 5S/5C launch.
• The report follows cautious notes from Cleveland Research and Wedge Partners regarding early China Mobile iPhone demand. Estimates for China Mobile's 2014 iPhone sales have generally been in the 15M-30M range, and forecasts for the EPS benefit to Apple in the $2-$4 range.
• The Economic Times reports Apple is set to re-launch the 8GB iPhone 4 in cost-sensitive India, after losing share to Samsung as a result of discontinuing the device.
• The NYT recently discussed how the iPhone, which picked up Indian share last year with the help of aggressive marketing and installment plans, has become a status symbol in the world's second-most populous country.
• By acquiring intelligent thermostat/smoke alarm maker Nest for $3.2B, Google is buying a company many thought would one day be acquired by Apple. Nest, whose products are sold in Apple Stores, was founded by iPod "godfather" Tony Fadell, features dozens of other ex-Apple employees, and has made heavy use of Apple's design and product philosophy. Sources tell re/code Google was the only serious bidder.
• Ahead of Apple's Jan. 27 FQ1 report, Jefferies' Peter Misek (Buy) has raised his FQ1 estimates on expectations of more favorable 5S:5C mix. Misek also notes his Apple Supplier Tracker (covers Taiwanese companies receiving over 40% of their sales from Apple) only saw a 1.5% revenue drop in December, which is better than the 5% drop seen a year ago.