Wedbush analysts, led by Dan Ives, describe Apple’s recent share-price drop as “unwarranted.” They contend that investor fears about possible delays in the company’s AI rollout — particularly for the long-promised and oft-delayed LLM Siri — are overblown.
In a Tuesday research note, Ives told clients that the stock’s recent weakness stems from concerns that highly anticipated AI capabilities tied to Siri could face postponements. This comes after what he termed a year-long “soap opera” surrounding perceptions of Apple’s missing and/or unclear AI strategy.
Sam Boughedda for Investing.com:
Wedbush believes the focus should be on Apple “getting its AI strategy right,” adding that advanced features targeted for this summer “still appear on target.”
Ives stressed that the current situation is “way different” from last year’s missteps, citing Apple’s Google Gemini partnership, new external AI leadership and a recognition inside the company that its revamped Siri architecture is one of the most consequential technology rollouts in its history.
“The time is now for Apple to accelerate its AI efforts,” Wedbush wrote.
Wedbush estimates AI monetisation could add $75 to $100 per share over the coming years.
Ives also said developers and consumers are “waiting patiently” for the enhanced Siri release targeted for spring, calling it “Apple’s answer to ChatGPT and Perplexity.” He added that an AI-driven subscription service is expected by the autumn.
MacDailyNews Take: Ives reiterated his “Outperform” (Buy) rating and $350 twelve-month price target on Apple.
Apple stock (AAPL) is worth the same today as it was on Christmas Day 2024. It's a leadership issue, or rather, a lack thereof."#DeerInTheHeadlights #TimCook pic.twitter.com/d4mHJJgYFk
— MacDailyNews (@MacDailyNews) February 17, 2026
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It’s not a lack of leadership. It’s a lack of vision. If all the people who report to Tim had a real vision of where Apple should go and what Apple should do, then Apple would be moving forward like it did 20 years ago.
While Steve Jobs was never, ever a great inventor, he had great vision. When presented with things, both hardware and software, he could see what will be the future better than almost anyone in the past century. Yes, there were missteps such as the hockey puck mouse, but his track record was almost unequaled.
Sculley during his leadership was much like Tim is today — great at running the company but with seriously flawed or lacking vision. Hopefully this current lack of vision will not lead Apple into another period of Dark Days!
What Apple really needs is a person (or set of persons) who have even a modicum of Steve’s vision ability.
If Cook can keep Wall Steet-ing AAPL (monetizing, w/o invention) for just a little while longer and one, with knowledge/vision to lead in the next stretch–which may be A LOT shorter b/c of AI’s brisk pace–AAPL may remain strong?
While the Cook era may be a little less exciting in terms of the boom/bust cycle of innovation, the steady hand of continuous improvement and vertical integration propels boring sales numbers but it’s the stuff that Wall Street looks at and gets excited about.
Aside from the rumored new MacBook and foldable iPhone, Apple doesn’t have any new approach to computing that revolutionizes how we use these devices. The Vision Pro is a niche product but even one at half price is still a luxury item.
Whatever it is, it needs to be something that we never knew we needed but now can’t live without or at least want the smug satisfaction of admiring onlookers.
12/2/25 286!
Stocks don’t go up or down in a straight, linear line!
And no , no company has total control on their stock price… Market forces also matter.
So lets stop Bashing TIm!
…. and Yes he fucked up on AI and Woke Sanctimony… But its not by any means too late to correct the Former!
Let’s get to the point, this is what is needed ASAP for Apple:
• Replace Tim Cook ASAP, as his vision, timeline and management is getting worse, and the stock price reflects that. Underperforming.
• Stop with all the colors, as “new” updates. Where’s the substance?
• Fill the mini/se size iPhone, for customers who don’t want bricks in their pockets.
• Update MacPro with new chipsets, higher ram options. Why is this so difficult?
• PLEASE fix ALL Apple software. Almost every single Apple App actually gets worse with each update. Same with the OS. Mac users don’t care about the wow, we care about the how.
Safari – worse • iTunes/Apple Music – worse • Photos – worse • Contacts – worse • and so on..
You have more money than any other company, hire some competent coders to IMPROVE your software.. not make it worse.. it’s embarrassing that Firefox functions better than Safari on a mac. Embarrassing!!!!
• Announce – release – show financials for new products in ONE financial quarter… this way, the free publicity transcends to sales, and the product impact is better
• Handle inventory better. No more “out of stock” between October and- December 31.
• Stop with the produced keynotes, with zero energy or excitement. We get it. Nice glass. New colors. Recycle. Yay… go back to substance, and LIVE on stage. Tim can’t do that, so step aside, and get someone who can.
It is SO sad to watch the best company in the world, struggle all over the place. Struggle is a good word for Apple – from products, innovation, strategy, execution, and valuation on the stock. ALL clear signs that Tim Cook needs to go! Like ASAP.