Apple (AAPL) News Today

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) shares edged higher today amid a mix of bullish signals around services and devices, offset by cautionary analyst views on the strength and sustainability of the current upgrade cycle.

• Positive Sentiment: Apple’s App Store revenue jumped 10% year-over-year to $8.7 billion in Q3, driven by non-gaming categories and growing demand for AI-powered apps, underlining the resilience of its services business. Apple App Store Revenue Jumps 10%, Analyst Sees AI, App Diversification Driving Long-Term Growth
• Positive Sentiment: OpenAI’s new Sora video-generation app surged to the top of Apple’s App Store charts, boosting App Store engagement and showcasing Apple’s appeal to next-gen AI developers and users. OpenAI’s New Sora Video App Shoots to #1 on Apple’s App Store
• Positive Sentiment: Morgan Stanley analysts raised their long-term target for Apple, projecting upside to near $300 per share if innovations like foldable iPhones and deeper AI integrations drive a fresh upgrade wave. How can Apple's stock reach $300? Wall Street is already dreaming about the iPhone 18.
• Positive Sentiment: Seaport Research Partners upgraded Apple to a “strong-buy,” highlighting the stock’s relative valuation appeal and robust free cash flow against a challenging interest-rate backdrop. Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Raised to Strong-Buy at Seaport Res Ptn
• Positive Sentiment: Early indicators show solid demand for the iPhone 17, buoyed by strategic price cuts on the base model, suggesting a healthier upgrade cycle than some feared. Time to Sell Apple Stock? Jefferies Analyst Issues Warning
• Neutral Sentiment: Apple removed ICE-tracking apps from its App Store after pressure from the Trump administration and Justice Department, a regulatory move with limited direct impact on core revenues. Apple removes ICE tracking apps after pressure by Trump administration
• Neutral Sentiment: Apple paused its planned Vision Pro headset overhaul to prioritize development of AI-powered smart glasses, underscoring a strategic shift but leaving near-term headset revenue uncertain. Apple sidelines lighter Vision Pro to prioritize smart glasses - The Verge
• Neutral Sentiment: Heightened investor searches for AAPL reflect strong market attention but do not by themselves indicate directional trading flows. Investors Heavily Search Apple Inc. (AAPL): Here is What You Need to Know
• Negative Sentiment: Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Apple to “underperform” with a $205 price target, warning that investors may be over-estimating upgrade rates and that early iPhone 17 momentum could fade. Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Downgraded to Underperform Rating by Jefferies Financial Group
• Negative Sentiment: Some analysts caution that Wall Street’s early enthusiasm for the iPhone 17 may set the stage for disappointment if upgrade volumes don’t exceed the exceptionally strong prior cycle. Apple in red after Jefferies downgrade iPhone maker due to over expectations

In summary, Apple’s stock strength today was supported by robust services growth, solid iPhone 17 demand and positive analyst interest in long-term innovations, even as nearer-term caution from Jefferies and regulatory headlines weighed on investor sentiment.