Apple's 2026 AI Strategy Goals Set to Boost Stock by $100
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 12 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: seekingalpha
- AI Strategic Partnership: Analysts believe Google's Gemini will be the exclusive partner for Apple's AI strategy, paving the way for Apple's leadership in the consumer AI revolution following the DOJ win for Google, which is expected to enhance Apple's market position.
- Siri Upgrade Plans: Analysts highlight that developers and consumers are eagerly awaiting the revamped Siri release in March/April, with an AI-driven subscription service anticipated to further strengthen Apple's competitive edge in the smart assistant market.
- iPhone Sales Potential: Analysts expect Apple to exceed current market estimates for iPhone sales in 2026, particularly with strong performance in China providing growth momentum for both iPhone 17 and the upcoming iPhone 18, with an expected $100 increase in average selling prices for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models.
- Cook's Continued Leadership: Despite speculation about Tim Cook's departure, analysts assert he will remain CEO through at least the end of 2027, emphasizing the importance of this period for executing Apple's AI strategy while actively recruiting AI talent to enhance its capabilities.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for AAPL is 299.69 USD with a low forecast of 230.00 USD and a high forecast of 350.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
32 Analyst Rating
19 Buy
11 Hold
2 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 275.910
Low
230.00
Averages
299.69
High
350.00
Current: 275.910
Low
230.00
Averages
299.69
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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