Apple Shares Could Target $330 as Analysts Revise Forecasts

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Market sentiment toward Apple Inc. is strengthening, with prominent analysts issuing significantly higher price targets. The focus is now on a potential climb toward $330 per share, even as the company navigates a new inquiry from U.S. lawmakers.

The investment firm CLSA provided a substantial boost to Apple's outlook on Friday, lifting its price target to $330 from $265. The firm maintained its "Outperform" rating on the stock. Based on Friday's closing price of $278.78, this new target implies an upside of approximately 18 percent.

CLSA's revised assessment is founded on several key developments:
* Stronger-than-anticipated iPhone sales: The performance of the iPhone 17 series, particularly within the critical Chinese market, has exceeded expectations.
* Accelerating AI strategy: Significant artificial intelligence features are slated for release with the iOS 26.4 update in spring 2026.
* Increased earnings projections: CLSA has raised its profit estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 by between 3% and 5%.

This move follows a similarly bullish call earlier in the week from Loop Capital, which increased its target to $325, reflecting a growing consensus of optimism on Wall Street.

Congressional Scrutiny Over App Store Content

In a separate development, Apple faces a deadline from the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee. Lawmakers have requested detailed information by December 12 regarding the "ICEBlock" app, which was previously available on the App Store. The application allowed users to track and report the locations of immigration enforcement officers.

The committee has expressed concerns over potential security risks to federal personnel. Although Apple has already removed the app, the company must now outline to Congress the specific steps it will take to prevent similar tools from appearing on its platform in the future. CEO Tim Cook has until the middle of this week to respond.

Management Transition Proceeds as Scheduled

Behind the scenes, Apple continues to execute a planned leadership transition. Jennifer Newstead is confirmed to become the company's new General Counsel in March 2026, succeeding Kate Adams, who is scheduled to retire at the end of that year.

A shift has also occurred within the artificial intelligence division. John Giannandrea stepped down from his day-to-day operational role in early December. He will remain with Apple in an advisory capacity until spring 2026. His responsibilities have been assumed by Amar Subramanya, who now reports directly to Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi.

The combination of robust iPhone sales and upward revisions from analysts is currently providing support for the share price. The market impact of the ongoing political debate concerning app security and content moderation will become clearer in the coming days.