Ives: iPhone Air could be the star of the show

Apple iPhone Demand & Upgrade Cycle - Wedbush anticipates strong demand for iPhone 17 Pro models, indicating a positive outlook for Apple [1] - The firm raises Apple's price target to $310 per share, surpassing the street consensus of approximately $247 [1][2][3] - A significant upgrade cycle is expected, with an estimated 315 million users who have not upgraded their iPhones in four years [3] - The "iPhone Air" model is anticipated to be a key driver of demand, accounting for approximately 3 out of every 10 purchases in stores [5] - Potential unit sales could reach 240 million to 250 million units, exceeding the street's estimate of 230 million units, potentially pushing Apple's market cap to $4 trillion [6] Impact of H1B Visa Policy on Tech Sector - New H1B visa policies are expected to increase labor costs for tech companies, potentially leading them to prioritize hiring US workers [8][9] - The tech sector faces an "arms race" for talent, particularly in AI, requiring companies to invest significantly in skilled employees [9] Electric Vehicle (EV) Sector & Chinese Market - Berkshire Hathaway's reduced stake in BYD is putting pressure on the Chinese EV sector, signaling caution to investors [11][13][15] - Despite increasing competition, the EV sector is expected to remain strong, with a projected 20%-30% conversion rate in China over the next few years [12] - Tesla and BYD are identified as key players in the EV market [12]