Apple CEO Warns of Rising Tensions Over Taiwan
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 24 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: Benzinga
- Executive Warnings: Apple CEO Tim Cook attended a classified CIA briefing in 2023 where he learned that China could move on Taiwan as early as 2027, a revelation that left him feeling uneasy, stating he now 'sleeps with one eye open.'
- Chip Supply Risks: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) fabricates approximately 90% of the world's advanced semiconductors, and losing this supply could result in a $2.5 trillion hit to U.S. GDP, with global costs potentially exceeding $10 trillion, underscoring Taiwan's critical role in the global economy.
- Manufacturing Challenges: Despite the Biden administration's $52 billion investment in domestic chip manufacturing, the U.S. still produces only 10% of the world's chips, failing to reduce reliance on Taiwan, which highlights vulnerabilities in the U.S. semiconductor sector.
- Market Predictions: A prediction market on Polymarket shows a 10% chance of China invading Taiwan by the end of 2026, while a separate contract for military conflict sits at 14%, indicating heightened market sensitivity to geopolitical tensions, particularly ahead of NVIDIA's earnings report.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 255.630
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 255.630
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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