Apple 'Selling Its Soul To The Devil'? Analyst Says Partnering With Alphabet Limits AI Upside

Core Viewpoint - Apple stock is experiencing selling pressure despite maintaining various ratings from analysts, with concerns about future demand and cost inflation impacting investor sentiment [1][4][6]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Wedbush analyst Dan Ives maintains an Outperform rating with a price target of $350 [1] - Rosenblatt analyst Barton Crockett holds a Neutral rating, increasing the price target from $250 to $267 [1] - Goldman Sachs analyst Michael Ng maintains a Buy rating, raising the price target from $320 to $330 [1] - DA Davidson analyst Gil Luria keeps a Neutral rating with a price target of $270 [1] - JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee maintains an Overweight rating, increasing the price target from $315 to $325 [1] - Needham analyst Laura Martin maintains a Hold rating with no price target [2] iPhone Sales and Demand Insights - A strong quarter for iPhone sales keeps Apple on the Wedbush Best Ideas List, with expectations for AI integration in the future [3] - Rosenblatt expresses skepticism about the sustainability of iPhone demand, suggesting it may normalize after a strong cycle [4] - Supply constraints are highlighted as a potential limiting factor for future sales growth [5] - Goldman Sachs notes that cost inflation concerns may overshadow strong quarterly performance [6] Future Product Launches and Operating Expenses - Goldman Sachs predicts potential delays in the launch of the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 due to supply constraints [6] - Analysts expect an increase in operating expenses for the second quarter, marking a significant change for Apple [7] Apple Intelligence and Consumer Behavior - DA Davidson highlights the significance of Apple Intelligence in driving consumer purchase activity [8] - JPMorgan notes a favorable shift in consumer preference towards higher-end iPhones, which may support revenue growth [9] Concerns Over AI Partnerships - Needham raises concerns about Apple's partnership with Google for AI development, suggesting it may compromise Apple's competitive position [11]