Key Highlights
- Apple shares gained 1.73% following reports of at least five new iPhone models scheduled for launch through the first half of 2027
- The expanded portfolio may feature a standard iPhone 18 alongside a newly designed iPhone Air
- Production targets for the foldable iPhone have been increased from 7–8 million units to 10 million
- Reports indicate new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro versions are planned for 2027 release
- UBS analyst David Vogt continues to rate AAPL as Hold with a price objective of $296
Shares of Apple moved higher by 1.73% during Thursday’s session following a Nikkei Asia report revealing the tech giant’s plans to introduce no fewer than five new iPhone models spanning from late 2025 through early 2027.
The anticipated releases are expected to encompass a base-model iPhone 18 along with an iPhone Air iteration. This development follows closely on the heels of reports that confidential iPhone 18 Pro documentation surfaced on the dark web just days earlier.
These reports emerged approximately one week after the company implemented price increases across multiple product lines, attributing the adjustments to constraints in memory chip availability. Sources suggest Apple is now evaluating partnerships with Chinese chipmakers previously subject to restrictions as a potential solution to supply chain challenges.
The iPhone 17 series, which launched in September 2025, generated robust consumer interest. This enthusiasm contributed to Apple recording $111.2 billion in quarterly revenue for Q2 2026, which concluded on March 28 — representing approximately 17% growth compared to the same period in the prior year.
Enhanced Foldable Device Production
Apple is accelerating its foldable iPhone initiatives. The company has instructed component manufacturers to prepare inventory for approximately 10 million units this year, marking an increase from previous projections of 7 to 8 million. Launch timing remains set for September 2026.
Collectively, Apple aims to manufacture over 200 million smartphones throughout 2026, per the Nikkei analysis.
Beyond its smartphone portfolio, Bloomberg sources indicate Apple is developing an entry-tier MacBook Pro model along with refreshed iPad Pro offerings, with both products anticipated to debut in 2027.
Wall Street Perspective
UBS analyst David Vogt maintained his Hold rating on AAPL on July 1, establishing a 12-month price objective at $296. Research conducted by his firm across more than 7,500 smartphone consumers revealed divergent trends — iPhone purchase consideration in the United States climbed approximately 300 basis points year-over-year to roughly 20%, whereas Chinese market interest declined by 100 basis points to about 15%.
More substantial increases appeared in the UK market (rising 600 bps) and Germany (increasing 400 bps). Regarding software features, excitement surrounding Apple Intelligence capabilities has moderated, with upgrade intentions connected to these functionalities dropping 500 basis points to approximately 24%.
AAPL shares traded near $295.29 during Thursday’s premarket session, with RSI and MACD technical indicators suggesting the possibility of a near-term bullish trend shift.
Throughout Wall Street, AAPL maintains a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on analysis from 30 experts — comprising 18 Buy recommendations, 11 Hold ratings, and one Sell opinion. The consensus 12-month price objective stands at $324.40, suggesting approximately 10% appreciation potential from present trading levels.
