Apple (AAPL) Stock: Wedbush Raises Price Target on AI Strategy Shift and Strong iPhone Sales

Wedbush just hiked its price target on Apple—betting big that the tech giant's pivot into artificial intelligence, paired with surprisingly resilient iPhone demand, will juice the stock.

The AI Gambit

Forget incremental updates. Apple's strategic shift is a full-court press into on-device AI, weaving machine learning into its hardware ecosystem. It's a move that could redefine user experience—and lock customers deeper into the walled garden.

iPhone's Staying Power

Defying the upgrade cycle gloom, iPhone sales are holding strong. That hardware foundation is critical—it's the installed base that will monetize all those fancy new AI features. No phones, no ecosystem. It's that simple.

Wall Street's Vote of Confidence

The raised target from Wedbush signals more than optimism; it's a belief that Apple can successfully pivot its narrative from a hardware company to an AI-integrated life platform. Other analysts will be watching closely, their spreadsheets ready to copy the upgrade. After all, in finance, conviction is often just the courage to follow the leader.

So, while the tech world buzzes about silicon brains, the real story is in the numbers. Apple's playing the long game, betting that its blend of hardware loyalty and software smarts will keep the cash flowing—and the shareholders happy.

TLDR

• Wedbush raised Apple’s price target to $350 from $320, maintaining an Outperform rating on expectations that 2026 will mark Apple’s entry into the AI Revolution.
• iPhone 17 sales are trending well heading into year-end, including strong performance in China, exceeding Street growth expectations for the December quarter.
• Apple is expected to announce a partnership with Google Gemini in early 2026, which Wedbush views as a game changer for both companies.
• AI researcher Amar Subramanya will replace John Giannandrea as senior vice president for Machine Learning and AI Strategy, bringing experience from Microsoft and 16 years at Google.
• Wedbush estimates AI monetization could add $75 to $100 per share to Apple’s valuation over the coming years, with no AI premium currently priced into the stock.

Wedbush Securities lifted its price target on Apple stock to $350 from $320 while keeping an Outperform rating. The firm believes 2026 will finally be the year Apple enters the AI Revolution in a meaningful way.

Analyst Dan Ives and his team see multiple catalysts driving the higher valuation. iPhone 17 sales are performing better than expected heading into the end of 2025.

Apple Inc., AAPL

China represents a particularly bright spot in the sales picture. The December quarter is shaping up to deliver growth that beats Wall Street expectations. Holiday season demand appears healthy across Apple’s product lines.

The price target increase reflects Wedbush’s view that Apple is starting to outline a real AI strategy. New leadership appointments signal the company is getting serious about catching up in this space.

Google Partnership Could Change Everything

The biggest development on the horizon is an expected partnership announcement with Google Gemini in early 2026. Wedbush calls this a potential game changer for both tech giants.

Apple’s installed base includes 2.4 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones worldwide. Ives describes the current AI strategy as the “elephant in the room” given this massive user base. The time has come for Apple to accelerate its AI efforts.

The monetization opportunity from AI features could add $75 to $100 per share to Apple’s valuation in the coming years. That’s pure upside that isn’t baked into the current stock price, according to Wedbush.

Leadership Changes Signal New Direction

Apple recently announced that John Giannandrea will step down as senior vice president for Machine Learning and AI Strategy. He’ll transition to an advisor role before retiring in spring 2026.

Amar Subramanya will take over the position. He’s joining Apple from Microsoft but spent 16 years at Google before that. At Google, he climbed from staff research scientist to vice president of engineering.

Subramanya helped develop the Gemini AI assistant during his time at Google. Wedbush views him as the right hire at the right time for Apple’s AI push.

The firm believes outside hires are necessary to bring new culture and DNA to Apple’s AI efforts. The clock is ticking on getting the strategy right heading into 2026.

Tim Cook is expected to remain as CEO through at least the end of 2027. That timeline WOULD let him guide Apple through this critical AI technology transition in Cupertino.

Apple plans to launch an AI-powered version of Siri by mid-2026. The company needs to show it can compete with rivals who have moved faster on AI features.

Wedbush sees no “AI premium” currently factored into Apple’s stock price. This makes it a compelling large-cap tech name to own heading into year-end and 2026.

The firm expects more outside hires from Cook and his team. These moves aim to get Apple on the right track with AI strategy and execution.

Apple remains on the IVES AI 30 winner list. The stock is trading at $278.78 with a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.38. The 52-week high stands at $288.62.