Apple stock poised for gains ahead of earnings as iPhone sales surge, analysts predict

Apple stock poised for gains ahead of earnings as iPhone sales surge, analysts predict

Analysts are bullish on Apple stock heading into its upcoming earnings report, citing strong iPhone demand. iPhones “flew off the shelves” in recent months, driven by robust sales figures that exceeded expectations. This performance is expected to translate into positive upside for the stock, with Wall Street anticipating solid results that could push shares higher.

Nate Wolf for Barron’s:

Evercore ISI added Apple to its Tactical Outperform list on Tuesday, arguing that robust iPhone demand positions the company for a strong earnings print. The firm reiterated an Outperform rating and a $330 price target on Apple stock, which remain its top pick for 2026.

Evercore expects iPhone revenue to climb 17% from the same period last year, well above the consensus call for 11% growth. Sales skewed toward higher-end models over the holiday quarter, the firm noted, which should mean higher-than-expected average sales prices.

Analysts at Citi agree that a surge in demand for iPhone 17 models carried through the end of the year. The firm expects an earnings beat for the December quarter, driven by the sale of 82 million iPhone units—ahead of consensus.


MacDailyNews Note: The analyst firm kept its Buy rating on Apple stock intact while lowering the price target to $315 from $330, citing concerns that escalating memory prices could pressure margins.

As usual, we’ll bring you Apple’s results as soon as they are released, right around 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 29, 2026 and then follow with live notes from Apple’s conference call at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET.



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[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]

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