Apple Inc. Weekly Update: iPhone 17 Leaks, Tim Cook's Donation, and Market Challenges

This past week has been quite eventful for Apple Inc. (AAPL). New information about the iPhone 17’s display upgrade surfaced, CEO Tim Cook made headlines with a significant donation to Donald Trump's inauguration, and there are new challenges from China regarding smartphone subsidies for local players. Additionally, the halt of sales for the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE models in the EU raised some concerns. Despite these issues, there was a positive development with a bullish forecast for Apple’s stock. Here’s a closer look at these developments.

iPhone 17 Display Upgrade

Recent leaks indicate that Apple plans to upgrade the display technology in the upcoming iPhone 17 series. According to a Chinese leaker on Weibo known as Digital Chat Station, supply chain sources suggest that the standard iPhone 17 will feature a higher refresh rate. While specifics were not disclosed, prior reports have hinted at the introduction of a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, which was previously limited to the Pro models.

Tim Cook’s $1 Million Donation

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, reportedly donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration committee. This puts him in line with other tech leaders such as Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman. Cook's contribution follows multiple interactions with Trump during his tenure, including a recent dinner at Mar-a-Lago. He considers participating in the inauguration to be a significant aspect of American tradition and aims to promote a sense of unity.

China’s Smartphone Subsidies

In related news, China has decided to extend consumption subsidies to encompass smartphones and other electronic devices. This move could provide companies like Huawei with a competitive advantage. The national trade-in program, which initially focused on home appliances and vehicles, is now expanding to include personal gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. This announcement was made during a briefing this past Friday.

Apple's Halt on EU Sales

Apple has decided to stop selling its iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE models in most European Union countries. This decision is a reaction to new regulations implemented by the EU that require USB-C ports for smartphones that support wired charging. Consequently, these affected iPhone models have been removed from online stores in several EU nations.

Bullish Prediction for Apple Stock

Despite the challenges, there’s some good news for investors. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives predicts a 26% upside for Apple stock, describing an exciting period of growth for Apple driven by the impending AI-powered iPhone upgrade cycle. Ives believes that sales for Apple’s iPhones are likely to see an increase due to advancements in AI, and he has raised the price target for Apple stock to $325.

As we continue to follow these developments, it’s clear that Apple remains a key player in the tech industry, navigating through challenges while also looking towards a promising future.

iPhone, Donation, Subsidies, Sales, Stock