Apple-Heavy ETFs in Focus as iPhone Sales Power Holiday Quarter

Core Insights - Apple shares experienced an 11% increase in 2025 but faced a 9.3% decline at the start of 2026, followed by a recovery of 4.7% since January 20, including a 1.12% gain on January 27 [1] - Apple is expected to report its best iPhone sales growth in four years, driven by strong demand for the high-end Pro models and increasing expectations for AI features utilizing Google's technology [1][2] iPhone Sales Performance - iPhone 17 sales surged in Q4 2025, with sales in Greater China rising approximately 15% [4] - Apple captured a 20% share of the global smartphone market in 2025, up from 18% in 2024 [4] - Analysts project a 13.8% increase in iPhone sales for the October–December fiscal first quarter, marking the fastest growth in over four years [5] Stock Outlook - Apple has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 2.02, indicating a generally positive outlook, with 21 Strong Buy and 3 Buy recommendations [6][7] - The average price target for Apple is $289.21, suggesting an 11.98% potential increase from the current stock price of $258.27 [8] AI Strategy - Apple's integration of Google's Gemini for Siri and other AI tools signifies a major shift in its AI strategy, allowing the company to utilize its extensive device base without incurring high costs [2] - The partnership with Google is expected to enhance the iPhone's status as the preferred device for accessing next-generation AI tools [3] ETFs Exposure - Several ETFs have significant exposure to Apple, including Global X PureCap MSCI Information Technology ETF (18.52%), iShares Global Tech ETF (14.96%), and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (14.89%) [9][11]