Apple’s stock (AAPL) lagged behind the so-called Magnificent Seven in 2025, but analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush believes things are about to shift. In a recent memo, he raised his price target from $275 to $310, suggesting that Apple’s shares could potentially jump by 26% from Friday’s close.
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Ives expressed that they’ve perhaps underestimated this iPhone cycle. After a few years of disappointing growth, he anticipates that the launch of the iPhone 17 will catalyze a significant upgrade cycle among consumers—one that Apple hasn’t experienced in quite a while.
Strong Demand for iPhone 17 Fuels Optimism
Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 series will begin on September 12th, and early shipping estimates indicate a robust demand. The lineup, including the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, hit stores globally last Friday. Wedbush estimates that somewhere between 315 million and 1.5 billion users haven’t upgraded their phones in the last four years, setting up for what could be a supercycle.
As of Monday’s pre-market trading, Apple’s shares were at $240.68, reflecting a 0.7% increase. So far this year, the stock has only risen by 3%, which trails behind competitors like NVIDIA (NVDA) and Microsoft (MSFT). Still, analysts are optimistic that momentum will build more quickly once iPhone 17 sales pick up.
AI Introduces New Opportunities
Ives also sees AI as a key long-term driver for growth. He estimates that AI monetization could boost Apple’s value by $75 to $100 per share in the coming years. He argues that this potential adds to the appeal of Apple stock, even amidst its underwhelming performance in 2025.
Rumors are circulating that Apple is developing a foldable iPhone for 2026 and that it is collaborating with Alphabet to enhance AI capabilities on iOS. With these factors coming into play, Ives suggests that Apple’s recovery story extends beyond just the iPhone, pointing to a broader potential that’s being overlooked by Wall Street.
Should You Buy Apple Stock?
Referring to Tipranks, Apple stock currently holds a “medium buy” rating. Of 33 analysts monitored over the last three months, 17 recommend buying, while 14 suggest holding, and two advise selling. The average price target over the next 12 months sits at about $250.17, which aligns closely with its current trading level.
