Apple Stock: Analysts Target $350 on AI and China Strength

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After a recent rally to record highs, Apple's shares are experiencing a period of consolidation. However, market experts suggest this may be a pause before a significant upward move. Driven by an anticipated "AI revolution" slated for 2026 and unexpectedly robust sales performance in China, Wall Street is substantially raising its expectations for the tech giant.

In a strategic move to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities, Apple is restructuring its executive leadership. The company's former AI chief, John Giannandrea, is departing. His role will be assumed by Amar Subramanya, a researcher previously with Microsoft. This personnel change is viewed as a strategic effort to inject external expertise and aggressively close the perceived gap in generative AI.

Surprising Momentum in a Key Market

Beyond future potential, Apple's core business is providing solid fundamental support. Contrary to widespread concerns, sales of the iPhone 17 are showing strong performance, particularly within the critical Chinese market.

Market research firm IDC has dramatically revised its growth forecast for Apple in China for the fourth quarter. The projection has been increased to 17 percent, a significant jump from a prior estimate of 9 percent. Despite intense competition from local manufacturers, Apple appears to be successfully reclaiming market share. These strong operational results are seen as establishing a crucial foundation for the stock's valuation, independent of more speculative AI developments.

The $350 Bet on Artificial Intelligence

The core of the current bullish sentiment stems from Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. Ives has raised his price target for Apple from $320 to $350 per share. This new target implies an upside potential of approximately 26 percent from recent U.S. trading levels. His central thesis posits that 2026 will be a transformative year for the company.

Wedbush anticipates that Apple's AI strategy, deeply integrated into an ecosystem of over 2.4 billion active devices, will finally begin to generate significant revenue. Market observers specifically expect Apple to formalize a partnership with Google concerning the Gemini AI model in early 2026. These new revenue streams could potentially add between $75 and $100 to the company's value per share in the coming years.

Key Data Points:

• Revised Price Target: Wedbush Securities sets a new goal of $350.
• China Sales Forecast: Growth outlook upgraded to 17 percent.
• Executive Change: Microsoft researcher takes over AI division.
• Potential Catalyst: Anticipated Google partnership in early 2026.

Currently trading around €238.40, Apple's stock is consolidating slightly below its 52-week high of €246.20 marked on December 2. For investors, the focus is shifting to the coming year. While short-term attention may be on the management reshuffle, the medium-term narrative is dominated by the prospect of an "AI super-cycle." The critical question will be whether the anticipated collaboration with Google materializes as forecasted in early 2026.