To The Moon

After spending the day at intraday highs, $Apple(AAPL)$ set an all-time closing high of $262.24 on Mon, 20 Oct 2025. (see below) As of 20 Oct 2025 end of day This followed reports of increased iPhone 17 sales and an analyst upgrade. According to researcher Counterpoint: AAPL's latest iPhone model 17, has outsold its predecessor (iPhone 16) in the key markets of the US and China. In the first 10 days of sales of iPhone 17 in the 2 nations (combined for September 2025), has topped those of the iPhone 16 by +14%. New Price Target (PT) Loop Capital raised its price target to a Street high of $315 per share. Based off Monday’s closing high of $262.24, this represents an upside of +20.12%. Wow ! The last time AAPL closed at then all-time closing high (ATH) of $260.10, was backed in 26 Dec 2024. Buy The Rumours ? What has been happening is analysts have been revising up their iPhone revenue expectations for the fiscal year ended in late September, that included a half month of the latest iPhone sales. It is now expected that iPhone revenue: (see below) Will rise +4.5% in FY 2025 to $210 billion. For FY 2026, growth is now pegged at 5.5%. Looking back, sales in FY 2024 were basically flat after declining more than -2% in FY 2023. AAPL’s hold on the global smartphone market has grown over the years. Although its latest growth expectations pale in comparison to early 2010s, nevertheless it still represents the strongest growth since the Covid pandemic. Hard Truth While rejoicing and celebrating AAPL’s new highs, investors need to be acutely aware that AAPL is still rather dependent on hardware sales. In its most recently reported quarter, it garnered nearly $67 billion from its devices and computers. Although services revenue is growing faster, it still only comprised $27 billion in the frame. As the iPhone is a major component of AAPL's hardware take, the encouraging early sales figures are indeed a positive development for the company. Potential Headwinds. Other possible headwinds that could halt AAPL’s stock price from climbing higher includes: (1) Product launches and innovation AAPL’s annual product launch cycle, including new iPhone models and updated hardware, remains central to AAPL’s performance. Successful rollouts may lift investor sentiment, but delays to features such as the AI-powered Siri upgrade or lower-than-expected demand could weigh on the AAPL stock price. (2) Supply chain and trade exposure Ongoing efforts to diversify production through investment in India and US, alongside its substantial Chinese base, aim to reduce risk from (1) tariffs and (2) geopolitical tensions. Yet higher costs, supply chain bottlenecks, or slower scaling in new hubs may limit margins and affect Apple stock predictions. (3) Apple Intelligence Strategy Apple has faced criticism for lagging behind rivals like OpenAI and $Alphabet(GOOG)$ in the generative artificial intelligence space. Progress on its Apple Intelligence platform, although still at an early stage of integration across devices, could strengthen its market position. Conversely, further setbacks could reduce growth expectations and influence third-party AAPL stock forecasts. Summary. Barring any unforeseen circumstances and based on current momentum, AAPL should continue to hover around the range of $262.24, rising and pulling back in tandem with market sentiments. If this holds true, then there will be 3 dates that investors should pay attention to: Fri, 24 Oct 2025 - when the one-off Consumer Price Index (CPI) report will be released. Mon, 27 Oct 2025 - when the one-off Producer Price Index (PPI) report will be released. Fri, 31 Oct 2025 - day after AAPL reported its September 2025 quarter earnings. Time and time, it has been proven that on the run up to inflation reports (CPI, PPI or PCE) released, market (hence AAPL) tend to be jittery / sensitive. Bet on Wall Street's 3 favourite Stocks ? Tue, 21 October. Idea post. ORCL Drag Down US Market on Mon, 20 Oct ? Mon, 20 October. Idea post. RGTI & QBTS - Quantum Rising Stars. Buy ? Fri, 17 October. Idea post. Do you think demand for AAPL iPhone 17 in China is sustainable ? Do you think, AAPL will hit the $300 range by end of 2025 ’? If you find this post interesting, give it wings! ️ Repost and share the insights ? Do consider “Follow me” and get firsthand read of my daily new post. Thank you. @Daily_Discussion @TigerPM @TigerStars @Tiger_SG @TigerEvents