Apple's June quarter earnings came in slightly higher than expected this week, propelling shares higher by more than 6 percent back over the $100 threshold. Analysts were generally pleased by Apple's results — here's a roundup of their responses, as collected by AppleInsider.
As investors await this fall's anticipated "iPhone 7" launch, sales for the current-flagship iPhone 6s series are expected to continue to lag behind last year, with Wall Street estimates pegged at about 40 million units for the just-concluded June quarter.
A new patent decision accusing Apple of copying the design of a Chinese-made smartphone will not have a negative effect on Apple's revenue or margins in China, two major investment firms said on Friday.
The most likely main focus for this year's Worldwide Developers Conference will be major improvements to Siri, one analyst believes, led by expansion to the Mac and the introduction of new developer tools that will allow third-party apps to access the virtual assistant.
Since it launched just over a week ago, the iPhone SE has seen demand outstrip supply, indicating to one investment firm that the new budget-priced 4-inch handset could offer some upside to shareholders.
While larger iPhones have driven sales among switchers, a new 4-inch iPhone is likely to drive upgrades among existing Apple users, to the tune of up to 15 million units per year, one analyst believes.
Outlook from Apple's supply chain has prompted investment firm RBC Capital Markets to forecast that the anticipated new 4-inch iPhone will net 10 million additional handset sales this year.
Apple's refreshed 4-inch iPhone is predicted by one analyst to add 10 million units to Apple's total handset sales this year, resulting in an additional $5.5 billion for the company in fiscal 2016.
RBC Capital Markets on Thursday became the latest investment firm to cut its estimates for Apple, joining the chorus of concerns that Apple could post its first-ever year over year decline in iPhone sales.
Investment firm RBC Capital Markets slashed its price target for Apple stock to $140 this week, saying data from the company's extensive supply chain suggests iPhone sales could shrink in 2016.
Apple's newly launched high-end iPad Pro is expected to make a big splash for the company, with one analyst forecasting the 12.9-inch tablet to be a $2.4 billion revenue opportunity in its first three months alone.
The new official iPhone financing plan is seen by investment firm RBC Capital Markets as a benefit not only to Apple, but also to its customers, both of whom should gain leverage over wireless carriers.
Apple's Sept. 9 event, where it is expected to introduce a new iPhone and Apple TV, will likely be a catalyst for shares of the company, RBC Capital Markets told investors on Friday, while reiterating its $150 price target.
Amid continued losses for Apple stock, investment firm RBC Capital Markets has remained steadfast with its $150 price target, once again on Tuesday advising investors to buy in ahead of the anticipated "iPhone 6s" product launch.
Lofty expectations were beyond the reach of Apple last quarter, sending shares tumbling more than 7 percent. But a number of bullish analysts see the stock pullback as a buying opportunity for investors, who can get in at a cheaper price before the launch of new iPhones.
RBC Capital Markets has raised its Apple revenue forecasts for 2015 and 2016, arguing that iPhone demand could beat expectations for some time into the future, and that people are skewing towards buying more expensive, higher capacity iPhone models.
The iPhone continues to drive growth at Apple, once again propelling the company to a record quarter that has left analysts on Wall Street confident the company's stock will continue to go higher.
With some new Apple Watch orders scheduled to ship as late as July, Apple already has another smash-hit product in its lineup, RBC Capital Markets believes.
Gross margins for Apple's March quarter could surprise to the upside, according to investment firm RBC Capital Markets, which raised its price target on the iPhone maker to $142 on Tuesday.
Apple is set to announce an update to its capital return program in April, and investment firm RBC Capital Markets believes the company could return some $65 billion to investors annually, creating yet another reason to buy into the company's stock.
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Neil Hughes
Roger Fingas
