Apple, one of the leading tech giants, has experienced a modest dip in its stock value, falling by approximately 5-6% year-to-date. While this might seem concerning, analysts view this as a lucrative buying opportunity ahead of Apple’s January 29 earnings report. Here’s everything you need to know about Apple’s expected performance and innovations.
Stronger iPhone Revenue Anticipated
Goldman Sachs predicts Apple will witness a 13% increase in iPhone revenue during the first quarter of fiscal 2026. This growth is fueled by an estimated 5% increase in unit shipments, including a staggering 26% rise in demand from China. Evercore ISI is even more optimistic, forecasting a 17% revenue hike driven by robust sales of higher-end iPhone models that dominated the holiday season.
The much-anticipated iPhone Fold is also expected to contribute significantly to Apple’s revenue. Estimated to ship 4.5 million units by fall 2026 and scale up to 25.4 million units in fiscal 2027, this innovation could further bolster revenue growth. If you’re keen to own Apple’s latest innovations, check out the latest iPhone models here.
Services Growth Remains Vital
Apple’s services sector continues to grow steadily, with projected revenue rising by 14%. Although App Store spending has slowed to a 7% growth rate, other services, such as iCloud+, AppleCare+, and increasing traffic acquisition costs, are picking up the slack. Additionally, new App Store ad formats introduced in fiscal 2026 are expected to drive further growth.
Goldman Sachs highlights Apple’s strategic partnership with Google Gemini as a key enabler for expanding AI-enabled tools, helping to solidify Apple’s ecosystem. With continued investments in software upgrades, including iOS advancements and Siri 2.0, innovation remains at the heart of Apple’s strategy.
Stock Market Projections
Several Wall Street firms remain bullish on Apple stock despite its year-to-date dip. Citi analysts forecast an earnings beat with 82 million iPhone units sold in the December quarter, exceeding market expectations. Similarly, Evercore ISI maintains its $330 price target and ranks Apple as a top pick for 2026, underpinning its confidence in the brand’s sustained growth.
Why Now is the Time to Watch Apple
With its comprehensive approach to innovation, from hardware advancements like the iPhone Fold to the rapid expansion of service offerings, Apple continues to solidify its market dominance. As the stock market anticipates Apple’s upcoming earnings report, now may be the perfect time to explore investment opportunities or simply follow the company’s growth journey through its cutting-edge products and services.
