As of December 19, 2025, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) faces a dual pressure: anticipation of its AI growth in 2026 and heightened legal scrutiny over its App Store operations. Currently, the stock stands at approximately $272, marking a 9% year-to-date increase, yet it sits 5.7% below its December high. A bullish note from Morgan Stanley raised Apple’s price target to $315, framing it as a potential “leading distributor” of AI post-Siri upgrade. Conversely, legal challenges about App Store pricing persist, with a U.S. appeals court considering a class action alleging monopolization. Additionally, Apple is adapting to regulatory demands in Japan by allowing alternative app stores. Supply chain diversification efforts in India also continue, aiming to reduce dependence on China. Analysts show a cautious optimism with a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating, and the next critical checkpoint will be Apple’s earnings report on January 29, 2026, which could clarify future growth dynamics.
Source link
Share
Read more