Analysts at Wedbush have identified the upcoming holiday season as a pivotal period for Apple, anticipating that the launch of the iPhone 16 will initiate what they term an “AI-driven growth era” for the tech giant. This forecast comes as part of the broader narrative that positions Apple for significant expansion over the next 18 months, primarily fueled by strong sales of its upcoming iPhone model.
According to a report from MacDailyNews, the analysts noted that the forthcoming release of Apple's software version 18.2 is expected to introduce a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features, including integration with ChatGPT. This development is seen as a critical enhancement that will bolster Apple's overall offering and appeal to consumers, leveraging its vast ecosystem.
Apple currently boasts an installed base exceeding 2 billion iOS devices, combined with a robust services segment valued at approximately $2 trillion. The synergy created by these elements, coupled with an expanding AI ecosystem, is expected to position Apple effectively for future growth. Wedbush forecasts that Apple could sell over 240 million iPhones in fiscal 2025. This expected sales trajectory is described as “setting the stage for a supercycle” where AI capabilities will significantly impact consumer and business engagement with the brand.
Despite ongoing market challenges, Wedbush has issued an “Outperform” (Buy) rating for Apple stock, alongside a price target of $300. This bullish outlook reflects confidence in Apple’s capacity to navigate the evolving technological landscape and emerge as a leader in AI-driven solutions for its users.
Apple’s strategic utilisation of AI technologies appears to represent a significant trend within the wider business environment, where companies increasingly adopt automation and advanced tech to enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences. The implications of these developments are expected to reverberate across various industries, influencing business practices and consumer behaviour alike.
Source: Noah Wire Services