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Peter Thiel said that after Steve Jobs died in 2011, Apple hasn't innovated. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Peter Thiel, evidently, isn't a fan of the iPhone Duo.

In fact, the billionaire PayPal cofounder and tech investor said he hasn't been very impressed with much of anything that Apple has done since its eccentric founder, Steve Jobs, died of cancer in 2011.

"In my telling, it did nothing new after Jobs," Thiel said of the iPhone maker in a September interview with author Walter Isaacson for the "Builder's Podcast," which was released on Thursday.

"It turned out, yeah, the mobile phone was this giant invention — there was not that much more to do," he said. "Then it was just scaling and branding and building it out over 15 years or whatever."

Indeed, Apple has faced criticism for failing to innovate beyond the mobile phone and tablet, especially in the age of AI, where its "Siri" product is not as advanced as rivals from ChatGPT or Anthropic.

Peter Thiel says Apple has done 'nothing new' after Steve Jobs

Jobs unveiled the first iPhone back in 2007 at a conference in San Francisco. Nearly 20 years later, Apple released the 18th iteration this week, with one slight caveat: This one folds.

That said, MacBooks are the de facto laptops for many an AI-nerd and normie alike. iPhones are ubiquitous, and the sleek AirPods design took hold when they were released in 2016.

Though Thiel told Maureen Dowd of The New York Times in 2017 that Apple's era was over, the company's stock price has grown steadily since then.

Thiel didn't pooh-pooh Apple entirely. He called it a "pure, well-run value stock," but lamented what he described as the loss of vision after Jobs' death.

"I would still say somehow Elon or Steve Jobs are way better for society than Tim Cook," he said.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment sent on Saturday.

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Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Truman Dickerson You're currently following this author! Click to unsubscribe from email alerts.

Truman Dickerson is the Weekend News Fellow at Business Insider, based in New York City. He covers trending tech and business news. He previously reported for The Boston Globe's Express Desk. He graduated from Boston University, where he served as editor in chief of The Daily Free Press, BU's student-run newspaper.Contact him at [email protected]

Apple iPhone

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is drawing praise for its sleek engineering and nearly invisible screen crease — but critics say its hefty design, camera compromises and uneven app support make the $1,999 gadget a tough sell for most consumers.

On top of that, early reports indicate the pricey device may be prone to crack.

The iPhone Duo hits stores Friday after drawing an 8.8 out of 10 from Engadget and 7 out of 10 from both The Verge and WIRED.

An image posted by a Reddit user shows a damaged iPhone Duo. reddit/Bitter_Offer7123
Engadget called Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable market “worth the wait,” while The Verge described it as a “messy, expensive, good time.”

Meanwhile, Wired called it an “astonishingly good first foldable.”

The device unfolds to reveal a 7.6-inch matte display that dramatically reduces glare, while its innovative hinge operates smoothly and holds the screen at different angles.

However, a handful of Reddit posts indicated severe disappointment for some buyers as of Friday afternoon.

“iPhone Duo screen cracked within 6 hours of ownership,” one user complained.

The person said they had taken out the device to show it off to a friend when they “felt something around the internal hinge, underneath the screen.”

“As I continued opening it, I heard an audible crack, and the screen broke right along the hinge,” the post continued. “There were no marks or damage on the inner screen’s surface or the external hinge to suggest anything had been caught or damaged.”

The person zoomed back to an Apple store, where staff gave the customer a new Duo.

Another Reddit user posted a video of a cracked device, commenting: “Looks like some of them are cracking in the exact same area.”

Yet another image of a cracked Duo had the caption, “I’ve seen several iPhone Duos with damage in this exact same spot.”

A display of iPhone Duo smartphones is seen during a launch in Manhattan on Friday. Anadolu via Getty Images
Still, reviewers sung praises of the device’s titanium construction and smooth folding mechanism.

The crease hasn’t disappeared entirely, however. Several critics noted that it remains visible at certain angles and can still be felt when running a finger across the screen.

Apple’s anti-reflective finish also comes with a trade-off: Colors can appear less vibrant and blacks less deep than on the company’s non-folding premium iPhones.

At 254 grams and 11.3 millimeters thick when folded, the Duo’s bulk emerged as one of the most frequent complaints.

Its relatively small 5.4-inch outer display also drew mixed reactions, with some reviewers praising its compact footprint and others complaining that websites and apps feel cramped on the device.

The Wall Street Journal delivered one of the harshest assessments, describing the device as “Too Much iPhone, Too Little iPad.”

A display of iPhone Duo smartphones is seen during the launch in Manhattan on Friday. Anadolu via Getty Images
Despite its expansive inner display, the Duo falls short of an iPad when it comes to productivity, with more limited multitasking and keyboard capabilities, according to the Journal.

Software emerged as another major sticking point.

While Apple’s own apps generally make a seamless transition between the folded and unfolded screens, reviewers found that many third-party offerings weren’t properly optimized for the device.

Wired’s Julian Chokkattu described the problem: “Thick, black bars on the sides, with a phone-sized app in the middle of this tablet-like display.”

Engadget’s Sam Rutherford called the gap between optimized and unoptimized apps “the biggest growing pain you’ll face on Apple’s first foldable.”

Even the Duo’s multitasking capabilities have limitations.

Users can run two apps side by side, but Apple’s software restricts them to a fixed 50-50 split, without the freedom to open a third floating window.

Suraya Shivji, 28, a New York resident visiting San Francisco for a friend’s wedding, reacts to seeing the iPhone Duo in action at the Apple Union Square store in San Francisco on Friday. REUTERS
“If you have two apps split-screen on the Duo, Apple won’t let you resize one app to be slightly bigger than the other like you can on Android,” Chokkattu wrote in Wired.

“Here, a 50-50 split is always enforced. You can’t add a floating third app when in split-screen either, even though Apple has offered a similar capability on iPads for years.”

Those complaints could ease as developers adapt their apps to the new format.

Wired reported that several popular apps received updates during the device’s testing period, while Creative Strategies said the share of its installed apps optimized for the Duo increased dramatically over roughly six days.

Other shortcomings won’t be fixed with software updates.

“Despite being Apple’s most expensive iPhone, the iPhone Duo does not have its most powerful camera system,” Chance Miller of 9to5Mac wrote.

Its main and ultrawide cameras generally earned favorable marks, but several reviewers found their performance inferior to the iPhone 18 Pro, particularly in low light.

The hidden 4-megapixel camera beneath the inner display also disappointed, with Gizmodo reporting washed-out image quality.

An image provided by a Reddit user shows iPhone Duo models with damage in the exact same spot. reddit/robnaught
“I hear you: it feels absurd that a $2,000 phone—the most expensive iPhone ever—does not have the most versatile camera system that Apple has to offer,” Gizmodo’s Raymond Wong wrote, adding that he “noticed more lens flares coming off streetlights and more smeared details.”

Still, the folding design offers some novel photographic advantages, including the ability to use the higher-quality rear cameras for selfies while viewing the shot on the outer screen.

Battery life, meanwhile, exceeded the expectations of several reviewers, even if it couldn’t match Apple’s top conventional iPhone.

Tom’s Guide found that the Duo lasted 13 hours and 20 minutes in a continuous 5G web-browsing test using its larger display.

That handily beat the 10 hours and six minutes recorded by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, but fell well short of the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s 17 hours and 31 minutes.

Other reviewers reported getting through a typical day without needing to recharge, although intensive use of the larger screen could drain the battery considerably faster.

The divergent ratings reflected less disagreement over the Duo’s strengths and weaknesses than differing views about whether its folding design justifies the compromises.

Tom’s Guide called it the “best designed foldable yet,” while 9to5Mac concluded that a conventional iPhone remains the more practical choice for most consumers.

The Post has sought comment from Apple.

Forvis Mazars Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report) by 5.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 195,668 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after acquiring an additional 9,723 shares during the period. Apple accounts for about 1.1% of Forvis Mazars Wealth Advisors LLC’s portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest holding. Forvis Mazars Wealth Advisors LLC’s holdings in Apple were worth $64,304,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. State Street Corp boosted its stake in Apple by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 630,662,494 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock worth $182,897,769,000 after purchasing an additional 28,321,085 shares during the period. Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased a new stake in Apple during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $65,950,297,000. Bank of America Corp DE purchased a new stake in Apple during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $36,986,090,000. Legal & General Group Plc bought a new stake in shares of Apple during the second quarter valued at approximately $30,443,242,000. Finally, Amundi raised its position in shares of Apple by 23.2% during the first quarter. Amundi now owns 73,082,616 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock valued at $18,547,637,000 after buying an additional 13,780,080 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 67.73% of the company’s stock.

More Apple News Here are the key news stories impacting Apple this week:

Positive Sentiment: Strong iPhone Duo demand is the main catalyst. Preorders for the $1,999 foldable reportedly sold out quickly, with delivery dates extending into 2027. DigiTimes reported that Apple raised its 12-month shipment target by 44% to 14 million units, up from an initial 9.7 million. iPhone Duo preorder surge prompts Apple to raise shipment targets Positive Sentiment: The foldable launches Friday with supply constrained. Limited store inventory, combined with online backorders, could support near-term pricing power and signal meaningful demand for a new premium product category. Apple bets iPhone Duo can remake foldable market Positive Sentiment: Apple is increasingly viewed as an AI “safe haven.” Investors are favoring the company’s substantial cash generation and device-focused AI strategy over rivals committing enormous sums to centralized data centers. Berkshire Hathaway’s continued large Apple holding also reinforces the stock’s defensive appeal. Apple’s Cash Flow Machine Makes It Investors’ Favorite AI Hedge Positive Sentiment: Additional growth opportunities are emerging. Apple is expanding its smart-home ecosystem with Schneider Electric and has another product event scheduled for October 28, potentially providing further catalysts. Schneider Electric teams up with Apple on smart-home products Neutral Sentiment: Valuation remains the key debate. Apple’s approximately 40 times earnings multiple and $5 trillion valuation leave investors dependent on strong holiday sales, expanding margins and sustained product growth. Analysts remain divided, with some projecting another major growth phase while others see limited upside. Negative Sentiment: Loop Capital downgraded AAPL to Hold over valuation and concerns about iPhone shipment prospects, creating a counterweight to the upbeat foldable-phone reports. Apple slips as Loop Capital downgrades on iPhone shipment concerns Negative Sentiment: Insider selling and ETF outflows add modest pressure. SVP Jennifer Newstead sold 2,399 shares worth about $815,000, while reports also cited net ETF selling and additional insider transactions. These trades are relatively small compared with Apple’s size but may reinforce valuation concerns. Apple Stock Up 1.2% NASDAQ AAPL opened at $348.22 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 1.00. The company has a market capitalization of $5.08 trillion, a P/E ratio of 39.93, a P/E/G ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 1.07. Apple Inc. has a one year low of $243.42 and a one year high of $348.36. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $328.91 and a 200-day moving average price of $309.07. Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 30th. The iPhone maker reported $2.02 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.89 by $0.13. Apple had a net margin of 27.62% and a return on equity of 135.46%. The firm had revenue of $109.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $109.04 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.57 earnings per share. Apple’s revenue for the quarter was up 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Apple Inc. will post 8.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Apple Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 13th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 10th were given a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 10th. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. Apple’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 12.39%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Apple In other news, SVP Deirdre O’brien sold 46,389 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $333.42, for a total value of $15,467,020.38. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 136,810 shares in the company, valued at $45,615,190.20. The trade was a 25.32% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, insider Timothy D. Cook sold 191,753 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $332.96, for a total transaction of $63,846,078.88. Following the sale, the insider owned 3,264,168 shares in the company, valued at $1,086,837,377.28. This represents a 5.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Insiders have sold 286,853 shares of company stock worth $95,477,342 over the last three months. 0.06% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently commented on AAPL shares. Citic Securities boosted their target price on shares of Apple from $300.00 to $349.00 in a report on Thursday, August 6th. China Renaissance cut shares of Apple from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and cut their target price for the company from $329.00 to $280.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 4th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an “overweight” rating on shares of Apple in a report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of Apple from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, August 17th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated a “market perform” rating on shares of Apple in a research note on Friday, July 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-five have assigned a Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, Apple presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $340.12.

Get Our Latest Research Report on AAPL

Apple Company Profile (Free Report)

Apple Inc designs, develops and sells consumer electronics, software and digital services. Its best-known products include the iPhone smartphone, Mac personal computers, iPad tablets, Apple Watch, AirPods and other accessories. The company also develops operating systems and applications that support its hardware ecosystem.

Apple’s services business includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, iCloud, Apple Pay and other subscription, payment and digital-content offerings.

Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than Apple Is Texas Instruments Setting Up for Its Next Big Breakout? Pegasystems’ Q3 Miss Exposed the Problem Standing Between AI and Cash Flow Lam Research’s Earnings Beat Wasn’t the Real Story—Its 2027 Outlook Was Tesla’s Flying-Car Hype Hits an Earnings Reality Check

Receive News & Ratings for Apple Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Apple and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

Financial Planning Hawaii Inc. lessened its stake in shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report) by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 60,595 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after selling 2,046 shares during the quarter. Apple makes up about 10.8% of Financial Planning Hawaii Inc.’s portfolio, making the stock its biggest position. Financial Planning Hawaii Inc.’s holdings in Apple were worth $20,179,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. State Street Corp boosted its position in Apple by 4.7% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 630,662,494 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock valued at $182,897,769,000 after purchasing an additional 28,321,085 shares in the last quarter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc bought a new position in Apple in the second quarter worth about $65,950,297,000. Bank of America Corp DE purchased a new stake in shares of Apple during the second quarter valued at about $36,986,090,000. Legal & General Group Plc bought a new stake in shares of Apple in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,443,242,000. Finally, Amundi grew its position in shares of Apple by 23.2% in the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 73,082,616 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock worth $18,547,637,000 after buying an additional 13,780,080 shares during the last quarter. 67.73% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Apple News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Apple this week:

Positive Sentiment: Strong iPhone Duo demand is the main catalyst. Preorders for the $1,999 foldable reportedly sold out quickly, with delivery dates extending into 2027. DigiTimes reported that Apple raised its 12-month shipment target by 44% to 14 million units, up from an initial 9.7 million. iPhone Duo preorder surge prompts Apple to raise shipment targets Positive Sentiment: The foldable launches Friday with supply constrained. Limited store inventory, combined with online backorders, could support near-term pricing power and signal meaningful demand for a new premium product category. Apple bets iPhone Duo can remake foldable market Positive Sentiment: Apple is increasingly viewed as an AI “safe haven.” Investors are favoring the company’s substantial cash generation and device-focused AI strategy over rivals committing enormous sums to centralized data centers. Berkshire Hathaway’s continued large Apple holding also reinforces the stock’s defensive appeal. Apple’s Cash Flow Machine Makes It Investors’ Favorite AI Hedge Positive Sentiment: Additional growth opportunities are emerging. Apple is expanding its smart-home ecosystem with Schneider Electric and has another product event scheduled for October 28, potentially providing further catalysts. Schneider Electric teams up with Apple on smart-home products Neutral Sentiment: Valuation remains the key debate. Apple’s approximately 40 times earnings multiple and $5 trillion valuation leave investors dependent on strong holiday sales, expanding margins and sustained product growth. Analysts remain divided, with some projecting another major growth phase while others see limited upside. Negative Sentiment: Loop Capital downgraded AAPL to Hold over valuation and concerns about iPhone shipment prospects, creating a counterweight to the upbeat foldable-phone reports. Apple slips as Loop Capital downgrades on iPhone shipment concerns Negative Sentiment: Insider selling and ETF outflows add modest pressure. SVP Jennifer Newstead sold 2,399 shares worth about $815,000, while reports also cited net ETF selling and additional insider transactions. These trades are relatively small compared with Apple’s size but may reinforce valuation concerns. Insider Activity at Apple In other Apple news, SVP Deirdre O’brien sold 46,389 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $333.42, for a total transaction of $15,467,020.38. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 136,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $45,615,190.20. This represents a 25.32% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, insider Timothy Cook sold 191,753 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Friday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $332.96, for a total transaction of $63,846,078.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 3,264,168 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,086,837,377.28. This represents a 5.55% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 286,853 shares of company stock worth $95,477,342. 0.06% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Apple Price Performance Shares of AAPL stock opened at $348.22 on Friday. Apple Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $243.42 and a fifty-two week high of $348.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.08 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.93, a PEG ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 1.00. The stock’s 50-day simple moving average is $328.91 and its 200-day simple moving average is $309.07.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 30th. The iPhone maker reported $2.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.89 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $109.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $109.04 billion. Apple had a net margin of 27.62% and a return on equity of 135.46%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.57 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Apple Inc. will post 8.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Apple Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 13th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 10th were given a dividend of $0.27 per share. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 10th. Apple’s payout ratio is currently 12.39%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently commented on AAPL. Evercore set a $380.00 price objective on shares of Apple and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, September 18th. Rothschild & Co Redburn set a $400.00 target price on shares of Apple and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, August 17th. Raymond James Financial restated a “market perform” rating on shares of Apple in a research note on Friday, July 31st. BTIG Research started coverage on shares of Apple in a report on Monday, August 17th. They issued a “neutral” rating on the stock. Finally, Loop Capital downgraded Apple from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $370.00 to $330.00 in a research report on Tuesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-five have given a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $340.12.

View Our Latest Analysis on AAPL

About Apple (Free Report)

Apple Inc designs, develops and sells consumer electronics, software and digital services. Its best-known products include the iPhone smartphone, Mac personal computers, iPad tablets, Apple Watch, AirPods and other accessories. The company also develops operating systems and applications that support its hardware ecosystem.

Apple’s services business includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, iCloud, Apple Pay and other subscription, payment and digital-content offerings.

Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than Apple Is Texas Instruments Setting Up for Its Next Big Breakout? Pegasystems’ Q3 Miss Exposed the Problem Standing Between AI and Cash Flow Lam Research’s Earnings Beat Wasn’t the Real Story—Its 2027 Outlook Was Tesla’s Flying-Car Hype Hits an Earnings Reality Check Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AAPL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Apple Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Apple and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

Apple's first foldable is drawing praise for its hinge, display and software, though its $2,000 price and app compatibility remain concerns. Summary

Reviewers rank the iPhone Duo among the best foldables on the market.

Consumer technology major Apple Inc. (AAPL, Financials) is getting excellent early reviews for its first foldable smartphone ahead of Friday's unveiling.

The iPhone Duo opens to a 7.6-inch display and has been lauded for its small form factor, durable-feeling hinge and near-invisible seam.

Several reviewers stated Apple's initial foray into foldables felt more polished than previous generations of rival foldables. Demand also seems healthy.

Many of the pre-order deliveries have already been pushed back to late January, indicating the early supply is failing to keep up with demand. But there are evident trade-offs to the technology.

Some applications aren't yet optimized for its odd aspect ratio, and the $2,000 price point is much above that of a conventional iPhone. Apple also moved Touch ID to the power button, replacing Face ID, and also removed a separate zoom camera.

Duo provides Apple another premium hardware segment as it grows tougher for investors to push smartphone upgrades.

The second thing to look for is whether strong early demand develops into persistent demand following the original launch window.

Disclosures I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and have no plans to buy any new positions in the stocks mentioned within the next 72 hours.

Click for the complete disclosure

Friday Financial lifted its stake in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report) by 20.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 24,653 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after acquiring an additional 4,250 shares during the period. Apple makes up 1.6% of Friday Financial’s portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest holding. Friday Financial’s holdings in Apple were worth $8,143,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. ANB Bank boosted its stake in Apple by 17.8% during the third quarter. ANB Bank now owns 44,670 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock worth $14,442,000 after buying an additional 6,737 shares in the last quarter. Argus Investors Counsel Inc. increased its stake in Apple by 4.7% in the third quarter. Argus Investors Counsel Inc. now owns 16,561 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock valued at $5,472,000 after acquiring an additional 748 shares during the period. Freestate Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Apple by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Freestate Advisors LLC now owns 4,505 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock worth $1,500,000 after buying an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Castleview Partners LLC raised its stake in Apple by 50.1% during the third quarter. Castleview Partners LLC now owns 36,018 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock worth $11,309,000 after acquiring an additional 12,027 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Stokes Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Apple by 25.8% during the 3rd quarter. Stokes Capital Advisors LLC now owns 57,932 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock worth $18,584,000 after purchasing an additional 11,885 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 67.73% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently commented on AAPL shares. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Apple in a report on Monday, August 17th. They issued a “buy” rating on the stock. KeyCorp reaffirmed an “underweight” rating on shares of Apple in a report on Thursday, October 15th. Maxim Group lifted their price objective on Apple from $350.00 to $380.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, July 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Apple from $340.00 to $360.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Monday, October 12th. Finally, Piper Sandler began coverage on Apple in a report on Monday, August 17th. They set an “overweight” rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-five have issued a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Apple has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $340.12.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Apple Apple Stock Performance AAPL stock opened at $339.50 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $327.22 and a 200 day moving average price of $307.80. Apple Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $243.42 and a fifty-two week high of $348.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.95 trillion, a PE ratio of 38.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 1.07.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 30th. The iPhone maker reported $2.02 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.89 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $109.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $109.04 billion. Apple had a return on equity of 135.46% and a net margin of 27.62%. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.57 EPS. Analysts forecast that Apple Inc. will post 8.75 EPS for the current year.

Apple Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 13th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 10th were given a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 10th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.3%. Apple’s payout ratio is presently 12.39%.

Insider Transactions at Apple In related news, insider Timothy D. Cook sold 191,753 shares of Apple stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $332.96, for a total value of $63,846,078.88. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 3,264,168 shares in the company, valued at $1,086,837,377.28. This trade represents a 5.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, SVP Deirdre O’brien sold 46,389 shares of Apple stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $333.42, for a total value of $15,467,020.38. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 136,810 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $45,615,190.20. The trade was a 25.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Over the last three months, insiders sold 284,454 shares of company stock worth $94,662,594. 0.06% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Apple News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Apple this week:

Positive Sentiment: Strong iPhone Duo demand: Apple’s $1,999 foldable iPhone reportedly generated extraordinary preorders, with delivery estimates extending into January 2027. The response supports premium pricing and suggests the new product could become a meaningful growth catalyst. Apple’s $1,999 foldable phone is set to hit stores Friday Positive Sentiment: Upcoming Mac launch: Apple scheduled its “Pro and Tell” event for October 28, where analysts expect new Macs and potentially the company’s first touchscreen MacBook. The event could provide a near-term catalyst and demonstrate momentum under CEO John Ternus. Apple announces product launch event for Oct. 28 Positive Sentiment: Supply-chain and ecosystem investments: Apple committed up to $100 million to a U.S. titanium supplier to support iPhone production. Apple Wallet car-key support is also expanding to select General Motors vehicles, strengthening the company’s hardware and services ecosystem. Apple commits up to $100 million for U.S. titanium Neutral Sentiment: Mixed analyst outlook: Bank of America and JPMorgan maintained bullish ratings, citing iPhone Duo demand and long-term AI potential, while other analysts have become more cautious. Negative Sentiment: Downgrades and demand concerns: Loop Capital downgraded AAPL to Hold and cut its price target from $370 to $330, citing risks that iPhone shipments may not recover as expected. KeyBanc also flagged weaker upgrade intentions among consumers. Apple gets a downgrade from Loop Capital on fears of slow iPhone sales Negative Sentiment: Margin and valuation risk: UBS expects higher memory and component costs to pressure gross margins while iPhone growth slows. With Apple trading at a premium earnings multiple, investors may require stronger earnings or a new catalyst to support further gains. Apple faces gross margin pressure as UBS flags slowing iPhone growth Apple Company Profile (Free Report)

Apple Inc designs, develops and sells consumer electronics, software and digital services. Its best-known products include the iPhone smartphone, Mac personal computers, iPad tablets, Apple Watch, AirPods and other accessories. The company also develops operating systems and applications that support its hardware ecosystem.

Apple’s services business includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, iCloud, Apple Pay and other subscription, payment and digital-content offerings.

Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Apple Aurora Rejects Curaleaf’s Higher Bid, But the Takeover Fight Isn’t Over Centrus Energy Is Building a Nuclear Fuel Powerhouse—Why Is Its Stock Struggling? Halliburton Gains Traction: Multiyear Upcycle Ahead Meta Platforms’ AI Comeback Faces an Earnings Test—And a $10 Billion Charge

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Gilpin Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report) by 23.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 14,261 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after acquiring an additional 2,675 shares during the quarter. Apple makes up approximately 3.1% of Gilpin Wealth Management LLC’s holdings, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. Gilpin Wealth Management LLC’s holdings in Apple were worth $4,653,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Avenir Tech Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Apple in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC acquired a new position in Apple during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Lifetime Wealth Management P.C. bought a new position in Apple during the 4th quarter worth $41,000. ABS Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Apple during the 2nd quarter worth $376,168,000. Finally, Bamco Inc. NY bought a new position in Apple during the 2nd quarter worth $118,000. Institutional investors own 67.73% of the company’s stock.

Insider Activity at Apple In other news, SVP Jennifer Newstead sold 2,399 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $336.18, for a total value of $806,495.82. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 41,992 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $14,116,870.56. This represents a 5.40% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, SVP Deirdre O’brien sold 46,389 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $333.42, for a total transaction of $15,467,020.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 136,810 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $45,615,190.20. This trade represents a 25.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Insiders sold a total of 284,454 shares of company stock worth $94,662,594 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.06% of the company’s stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have issued reports on AAPL. Moffett Nathanson set a $283.00 target price on Apple and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Tuesday. Raymond James Financial reissued a “market perform” rating on shares of Apple in a report on Friday, July 31st. Arete Research upped their price target on shares of Apple from $305.00 to $335.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 24th. Rothschild & Co Redburn set a $400.00 price objective on shares of Apple and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, August 17th. Finally, Maxim Group increased their price objective on shares of Apple from $350.00 to $380.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, July 31st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-five have given a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Apple presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $340.12. Get Our Latest Report on AAPL

Key Headlines Impacting Apple Here are the key news stories impacting Apple this week:

Positive Sentiment: Strong iPhone Duo demand: Apple’s $1,999 foldable iPhone reportedly generated extraordinary preorders, with delivery estimates extending into January 2027. The response supports premium pricing and suggests the new product could become a meaningful growth catalyst. Apple’s $1,999 foldable phone is set to hit stores Friday Positive Sentiment: Upcoming Mac launch: Apple scheduled its “Pro and Tell” event for October 28, where analysts expect new Macs and potentially the company’s first touchscreen MacBook. The event could provide a near-term catalyst and demonstrate momentum under CEO John Ternus. Apple announces product launch event for Oct. 28 Positive Sentiment: Supply-chain and ecosystem investments: Apple committed up to $100 million to a U.S. titanium supplier to support iPhone production. Apple Wallet car-key support is also expanding to select General Motors vehicles, strengthening the company’s hardware and services ecosystem. Apple commits up to $100 million for U.S. titanium Neutral Sentiment: Mixed analyst outlook: Bank of America and JPMorgan maintained bullish ratings, citing iPhone Duo demand and long-term AI potential, while other analysts have become more cautious. Negative Sentiment: Downgrades and demand concerns: Loop Capital downgraded AAPL to Hold and cut its price target from $370 to $330, citing risks that iPhone shipments may not recover as expected. KeyBanc also flagged weaker upgrade intentions among consumers. Apple gets a downgrade from Loop Capital on fears of slow iPhone sales Negative Sentiment: Margin and valuation risk: UBS expects higher memory and component costs to pressure gross margins while iPhone growth slows. With Apple trading at a premium earnings multiple, investors may require stronger earnings or a new catalyst to support further gains. Apple faces gross margin pressure as UBS flags slowing iPhone growth Apple Trading Down 1.0% NASDAQ:AAPL opened at $339.50 on Wednesday. Apple Inc. has a 1 year low of $243.42 and a 1 year high of $348.15. The stock has a market cap of $4.95 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.93, a PEG ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 1.07. The business has a fifty day moving average of $327.22 and a 200-day moving average of $307.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 1.00.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 30th. The iPhone maker reported $2.02 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.89 by $0.13. Apple had a net margin of 27.62% and a return on equity of 135.46%. The business had revenue of $109.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $109.04 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.57 earnings per share. The company’s revenue was up 16.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that Apple Inc. will post 8.75 earnings per share for the current year.

Apple Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 13th. Investors of record on Monday, August 10th were given a $0.27 dividend. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 10th. Apple’s dividend payout ratio is currently 12.39%.

Apple Company Profile (Free Report)

Apple Inc designs, develops and sells consumer electronics, software and digital services. Its best-known products include the iPhone smartphone, Mac personal computers, iPad tablets, Apple Watch, AirPods and other accessories. The company also develops operating systems and applications that support its hardware ecosystem.

Apple’s services business includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, iCloud, Apple Pay and other subscription, payment and digital-content offerings.

Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Apple Aurora Rejects Curaleaf’s Higher Bid, But the Takeover Fight Isn’t Over Centrus Energy Is Building a Nuclear Fuel Powerhouse—Why Is Its Stock Struggling? Halliburton Gains Traction: Multiyear Upcycle Ahead Meta Platforms’ AI Comeback Faces an Earnings Test—And a $10 Billion Charge

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Apple (AAPL -1.00%) stock has had a phenomenal year, up about 26% while the S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.28%) is up around 12%. That's solid outperformance and impressive, considering that Apple really doesn't have much in the way of artificial intelligence tailwinds, unlike some of its big tech peers.

However, great stock performance doesn't always equate to strong business performance in the short term. It usually does over the long term. The reality is that some of the stock's gains to date may prove in vain, as Apple hasn't done enough to sustain these returns over the long term.

In fact, I think a reality check could be coming shortly as Apple reports Q1 fiscal year 2027 results on Nov. 2. December-quarter guidance will be the first look at how much of the memory cost increase Apple is absorbing. 

November's correction could come as a shock to some investors, but those paying attention know how difficult Apple's business environment is getting.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Apple has become a safe haven for AI investors Not everyone is sold on the notion that AI is the future. Many investors believe the big tech companies are investing far too much capital in this technology and would rather back a company that's taking a more modest approach, like Apple.

Instead of spending hundreds of billions on AI computing equipment, it's choosing to use Alphabet's Google Gemini as its base model and pay a fee each time it uses it. Over the long term, this could prove a bad decision, but with AI not making these companies a ton of money right now, it looks prudent in the short term.

As a result of Apple not investing heavily in AI, it has attracted many investors, as it is viewed as a non-AI investment compared with its peers. This has caused its stock price to swell during 2026, and its valuation has followed suit. Apple now trades at some of its highest valuations seen in the past decade.

AAPL PE Ratio data by YCharts

Now, if Apple had returned to its previous valuation highs, posting jaw-dropping growth and excellent results, I would think differently. And while it's true Apple's results have been improving (its Q4 FY 2026 growth rate was 16%, the best since 2021), it's still nothing compared to what some of its peers are delivering.

Take AI powerhouse Nvidia (NVDA -0.29%), for example. Nvidia trades at a mere 27 times trailing earnings and is growing revenue at 106%. Furthermore, management estimates next year's revenue growth to be 70%. It's hard to convince me that a stock like Apple should be valued at a premium to that growth, but that's the case.

The bearish outlook on AI has gotten a bit out of hand in the market, and it could contribute to Apple's stock selling off in the last quarter of 2026 if investors rotate back into AI stocks. But there's also another issue for Apple unfolding.

Apple's margins could come under pressure One of the biggest stories in the tech world during 2026 was the spring's memory chip price surge. Every company, from Nvidia to Apple, is facing the same problem, which is causing Apple to pay more for memory chips used in its devices. Apple has two choices: Raise prices or eat the cost. While Apple has marginally raised prices on some of its products, it may ultimately have to eat the costs of rising chip prices, which could harm margins.

AAPL Apple$339.50-$3.44 (-1.00%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/20/26

Slimmer margins will exaggerate Apple's valuation and make it look even more expensive than it already is. Prior to departing from his CEO role, Tim Cook called this a 100-year flood for memory chip prices.  

One of the largest memory chip suppliers in the industry, Micron Technology (MU -0.98%), told investors that memory market conditions will worsen in 2027 and 2028 compared to 2026. That doesn't bode well for Apple's future and could spur a sell-off in Apple's stock.

Apple, as a company, faces many factors it can't control. Regardless, I think there are far better investments out there, and now may be the time to take some gains and roll into some beaten-down alternative AI stocks.

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Among Jim Cramer's many famous phrases, his one about Apple often stands out: Own it. Don't trade it.

The saying speaks to the company's enduring ability to overcome any obstacle, whether it's concerns about new products or worries about the global economy. The tech giant recently topped $5 trillion for the first time and is closing in on Nvidia as the world's most valuable company. More gains could be ahead. 

Apple recently described the demand for the iPhone Duo, the long awaited foldable iPhone as "nothing short of extraordinary" after pre-orders opened last Friday. The demand was so great, that estimated delivery times pushed back to late January (so much for a stocking stuffer) within minutes of orders being accepted. Combine this with Homeview, the company's new smart hub, new MacBook Pro models and iPads with OLED displays and the Mac studio and associated chips released several weeks ago and the hardware landscape for the most successful consumer electronics company in history is starting to compete with the AI trade for investors' attention. The only problem is that the company already has a lot of good news baked into its valuation.

Compounding this hardware momentum is the software catalyst. The deep integration of Apple Intelligence, including upgraded Siri AI and Visual Intelligence, means that Apple is becoming part of the AI story, with the benefit that, on a relative basis, they haven't had the enormous Capex that is concerning those investors who are concerned that the AI trade is getting frothy as many companies use all their organic cash flow (Amazon, Alphabet) or substantially more than their organic cash flow (Oracle). Apple's anticipated revenues for FY2027 exceeds $500 billion. Expected EBITDA exceeds $180 billion, but the company's capex is paltry relative to the other megacaps at only $13.5 billion in Capex. Result? $156 billion in anticipated free cash flow, and the company reported ~$62 billion in net cash when they reported results for the quarter ended June 27th.

Apple, YTD

The primary headwind for AAPL is valuation. With a $5 trillion market capitalization, Apple is contending with the law of large numbers. Moving the needle at this scale requires monumental revenue beats that are increasingly difficult to engineer. This is particularly true as the stock is already priced quite richly. AAPL's trading at nearly 36 FY2027 EPS estimates of 9.59 well above the long-term average multiple. Apple options are priced above average too, and that may be the good news, because elevated short term premium can help finance the purchase of longer dated optionality. With Apple supported by an extraordinary string of recent product releases and massive free cash flow, but possibly suppressed by high valuations, this could be an excellent opportunity for a call spread risk reversal.

The tradeThe Long Leg: February 360 calls The Short Legs: Sell December 310 puts and the December 375 callsSelling the shorter dated December 310-puts and December 375 calls offsets the cost of buying the longer dated February calls. Ideally, you want Apple shares to stay between the two, short strikes by December expiration and above $360 by February expiration. One note of caution. By selling that downside put will tie up some margin, you could be on the hook to buy the stock at the put's strike by expiration.

If AAPL chops sideways as it digests its valuation, the short strangle expires worthless, lowering the cost basis of your long.

Disclosures: Tidal owns/holds all the securities mentioned in the article.

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Apple (AAPL.O) said on Tuesday it has committed to purchasing up to $100 million of titanium over three years ​from a Pennsylvania-based company as part of the iPhone ‌maker's push to expand manufacturing in the United States.

The purchase agreement with Perryman Company, part of Apple's American Manufacturing Program, ​covers titanium for various products, including its ​first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo.

Here are more ⁠details:

Perryman will melt, forge and roll titanium with ​at least 80% recycled content at its site in ​Houston, Pennsylvania

Apple is also expanding its partnership with Delaware-based Qnity Electronics to cover production of films for the new variable-aperture camera system ​in the iPhone 18 Pro

Nearly 100 components in ​the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro are produced by ‌American ⁠companies, drawn from suppliers in more than a dozen states, Apple said

TSMC's Arizona plant will produce more than 100 million chips for Apple in 2026, while ​Corning's Kentucky facility ​will make ⁠all cover glass for iPhones and Apple Watches sold worldwide by the end ​of the year

Apple launched the American Manufacturing ​Program ⁠last year as part of its $600-billion, four-year commitment to US manufacturing

In August, Apple opened an Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston, ⁠Texas, ​in the same facility that ​builds its AI servers and will begin making Mac minis this year

Apple announced a product launch event on Oct. 28, sending invitations on Monday to media and analysts for an "Apple Experience in Los Angeles".

The email says "Pro and tell," suggesting the launch will focus on high-end "Pro" devices with powerful homegrown chips.

Ben Reitzes, an analyst at Melius Research, wrote in a note on Monday that he expects new Macs to be introduced, "including a touchscreen notebook," this fall. He said that for CEO John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook last month, the launch cadence marks a "meaningful shift" from what has been two events a year.

It will be Apple's third launch in Ternus' brief tenure, following an event at company headquarters for new iPhones, including the foldable Duo, and a gathering in New York centered around smart home hubs and a new speaker with a screen called HomeView.

Apple updated its Mac Mini and Mac Studio desktops with new chips in August, and refreshed its MacBook Pro in the spring, along with a new low-cost MacBook Neo. But Apple's iMac desktop hasn't been updated since October 2024.

In the most recent quarter, Apple's Mac sales accounted for about 10% of overall revenue, as the company remains heavily reliant on iPhones.

Still, Macs have become one of the strongest parts of Apple's artificial intelligence story, thanks to its chips that can access more memory at higher speeds than other consumer processors. Apple shares are up 26% so far this year, outperforming the S&P 500.

Last week, Apple and Meta teamed up to bring a large open-weight model, developed by Meta, to multiple high-end Mac Studios.

Apple has historically been dismissive of touchscreen laptops, with software chief Craig Federighi explaining in 2018 that the ergonomics would fatigue users.

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Apple keeps setting records while Bitcoin slides further from its peak, but the real question for retirement investors goes beyond recent performance. The winner of this comparison might surprise anyone who assumes crypto always wins the long game.

Apple (NASDAQ: | AAPL Price Prediction AAPL) is on a roll, consistently hitting new highs. On October 13, 2026, its stock peaked at an intraday high of $348. It crossed the $5 trillion market value threshold for the first time on October 14 and ended the trading session on October 16 with another record close at $343, marking an impressive 26.7% gain for the year.

In contrast, Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) has struggled. It hit a high of $126,080 on October 6, 2025, and has not set a new high in 2026. Bitcoin trades around $81,977 as of October 18, 35% below that peak, and has declined 6.8% in 2026.

So, in the Apple vs. Bitcoin comparison, which investment is more suitable for retirement funds that investors can’t afford to lose?

Apple Excels in Income and Buybacks

Apple rewards its shareholders with returns. While its 0.31% dividend yield may seem small, the board increased the quarterly dividend by 4% to $0.27 in April and approved an additional $100 billion for share buybacks. When a company buys back its shares, fewer shares remain, so each remaining share represents a larger portion of the company’s profits.

In the June quarter alone, Apple returned $33 billion to shareholders, with $25.8 billion coming from buybacks. This distribution was made possible by a 27.1% increase in net income, totaling $29.8 billion.

On the other hand, Bitcoin is a digital currency with a capped supply and no corporate entity behind it, meaning it generates no earnings or dividends. Its price fluctuations are driven by new investments from sources like ETF buyers and corporate treasuries. Therefore, in this round, Apple comes out on top.

Bitcoin’s Volatility Can Hurt Retirees More

Over the past year, Apple has risen by 39.3%, while Bitcoin has dropped by 23.4%. Although Bitcoin rose 26.1% in the 60 days leading up to October, it remains 35% below its peak.

This price disparity can be especially detrimental for retirees relying on their investments for income. A significant decline means they would have to sell more Bitcoin to cover their expenses, locking in potential losses. With decades to wait for a recovery, younger investors may handle Bitcoin’s wild price swings better than those who are 65 or older.

Apple does carry its own risks; it trades at about 45 times earnings, which some consider steep. Additionally, management has warned of rising memory costs in the September quarter. However, Apple has beaten earnings-per-share estimates for nine consecutive quarters, giving it an edge in risk management.

Bitcoin’s Long-Term Returns Are Impressive, but Apple Is More Reliable

In terms of long-term performance, Bitcoin shines with an astonishing 12,800% gain over the past decade, compared to around 1,180% for Apple. However, this figure starts from a much lower price of approximately $631 in October 2016, when Bitcoin was still growing. Over the last five years, Bitcoin has risen by 31.6%, while Apple’s stock has surged by 143.1%.

Looking forward, Apple must maintain sales momentum, and the signs are promising. iPhone revenue rose 22% in the June quarter, and management forecasts 9% to 11% revenue growth for the September quarter. CEO Tim Cook has described the supply challenges as a “demand forecast issue,” suggesting iPhone and Mac sales have exceeded Apple’s expectations.

In contrast, Bitcoin’s success largely relies on a steady influx of new buyers, which is a less stable foundation. For this reason, Apple also looks better for the future.

Is Apple or Bitcoin a Better Investment for Retirement?
In the Apple vs. Bitcoin debate, Apple is the healthier choice for retirement. It provides steady earnings, a growing dividend, and consistent buybacks, while Bitcoin has fallen 35% from its peak. Bitcoin may appeal more to younger investors who can take a small, speculative position and wait years for a recovery. However, retirees choosing Bitcoin face significant price fluctuations that could force them to sell at a loss.

Apple’s next test will be its pricing strategy, particularly with its new $1,999 iPhone Duo, which may reveal whether consumers are willing to continue paying a premium for the brand. Our perspective could shift if Apple’s next earnings report misses its 9% to 11% revenue guidance while Bitcoin breaks back above its $126,080 record, a 54% climb from its current price.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

This week, Apple (AAPL +0.43%) unveiled its Apple Home Collection, which includes nine smart home accessories. The lineup is in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. Some accessories will be available starting in December, with the rest coming in early 2027. 

After seeing what is being offered, I think the thermostats, smart locks, and cameras are a natural progression for Apple. First, Apple's smart home products are being manufactured by its partners LG and Schneider. The user's iPhone controls all the devices within the Home app. This just makes the iPhone stickier and more difficult to switch away from.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

The consumer relationship is deepened tremendously with these home accessories. The home camera's footage is even stored in the user's iCloud. This will give Apple another meaningful revenue stream with limited risk because of the outside manufacturing deal.

AAPL Apple$343.46+$1.46 (+0.43%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

Wall Street was disappointed by Apple's conservative fourth-quarter growth guidance of 9% to 11%, but this new home lineup should give long-term investors another reason to remain bullish. This is also an important move for the new CEO, John Ternus, as he faces pressure to innovate and release new Apple products.

The Apple Home Collection will boost the company's Services revenue over the coming years and lock customers into its growing ecosystem. While the stock is at an all-time high and its market cap is hovering around $5 trillion, Apple is still one of the best technology investments available.

Catie Hogan has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Schneider Electric. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

AAPL Apple$343.46+$1.46 (+0.43%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

Apple (AAPL +0.43%), a consumer electronics and personal computing hardware provider, closed at $343.46, up 0.43%. The stock edged higher after reports that iPhone Duo preorders sold out quickly, and investors are watching the November 2 earnings call for guidance and demand updates.

Trading volume reached 59 million shares, coming in about 31% above its three-month average of 45 million shares.

How the markets moved todayS&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) closed at 7,659, down 1.09%, while Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) finished at 26,140, down 2.14%. Among consumer electronics and personal computing hardware peers, Microsoft (MSFT -1.93%) closed at $529.05, down 1.93%, and Alphabet (GOOGL -2.47%) closed at $340.59, down 2.47%, as investors kept focus on AI-debt pressure and semiconductor weakness.

What this means for investorsApple shares rose on Friday, Oct. 16, when pre-orders for its new iPhone Duo sold out within minutes in the morning. The Duo is the company's first foldable smartphone. It includes a 5.4-inch front display with a 7.6-inch foldable inner screen. Delivery dates quickly shifted from Oct. 23 into late January.

The strong demand for Apple's latest device propelled its stock back toward the 52-week high of $348.15 reached earlier in the week. In the company's 2026 third quarter, ended June 27, Apple posted record performance as revenue reached $109.4 billion, which represented a 16% year-over-year increase. The iPhone maker beat Wall Street expectations on revenue and profit, but investors focused on strong iPhone 17 demand and a softer near-term outlook that later weighed on sentiment.

With the Duo's preliminary success, Apple could see strong 2027 sales results. The question is how much of a headwind macroeconomic conditions, such as persistent inflation and rising interest rates, will be for the tech giant.

Robert Izquierdo has positions in Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Apple turned $10,000 into $127,753 over the last decade, but a $5 trillion market cap changes the math in ways most investors overlook. Here is what the model says your money could realistically become by 2031, and which risks could…

Ten years ago, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL | AAPL Price Prediction) traded at a split-adjusted $26.59. Shares now trade near $339.74 in midday trading, a 10-year gain of 1,177.53%. That turned a $10,000 investment into about $127,753.

The question for new money is simpler: what could $10,000 put into Apple today be worth by 2031? The answer below uses the model’s reference price of $336.64. Apple just posted record June quarter revenue on a strong iPhone 17 cycle and has Siri AI on deck, so it deserves a fresh forward look.

What $10,000 in Apple Could Become by 2031
Under the base scenario, a $10,000 investment could be worth about $16,271 by 2031, a total return of 62.71%. The projected five-year share price target of $547.74 works out to an annualized return of 10.23%.

Matching the last decade’s run would take a 10-year window, and the model doesn’t go out that far. Five years is the longest projected horizon, so every concrete number here is grounded to it. Even the most optimistic scenario falls well short of the prior decade’s pace.

That’s what you’d expect from a company with a $4.96T market cap, which can’t compound the way a smaller company can (we studied a lot of recent runners most investors missed and pulled out the pattern in a free report here).

Bull, Base and Bear Outcomes for a $10,000 Stake

Scenario
2031 Target Price
Total Return
Value of $10,000

Bull
$658.79
95.7%
$19,570

Base
$547.74
62.71%
$16,271

Bear
$378.14
12.33%
$11,233

Over one year, the model’s base target is $392.04 (16.46% upside). A $10,000 investment would grow to about $11,646. The one-year bull case reaches $13,214, while the downside scenario slips to $9,912. The model has a confidence score of 0.9.

Wall Street is more cautious. The consensus analyst target is $328.09, which stands below the current price, with ratings split across 6 strong buys, 19 buys, 13 holds, 3 sells, plus 3 strong sells.

Three Drivers Powering the Upside Case
iPhone 17 and Mac Demand Outrunning Supply
iPhone revenue grew 22% to $54.3 billion last quarter, and Apple set a June quarter record for upgraders. Mac revenue grew 29%, with MacBook Neo demand running ahead of supply.

On the July earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said: “This is the most powerful and most popular iPhone lineup we’ve ever had.”

Services Keeps Compounding
Services revenue hit $30.7 billion, up 12%, with records in every services category. It is the high-margin engine behind Apple’s 0.326 trailing operating margin. Total revenue reached $109.42B, up 16.4% year over year, and EPS of $2.02 came in ahead of the $1.88 estimate.

Siri AI and a Huge Capital Return Program
Apple unveiled Siri AI at WWDC, and management framed it as a possible driver of future iPhone purchases. “There are enormous opportunities for Apple moving forward in AI,” Cook said.

Shareholders also get support from capital returns. The board added a new $100B buyback authorization, Apple bought back $25.8 billion of stock last quarter, and the quarterly dividend rose to $0.27.

Risks That Could Shrink Your Return

Valuation: Shares trade at 39x trailing earnings and 35x forward earnings, with a PEG ratio of 2.706. If that multiple shrinks, your returns could be flat even while earnings grow.
Memory costs: Cook called memory pricing “a 100-year flood”. Apple guided September quarter gross margin to 47% to 48%, down from 50.1%. Tariff refunds also helped last quarter’s EPS by 11 cents, a boost that may not repeat.
Supply and iPhone 18: Management expected significantly greater supply constraints in the September quarter. Shares also fell after a report that Apple was cutting iPhone 18 Pro component orders (Barron’s, Forbes).
Regulation: The Supreme Court will hear Apple’s App Store appeal, and the Siri AI rollout in Europe still depends on talks with regulators.

The pessimistic scenario puts numbers on the downside. Over five years it returns just 2.35% a year, and on a one-year view it ends slightly below today’s price.

Where Your $10,000 Could Land by 2031
Across the projected scenarios, a $10,000 Apple investment could be worth between $11,233 and $19,570 by 2031, with a base case of about $16,271.

That’s solid compounding, but it’s far from another 12X decade. These figures are scenarios, not guarantees. This is a projection, not investment advice.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Apple (AAPL -0.28%) has quietly been one of the better-performing stocks of 2026. It has risen about 25% so far in 2026, easily crushing the S&P 500's (^GSPC +0.33%) 14% rise.  But the question is: Is it still a good stock to buy compared to other big tech names?

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Want AI exposure? Apple doesn't have it Part of the reason why Apple's stock has done so well so far this year is its lack of artificial intelligence (AI) exposure. While I personally think this is a bad strategy for Apple over the long term, not every investor does. The company is taking a very measured approach to AI, and in true Apple style, it's once again a late arrival to the party.

Apple has taken its time to launch AI features in its ecosystem, and only recently introduced generative AI to Siri, its virtual assistant. However, the model behind Siri AI isn't anything Apple developed in-house; it uses Google Gemini from Alphabet.

This decision could prove to be brilliant. After all, Apple has hardly spent anything on capital expenditures recently compared to Alphabet.

AAPL Capital Expenditures (TTM) data by YCharts

Alphabet has spent hundreds of billions of dollars on AI infrastructure and will continue to do so. Apple has spent practically nothing, and although it will need to pay to use Gemini, the cost of that over the next decade may not eclipse what Alphabet spent in a year on AI computing capacity. As a result, Apple may have a winning strategy here.

Furthermore, Apple may be developing a suite of AI products that it will offer on a monthly subscription basis. This would create a new revenue stream for Apple if users find the products worth paying for.

Once again, Apple would likely use someone else's AI model, so its operating costs would be only marginally higher than those of funding massive data centers itself. However, because Apple cannot control the capabilities of another firm's AI model, it may not be able to get exactly what it wants from AI.

AAPL Apple$342.00-$0.96 (-0.28%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/15/26

We'll see how Apple adopts AI, but because it isn't spending big to build it out, investors have fallen in love with the stock again. While their enthusiasm for it isn't necessarily misguided, it has caused Apple stock to swell to a premium valuation.

The question is, does it deserve it?

Apple's stock isn't cheap From a price-to-earnings ratio standpoint, Apple is by far the most expensive big tech stock, trading at nearly 40 times trailing earnings.

AAPL PE Ratio data by YCharts.

This is approaching some of the highest levels it has traded at in the past few years, which should raise a red flag for investors. If Apple gets too expensive, it could spend a few years trading sideways because its future growth has been priced in. In that case, it would be a less desirable stock to own.

Apple's fiscal 2027 has already started, which means when next fiscal year's results are used to price the stock, you're using 2028 projections. From a 2028 standpoint, Apple is still valued at a fairly expensive 31 times earnings.

AAPL PE Ratio (Forward 1y) data by YCharts.

This means that if Apple's stock price doesn't move from now until October 2028 and the company's results are in line with analysts' expectations, it would trade for about 31.5 times earnings. That's about where I'd expect an average big tech stock to trade, which means Apple has about two years' worth of growth priced into its stock.

That doesn't bode well for its medium-term returns, which makes it a stock to steer clear of. While I understand that Apple has become a popular pick because it hasn't spent much on AI, I think this trend has been overblown. Investors would be better off looking into AI investments with cheaper valuations compared to Apple.

RVW Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report) by 5.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 139,003 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after acquiring an additional 6,846 shares during the quarter. Apple makes up 3.0% of RVW Wealth LLC’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th largest position. RVW Wealth LLC’s holdings in Apple were worth $46,085,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in AAPL. Prospect Hill Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Apple in the second quarter valued at approximately $146,370,000. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC purchased a new position in Apple during the second quarter valued at approximately $168,646,000. Wealthfront Advisers LLC purchased a new position in Apple during the second quarter valued at approximately $482,388,000. Satovsky Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Apple during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $16,064,000. Finally, Saranac Partners Ltd bought a new stake in Apple during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $9,513,000. Institutional investors own 67.73% of the company’s stock.

Trending Headlines about Apple Here are the key news stories impacting Apple this week:

Positive Sentiment: Apple’s $299 HomeView smart-home hub, along with new cameras, a doorbell, smart lock, thermostat and updated Apple TV and HomePod products, gives the company new hardware and ecosystem expansion opportunities. Analysts also see potential for recurring iCloud+ and other Services revenue. Apple releases HomeView smart home hub with screen as showcase for Siri AI Positive Sentiment: Apple reportedly plans to launch Apple Intelligence in mainland China in December, potentially improving access to AI features in a strategically important market. Apple to Release AI Platform in Mainland China Positive Sentiment: Apple benefited from news that GlobalFoundries will build two New York fabs with up to $21 billion in U.S.-Japan funding. Apple is expected to source chips from the expanded domestic capacity, supporting supply-chain diversification. GlobalFoundries Secures $21B for New York Fabs Positive Sentiment: Investor optimism was reinforced by Apple’s market value reclaiming the $5 trillion milestone, while analyst Dan Ives suggested a stronger AI strategy could support a $400 price target. Apple reaches new highs ahead of iPhone Duo preorders Neutral Sentiment: Apple’s iPhone Duo preorders begin October 16. Strong demand could provide a near-term catalyst, but reports of shorter iPhone 18 Pro delivery windows and reduced supplier production have raised questions about demand. Neutral Sentiment: Analysts estimate that a paid, more capable Siri could eventually generate substantial Services revenue, but Apple has not announced pricing or a launch date for expanded AI access. Negative Sentiment: OpenAI alleges that a former employee who joined Apple transferred more than 100 confidential files concerning an unreleased device. The case could create legal, reputational and product-development risks, although there is no indication Apple used the information. OpenAI alleges former employee took device files to Apple Negative Sentiment: Gene Munster warned Apple could lose the AI platform battle if users become loyal to rival assistants such as Meta’s Muse or Grok. Critics also questioned whether HomeView meaningfully addresses Apple’s AI shortcomings. Negative Sentiment: With Apple trading near record levels at a rich valuation, investors are concerned that slower growth, margin pressure and uncertain iPhone demand may limit further upside. Insider Activity at Apple In related news, CEO John Ternus sold 25,412 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $332.94, for a total value of $8,460,671.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 59,567 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,832,236.98. The trade was a 29.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, SVP Jennifer Newstead sold 2,399 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $332.01, for a total value of $796,491.99. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 39,593 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,145,271.93. This represents a 5.71% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 279,383 shares of company stock valued at $92,912,517. 0.06% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Apple Trading Up 0.5% Shares of AAPL opened at $342.96 on Thursday. Apple Inc. has a 1-year low of $243.42 and a 1-year high of $348.15. The company has a market capitalization of $5.01 trillion, a P/E ratio of 39.33, a P/E/G ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.93. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $324.64 and its 200 day simple moving average is $305.24.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 30th. The iPhone maker reported $2.02 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.89 by $0.13. Apple had a net margin of 27.62% and a return on equity of 135.46%. The business had revenue of $109.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $109.04 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.57 EPS. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Apple Inc. will post 8.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Apple Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 13th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 10th were given a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 10th. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.3%. Apple’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 12.39%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets AAPL has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. CICC Research increased their target price on shares of Apple from $310.00 to $340.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 4th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a “hold” rating on shares of Apple in a report on Thursday, October 1st. Citic Securities boosted their price target on shares of Apple from $300.00 to $349.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 6th. Bank of America reaffirmed a “buy” rating and issued a $370.00 price target on shares of Apple in a report on Wednesday, September 23rd. Finally, DZ Bank downgraded Apple from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $310.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, August 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-five have given a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Apple currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $340.39.

View Our Latest Report on Apple

Apple Company Profile (Free Report)

Apple Inc is a technology company that designs, develops and markets consumer electronics, software and digital services. Its best-known products include the iPhone smartphone, Mac personal computers, iPad tablets, Apple Watch, AirPods and other accessories. The company also develops operating systems and software platforms, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and visionOS.

Apple’s services business includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+ and iCloud.

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Tim Cook unquestionably had a stellar run at the head of Apple (AAPL +0.49%). When he took over the CEO job in August 2011, Apple was already a force -- the iPhone was a hit, the iPad was relatively new, and the customer base was fiercely loyal.

But what Cook did over the next 15 years was remarkable. Apple's annual revenue nearly quadrupled, growing from $108 billion in fiscal 2011 to $416 billion in fiscal 2025. And iPhone sales, which were already enormous when Cook arrived, climbed from roughly $47 billion to nearly $210 billion.

Now John Ternus has taken over as Apple's CEO. And investors have an interesting question to consider: Can he build on Cook's success, or has Apple already experienced its greatest years of growth?

Tim Cook turned Apple into a much bigger business Cook didn't invent the iPhone. But he deserves considerable credit for turning it into one of the most successful consumer products in history. Under his leadership, Apple expanded the iPhone's availability worldwide while introducing new models at different price points. That helped the company reach more customers without abandoning its premium pricing strategy.

Apple also expanded its lucrative services business, which includes the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple Pay. Those products generate recurring revenue from customers who are already using Apple's devices, and they can be extremely profitable -- and they come without the overhead of developing new hardware product lines.

Former Apple CEO Tim Cook. Image source: Apple.

Apple's services segment generated $30.74 billion in revenue during its fiscal third quarter of 2026 (ending June 27), with a gross margin exceeding 75%.

Cook also used Apple's enormous cash flow to repurchase shares, helping increase earnings per share and rewarding long-term shareholders.

What John Ternus inherited Ternus, who became CEO on Sept. 1, has a different challenge than Cook faced in 2011.

Apple already has more than 2.5 billion active devices worldwide, giving it an enormous customer base for new products and services. But expanding a company generating more than $400 billion in annual revenue isn't nearly as easy as growing a smaller business.

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And Apple has been playing catch-up in artificial intelligence (AI).

The company introduced an upgraded Siri AI assistant earlier this year, hoping to make artificial intelligence a more useful part of its devices. On Oct. 13, Apple unveiled HomeView, a $299 smart home display that uses Siri AI to compete with products from Amazon and Alphabet.

But investors shouldn't expect another fourfold increase in annual revenue simply because Cook accomplished it. Apple's enormous size makes that a much more difficult proposition.

For Ternus, the opportunity isn't necessarily to duplicate Cook's growth. It's about finding new ways to make Apple's massive customer base even more valuable -- and giving shareholders a reason to stay invested for the next chapter.

Argent Capital Management LLC lowered its position in shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report) by 3.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 306,456 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after selling 11,714 shares during the quarter. Apple comprises about 0.7% of Argent Capital Management LLC’s portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest position. Argent Capital Management LLC’s holdings in Apple were worth $102,056,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Avenir Tech Ltd purchased a new stake in Apple in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC acquired a new position in Apple in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Lifetime Wealth Management P.C. purchased a new position in Apple during the 4th quarter worth approximately $41,000. ABS Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Apple during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $376,168,000. Finally, Basso Capital Management L.P. acquired a new stake in Apple during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $88,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.73% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Rosenblatt Securities reaffirmed a “neutral” rating and issued a $303.00 price objective on shares of Apple in a report on Thursday, September 10th. Oppenheimer reissued a “market perform” rating on shares of Apple in a report on Thursday, September 10th. KeyCorp restated an “underweight” rating on shares of Apple in a research report on Friday, September 4th. Rothschild & Co Redburn set a $400.00 target price on shares of Apple and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, August 17th. Finally, Robert W. Baird upped their price target on shares of Apple from $310.00 to $330.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, July 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-five have assigned a Buy rating, fourteen have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Apple has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $340.39.

View Our Latest Research Report on AAPL Key Apple News Here are the key news stories impacting Apple this week:

Positive Sentiment: Apple launched the $299 HomeView smart-home hub, featuring an upgraded Siri AI assistant, along with a new Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2, cameras, a video doorbell, smart lock, thermostat and other accessories. The products expand Apple’s ecosystem into the home and provide a potential new source of hardware and services revenue. Apple releases HomeView smart home hub with screen as showcase for Siri AI Positive Sentiment: Partnerships with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric broaden the Apple Home Collection, including security, energy-management and access-control products that could increase engagement with iPhones, Apple Watches and other Apple devices. LG announces smart-home accessories developed with Apple Positive Sentiment: Analyst support remains favorable. Bernstein reiterated a Buy rating with a $370 target, while JPMorgan raised its target to $360. Reports also indicate Apple’s iPhone market share reached 22% in the latest quarter, and iPhone 18 Pro demand may be stronger than last year. Bernstein reiterates Buy rating on Apple Positive Sentiment: A federal judge ordered OpenAI to provide hiring records and other materials in Apple’s trade-secrets lawsuit, potentially helping Apple investigate the recruitment of former employees and its claims against OpenAI. Judge orders OpenAI to turn over hiring records Neutral Sentiment: Investors are awaiting iPhone Duo preorders on October 16. Strong purchase intent could support the stock, but pricing and delivery trends will be closely watched. Negative Sentiment: Some suppliers are reportedly cutting production of newer iPhone models, while shorter delivery windows for Pro models raise questions about demand. Apple’s shares also trade at a demanding valuation, leaving less room for disappointing December-quarter guidance. Negative Sentiment: Analysts warn that SpaceX’s potential Starlink smartphone and Google’s expanding health-data platform could intensify competition in wireless services, wearables and ecosystem engagement over time. Apple Price Performance Shares of NASDAQ AAPL opened at $341.27 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.98 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.14, a PEG ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 1.07. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $324.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $304.61. Apple Inc. has a 12 month low of $243.42 and a 12 month high of $348.15.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 30th. The iPhone maker reported $2.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.89 by $0.13. Apple had a net margin of 27.62% and a return on equity of 135.46%. The firm had revenue of $109.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $109.04 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.57 EPS. The business’s revenue was up 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Apple Inc. will post 8.75 EPS for the current year.

Apple Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 13th. Investors of record on Monday, August 10th were given a dividend of $0.27 per share. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 10th. Apple’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 12.39%.

Insider Activity In other news, SVP Deirdre O’brien sold 46,389 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $333.42, for a total transaction of $15,467,020.38. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 136,810 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $45,615,190.20. This represents a 25.32% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, insider Timothy D. Cook sold 191,753 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $332.96, for a total value of $63,846,078.88. Following the sale, the insider owned 3,264,168 shares in the company, valued at $1,086,837,377.28. This trade represents a 5.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Insiders sold a total of 279,383 shares of company stock worth $92,912,517 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.06% of the company’s stock.

About Apple (Free Report)

Apple Inc is a technology company that designs, develops and markets consumer electronics, software and digital services. Its best-known products include the iPhone smartphone, Mac personal computers, iPad tablets, Apple Watch, AirPods and other accessories. The company also develops operating systems and software platforms, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and visionOS.

Apple’s services business includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+ and iCloud.

Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Apple A Chinese Rival Just Spooked Memory Stocks—How Worried Should Micron Investors Be? Could T-Mobile’s Satellite Competition Fears Create a Buying Opportunity? Surgical Precision, Sustainable Returns: Johnson & Johnson Secures Its Cash Flow Runway Tesla’s Robotaxi Lands in Paris—But Europe’s Real Fight Is Over Cheap EVs Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AAPL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report).

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Apple just crossed a threshold no company has reached before, but the real debate is whether its loftiest valuation yet rests on a foundation strong enough to hold as margins compress and rivals grow faster.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL | AAPL Price Prediction) pushed its market value past $5 trillion today while unveiling a new smart home lineup. Shares trade at $344.61. The 24/7 Wall St. price target of $395.69 points to 14.8% upside over the next 12 months.

24/7 Wall St. Price Target Summary Metric Value Current Price $344.61 Price Target from 24/7 Wall St. $395.69 Upside 14.8% Recommendation BUY Confidence Level 90% Our model rates Apple a buy with high confidence. Apple has posted 10 straight earnings beats, and its weekly target has rose from $363.77 in mid-July as estimates moved higher.

iPhone 17 Demand Carries Apple to a Record Valuation Shares rose 3.52% over the past week, 3.71% over the past month and 27.11% year to date. The stock trades within 0.2% of its 52-week high of $345.34 and 42% above its low of $242.76. CNBC reports Apple keeps gaining smartphone share.

In its fiscal third quarter, reported July 30, revenue rose 16.4% to $109.42 billion, and EPS of $2.02 beat the $1.89 estimate. iPhone revenue climbed 22%, Mac revenue rose 29% and Services grew 12% to $30.7 billion. Tariff refunds added 11 cents of that EPS.

Why Bulls See $449 Within Reach Supply, more than demand, held Apple back last quarter. Tim Cook, CEO at the time of the call, said the constraints “were driven by very high levels of demand.” Siri AI, which Apple revealed at WWDC, could bring in iCloud+ upgrades and new markets to address.

Prediction markets put the chance of a foldable iPhone coming before 2027 at 99.4%. On top of that, Apple bought back $25.8 billion of stock last quarter. Wall Street analysts hold 25 buy ratings on the stock. The bull case reaches $449.16.

Memory Costs and a 35x Multiple Could Stall the Rally The consensus analyst target of $328.61 sits below today’s price, and analysts hold 6 sell ratings. Cook described memory pricing as “a 100-year flood”. Apple guided September-quarter gross margin to 47% to 48%, down from 50.1% in the June quarter.

A CNBC “Fast Money” panelist warned the stock is “getting priced to perfection“. Apple also faces a Supreme Court appeal over App Store link-outs. Bulls counter that the price increases Apple pushed through show real pricing power. The bear case is $336.08.

Is Apple Pricier Than Microsoft and Alphabet? Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the closest mega-cap rival in AI-enabled computing. The stock trades at 25x forward earnings while growing revenue 17.7%.

Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) runs Android and competes directly in AI assistants. Its revenue grew 24.2% at a 23x multiple.

Company Forward P/E Quarterly Revenue Growth (YoY) Apple 35x 16.4% Microsoft 25x 17.7% Alphabet 23x 24.2% Apple’s sales grow more slowly than either peer’s, yet it carries the highest multiple. Against this peer group, our target looks somewhat aggressive. It assumes Apple’s installed-base premium holds.

Apple Price Prediction 2026-2030 The 24/7 Wall St. price target remains $395.69, with a buy rating and 90% confidence. Earnings momentum is the deciding factor.

Supply catching up with demand and Siri AI driving upgrades would strengthen the case. Memory costs pressuring margins below guidance would weaken it. The evidence overall favors Apple.

This shows where the 24/7 Wall St. price target model projects Apple could trade if current growth trends and market conditions hold.

Year Price Target from 24/7 Wall St. 2026 $342.24 2027 $395.69 2028 $445.81 2029 $477.08 2030 $520.05 The projections rest on Apple continuing to execute on its current strategy. AI monetization could raises results above this path, while extended memory inflation could pull them below it.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

A judge has ruled that Apple will gain expedited access to OpenAI’s hiring materials in the trade secrets-focused lawsuit the iPhone maker filed against OpenAI in July.

Specifically, the court will allow Apple to view documents associated with OpenAI’s interviews with former Apple employees who applied for roles within its consumer hardware and robotics groups ahead of the rumored launch of OpenAI’s first hardware device.

These documents could include interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals, and scripts, as well as technical presentations and records showing that interview discussions had included references to Apple technology or components.

The court gave OpenAI five days to turn over materials it has already collected and 14 days for any other materials related to this request, agreeing with Apple that these documents should be expedited.

The case comes as OpenAI develops a consumer hardware device that could one day potentially rival the iPhone — or smartphones more generally — if the AI device becomes a central part of consumers’ lives and how they engage with software and services.

In its lawsuit, Apple accused OpenAI of a pattern of theft, which includes direct complaints about former employees using Apple laptops to download confidential material and files that contained information about unannounced technologies, features, and products, including technical specifications, engineering presentations, and proprietary project data.

Apple also said that former Apple employees at OpenAI coached others considering leaving Apple for OpenAI on what information to bring to their interviews, among other allegations.

U.S. District Judge Edward Davila didn’t greenlight all of Apple’s requests for expedited access to OpenAI documents and messages relevant to the case. But he did rule that Apple could access the interview materials, alongside private LINE messages (from a messaging app) between individuals named in the case, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng.

The judge also approved depositions for Liu and Peng, along with a third individual, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, Tang Yew Tan. All three are former Apple employees.

However, the judge denied Apple’s request to expedite its access to OpenAI’s research and development in specific areas, like metal finishes and power management. He also denied several of Apple’s broader discovery requests, like access to OpenAI’s hardware research or information about what its former employees created while working at OpenAI.

That denial isn’t final, though; the judge left the door open for Apple to narrow its requests and try again.

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Sarah has worked as a reporter for TechCrunch since August 2011. She joined the company after having previously spent over three years at ReadWriteWeb. Prior to her work as a reporter, Sarah worked in I.T. across a number of industries, including banking, retail and software.

You can contact or verify outreach from Sarah by emailing [email protected] or via encrypted message at sarahperez.01 on Signal.

Apple (AAPL +1.48%) is best known for its highly successful products, including the iPhone, MacBook, and AirPods. Products also make up the bulk of its sales. Most recently, products accounted for about 72% of the $109.4 billion it made in fiscal 2026's third quarter.

However, in terms of what makes Apple stock an attractive investment, the services segment is arguably the more important story.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Services include the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV, and more. This segment generated $30.7 billion in sales in Q3, or about 28% of total sales that quarter.

Although Apple doesn't make as much from services, the margins are much better -- 75.6% gross margin compared to 40.1% for its products segment. To put it another way, Apple keeps about 76 cents in gross profit from every service dollar, but only about 40 cents from every product dollar. This makes sense since services primarily rely on software and digital infrastructure, whereas products require manufacturing, transportation, and storage of hardware. The result is that services accounted for about 42% of Apple's gross profit for the quarter.

Services also benefit from the success of Apple's products. They're built into Apple devices, and active devices hit all-time highs across every major product category and geographic segment in Q3.

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

87/100

Today's Change

(

1.48

%) $

5.04

Current Price

$

346.01

It's not all good news. While services revenue increased 12% year over year in Q3, it declined sequentially, down from $31 billion in Q2. That's a small decrease, but it's worth monitoring how this segment does on Apple's next earnings report, which will be released on Nov. 2.

Apple probably won't perform like a growth stock going forward. It has a market cap of $4.9 trillion, so growth is harder to come by. It also trades at 35 times forward earnings as of Oct. 9, so some growth is already priced in. Still, its high-margin services business, combined with its wildly popular products, has it well positioned as a steady compounder. That makes the stock worthy of added consideration.

Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Stonebridge Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report) by 12.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 150,636 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after purchasing an additional 16,234 shares during the period. Apple accounts for approximately 3.5% of Stonebridge Financial Group LLC’s holdings, making the stock its 4th largest position. Stonebridge Financial Group LLC’s holdings in Apple were worth $49,277,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of AAPL. Prospect Hill Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Apple in the second quarter worth $146,370,000. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC purchased a new position in shares of Apple during the 2nd quarter valued at $168,646,000. Wealthfront Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of Apple during the 2nd quarter valued at $482,388,000. Satovsky Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Apple during the 2nd quarter valued at $16,064,000. Finally, Saranac Partners Ltd bought a new position in Apple in the 2nd quarter worth $9,513,000. 67.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Insider Buying and Selling In related news, SVP Deirdre O’brien sold 46,389 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Friday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $333.42, for a total value of $15,467,020.38. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 136,810 shares in the company, valued at $45,615,190.20. This trade represents a 25.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, SVP Jennifer Newstead sold 2,399 shares of Apple stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $332.01, for a total transaction of $796,491.99. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 39,593 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $13,145,271.93. The trade was a 5.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 279,383 shares of company stock worth $92,912,517. 0.06% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AAPL has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Barclays reissued an “underweight” rating and issued a $245.00 price target (down from $253.00) on shares of Apple in a report on Friday, July 31st. Rothschild & Co Redburn set a $400.00 price objective on shares of Apple and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, August 17th. Citic Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Apple from $300.00 to $349.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 6th. Citigroup reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Apple in a research report on Thursday, September 10th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reissued an “underperform” rating on shares of Apple in a report on Wednesday, September 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-five have assigned a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Apple has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $340.39. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Apple

Key Headlines Impacting Apple Here are the key news stories impacting Apple this week:

Positive Sentiment: JPMorgan raised its Apple price target from $340 to $360 and maintained an “Overweight” rating, citing improved iPhone 18 Pro demand. Bank of America reiterated its Buy rating and kept a $370 target, viewing potential Starlink competition as manageable. Apple Stock Climbs as JPMorgan Lifts Target, BofA Reiterates Buy Positive Sentiment: Apple reportedly reached a 22% share of the global smartphone market in the third quarter, supported by premium iPhone 18 Pro demand despite an overall industry shipment decline. Reports of strong orders for a new foldable iPhone also provided an additional growth narrative. Apple Stock Nears Record High as iPhone Market Share Hits 22% Positive Sentiment: Investors are anticipating Apple’s expanded smart-home strategy, including a rumored HomeView hub and updated Apple TV and HomePod mini. A successful launch could strengthen Apple’s ecosystem and open a new product category. Will the HomeView Be Apple’s First Smart Home Success? Neutral Sentiment: CEO succession is proceeding with John Ternus replacing Tim Cook, while Cook becomes executive chairman. Apple also met with Chinese officials, underscoring the importance of maintaining stable business and trade relations in its largest overseas market. Tim Cook Meets China’s Vice Premier Negative Sentiment: SpaceX’s planned Starlink mobile service could pressure wireless-carrier subsidies that support iPhone sales and eventually create a competing smartphone ecosystem. SpaceX’s Starlink Could Pose Risks to Apple Negative Sentiment: Reported supplier order reductions and rising memory costs are renewing concerns about iPhone 18 demand and margins. Google’s integration of wearable data with more than 160 lab tests also increases competition for Apple’s health-platform advantage. iPhone 18 Demand and Supplier Order Cuts Apple Price Performance Apple stock opened at $340.97 on Tuesday. Apple Inc. has a 52-week low of $243.42 and a 52-week high of $345.34. The company has a quick ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The firm’s fifty day moving average is $323.36 and its 200 day moving average is $303.99. The company has a market cap of $4.98 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.10, a PEG ratio of 2.68 and a beta of 1.07.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 30th. The iPhone maker reported $2.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.89 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $109.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $109.04 billion. Apple had a return on equity of 135.46% and a net margin of 27.62%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 16.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.57 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Apple Inc. will post 8.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Apple Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 13th. Investors of record on Monday, August 10th were issued a dividend of $0.27 per share. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 10th. Apple’s dividend payout ratio is presently 12.39%.

About Apple (Free Report)

Apple Inc is a technology company that designs, develops and markets consumer electronics, software and digital services. Its best-known products include the iPhone smartphone, Mac personal computers, iPad tablets, Apple Watch, AirPods and other accessories. The company also develops operating systems and software platforms, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and visionOS.

Apple’s services business includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+ and iCloud.

Further Reading Five stocks we like better than Apple Salesforce Just Got a Rare Double Upgrade—What Changed? OpenAI’s Revenue Scare Could Be a Big Opportunity for Investors China Still Dominates Rare Earths—These 3 U.S. Companies Could Benefit 3 REITs That May Win in a Higher Interest Rate Environment

Receive News & Ratings for Apple Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Apple and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

QRG Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report) by 10.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,659,362 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after buying an additional 252,894 shares during the period. Apple accounts for about 5.5% of QRG Capital Management Inc.’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding. QRG Capital Management Inc.’s holdings in Apple were worth $771,119,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Prospect Hill Management LLC acquired a new position in Apple during the 2nd quarter valued at about $146,370,000. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC bought a new stake in shares of Apple during the 2nd quarter worth about $168,646,000. Wealthfront Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Apple in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $482,388,000. Satovsky Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Apple in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $16,064,000. Finally, Saranac Partners Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Apple in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $9,513,000. 67.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Key Stories Impacting Apple Here are the key news stories impacting Apple this week:

Positive Sentiment: JPMorgan raised its Apple price target from $340 to $360 and maintained an “Overweight” rating, citing improved iPhone 18 Pro demand. Bank of America reiterated its Buy rating and kept a $370 target, viewing potential Starlink competition as manageable. Apple Stock Climbs as JPMorgan Lifts Target, BofA Reiterates Buy Positive Sentiment: Apple reportedly reached a 22% share of the global smartphone market in the third quarter, supported by premium iPhone 18 Pro demand despite an overall industry shipment decline. Reports of strong orders for a new foldable iPhone also provided an additional growth narrative. Apple Stock Nears Record High as iPhone Market Share Hits 22% Positive Sentiment: Investors are anticipating Apple’s expanded smart-home strategy, including a rumored HomeView hub and updated Apple TV and HomePod mini. A successful launch could strengthen Apple’s ecosystem and open a new product category. Will the HomeView Be Apple’s First Smart Home Success? Neutral Sentiment: CEO succession is proceeding with John Ternus replacing Tim Cook, while Cook becomes executive chairman. Apple also met with Chinese officials, underscoring the importance of maintaining stable business and trade relations in its largest overseas market. Tim Cook Meets China’s Vice Premier Negative Sentiment: SpaceX’s planned Starlink mobile service could pressure wireless-carrier subsidies that support iPhone sales and eventually create a competing smartphone ecosystem. SpaceX’s Starlink Could Pose Risks to Apple Negative Sentiment: Reported supplier order reductions and rising memory costs are renewing concerns about iPhone 18 demand and margins. Google’s integration of wearable data with more than 160 lab tests also increases competition for Apple’s health-platform advantage. iPhone 18 Demand and Supplier Order Cuts Analyst Ratings Changes AAPL has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley set a $355.00 price objective on shares of Apple and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 1st. Citigroup reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Apple in a report on Thursday, September 10th. Seaport Research Partners downgraded Apple from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating in a research report on Monday, August 17th. China Renaissance downgraded Apple from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and cut their target price for the stock from $329.00 to $280.00 in a research report on Tuesday, August 4th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an “overweight” rating and set a $350.00 price target (up from $310.00) on shares of Apple in a research note on Friday, July 31st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-five have issued a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $340.39. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on AAPL

Apple Stock Performance NASDAQ:AAPL opened at $340.97 on Tuesday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $323.36 and a 200-day moving average of $303.99. The firm has a market cap of $4.98 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.68 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Apple Inc. has a twelve month low of $243.42 and a twelve month high of $345.34.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 30th. The iPhone maker reported $2.02 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.89 by $0.13. Apple had a net margin of 27.62% and a return on equity of 135.46%. The business had revenue of $109.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $109.04 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.57 EPS. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 16.4% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Apple Inc. will post 8.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Apple Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 13th. Investors of record on Monday, August 10th were issued a dividend of $0.27 per share. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 10th. Apple’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 12.39%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Apple In other Apple news, CEO John Ternus sold 25,412 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $332.94, for a total value of $8,460,671.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 59,567 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $19,832,236.98. This represents a 29.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, SVP Jennifer Newstead sold 2,399 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $332.01, for a total value of $796,491.99. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 39,593 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $13,145,271.93. This trade represents a 5.71% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 279,383 shares of company stock valued at $92,912,517. 0.06% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About Apple (Free Report)

Apple Inc is a technology company that designs, develops and markets consumer electronics, software and digital services. Its best-known products include the iPhone smartphone, Mac personal computers, iPad tablets, Apple Watch, AirPods and other accessories. The company also develops operating systems and software platforms, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and visionOS.

Apple’s services business includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+ and iCloud.

Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Apple Salesforce Just Got a Rare Double Upgrade—What Changed? OpenAI’s Revenue Scare Could Be a Big Opportunity for Investors China Still Dominates Rare Earths—These 3 U.S. Companies Could Benefit 3 REITs That May Win in a Higher Interest Rate Environment Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AAPL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Apple Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Apple and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

Wall Street's consensus target sits below where Apple trades right now, yet nine straight quarters of earnings beats tell a completely different story. Something has to give, and the next catalyst may already be in motion.

Our 24/7 Wall St. price target for Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL | AAPL Price Prediction) is $391.86 over the next 12 months. That is 16.34% above the $336.83 reference price. The model rates the stock a buy with high confidence.

Metric
Value

Current Price
$336.83

Price Target from 24/7 Wall St.
$391.86

Upside/Downside
16.34%

Recommendation
BUY

Confidence Level
90%

Wall Street’s consensus target of $328.09 sits below the share price, even though Apple has beat EPS estimates for nine consecutive quarters.

Our model weights forward earnings more heavily than slower-moving analyst targets. If analysts raise numbers to match the iPhone 17 cycle, the Street could converge on our view.

iPhone 17 Demand Lifts Apple to Within 5% of Its High
Over the past week, Apple shares rose 1.78%. They gained 5.93% over the past month and 25.02% year to date. The stock trades about 5% below its 52-week high of $345.34.

Apple’s fiscal Q3 report recorded revenue of $109.42 billion, up 16.4%. EPS came in at $2.02, ahead of the $1.89 consensus. iPhone revenue grew to $54.25 billion from $44.58 billion.

Management expects September-quarter revenue growth of 9% to 11%, held back by supply limits. CEO Tim Cook said “the iPhone and the Mac are both doing remarkably better than we thought they would do.”

Why Bulls See $444 Within Reach
Upside targets land at $444.68, a 32.02% gain. Three things drive it:

Siri AI. Apple introduced new Siri at WWDC26 with paid iCloud Plus upgrades built around it.
User base. Apple counts more than 2.5 billion active devices.
Buybacks. Apple bought back $62.094 billion of stock over nine months.

Among analysts, 25 rate Apple a buy or strong buy.

Memory Costs Could Squeeze the Margin Story
Downside targets land at $333.54. Cook called memory pricing a “100-year flood”. One-time tariff refunds added about $0.11 to EPS.

Greater China revenue fell from $20.497 billion to $18.816 billion from the prior quarter. Without tariff refunds, gross margin still hit guidance midpoint. R&D spending rose to $11.73 billion, showing AI investment.

Apple Trades Above Its Mega-Cap Peers

Company
Trailing P/E
Latest Quarter Revenue Growth

Apple
44
16.4%

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)
29
17.75%

Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)
16
24.23%

Microsoft grows slightly faster at a lower multiple and spent $115.95 billion on capital projects in fiscal 2026. Apple’s leaner spending helps explain its premium.

Alphabet competes through Android with a low P/E flattered by $99 billion of unrealized gains. Free cash flow was -$5.855 billion last quarter, and Alphabet suspended buybacks. Apple’s premium showing cash returned to shareholders.

Supply and Margins Will Decide Apple’s Next Move
My 24/7 Wall St. price target is $391.86. The rating is buy with 90% confidence. The key factor is demand that keeps running ahead of supply.

Apple’s upside improves if iPhone and Mac supply catches up with orders. Memory costs drove gross margin below guidance would add downside weight. For now, Apple’s positive thesis outweighs the negative one. 

The 24/7 Wall St. price target model projects Apple could trade at these levels if current trends hold:

Year
Price Target from 24/7 Wall St.

2026
$343.01

2027
$395.40

2028
$434.24

2029
$474.34

2030
$517.73

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.