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Apple Stock: New CEO, Foldable iPhone-Time to Buy the Dip?
Trading around $330 a share, Apple (AAPL - Free Report) ) stock is the most-searched stock on Zacks.com and is roughly 4% below its 52-week and all-time high, offering investors a modest pullback rather than a deep discount.
That said, the launch of its first foldable iPhone adds excitement to the growth outlook, but an innovative product doesn’t automatically make the stock a bargain.
Furthermore, Apple is entering a new era under CEO John Ternus, who took the helm on September 1 as longtime leader Tim Cook stepped down after 15 years as CEO to become executive chairman.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Can the Foldable iPhone Spark an Upgrade Cycle?
Unveiled September 9, Apple’s iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, with preorders opening October 16 and availability beginning October 23.
The device combines a 5.4-inch outer display with a 7.6-inch folding inner screen, offering a larger canvas for entertainment and multitasking while remaining pocketable. It’s the thinnest iPhone ever when unfolded (5.2 mm) but also one of the heaviest due to its titanium frame.
Manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM - Free Report) ), Apple’s A20 Pro chip is the engine behind the iPhone Duo’s performance, making the foldable design possible, while keeping the dual screens responsive, powering Apple’s newest AI features, and driving the camera system.
The investment appeal is straightforward: a new premium category could encourage upgrades and lift average selling prices. However, the steep price creates a meaningful demand test, and higher selling prices won’t necessarily translate into stronger margins if manufacturing costs are elevated.
Still, Apple enters this launch cycle with solid operating momentum. Most recently, Apple’s fiscal third-quarter revenue increased 16% YoY to $109.4 billion, with iPhone, Mac, and Services each delivering double-digit growth. That provides a stronger foundation than a turnaround dependent entirely on the foldable iPhone’s success.
Apple’s AI Push: Google and OpenAI Are Key Partners
Apple’s AI strategy is also becoming more tangible. Siri AI began rolling out in English-language beta on September 14, adding conversational capabilities, awareness of onscreen content, and the ability to find information and perform tasks across messages, emails, and other apps.
A central partner is Alphabet’s (GOOGL - Free Report) ) Google, whose Gemini technology underpins the next generation of Apple Foundation Models through a multiyear collaboration. These models operate on Apple devices and its Private Cloud Compute infrastructure. Separately, Apple’s OpenAI partnership integrates ChatGPT into Siri and Writing Tools for answering questions and generating content.
The potential payoff extends beyond hardware upgrades. Apple plans to charge for expanded access to certain server-based AI features, creating a possible Services revenue opportunity. However, the initial rollout remains restricted, including unavailability in China and limitations across several platforms in the European Union. Keeping that in mind, monetization and adoption still need to prove themselves.
Apple’s Premium Valuation
At around $330, Apple stock trades at 38X fiscal 2026 consensus earnings estimates of $8.85 per share and 35X FY27 EPS estimates of $9.53.
That is a demanding valuation for roughly 8% projected earnings growth next year. Moreover, the FY27 EPS estimate is essentially unchanged over the past month, suggesting analysts have not yet meaningfully upgraded their expectations.
In other words, the pullback has lowered the entry price without creating an obvious valuation cushion.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Bottom Line
Apple stock currently lands a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). The foldable iPhone and AI rollout strengthen the long-term investment case, but the premium valuation argues against buying this modest dip aggressively. Stronger earnings revisions, convincing customer demand, or a more attractive entry price would make the opportunity more compelling.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Bigstock
Apple Stock: New CEO, Foldable iPhone-Time to Buy the Dip?
Trading around $330 a share, Apple (AAPL - Free Report) ) stock is the most-searched stock on Zacks.com and is roughly 4% below its 52-week and all-time high, offering investors a modest pullback rather than a deep discount.
That said, the launch of its first foldable iPhone adds excitement to the growth outlook, but an innovative product doesn’t automatically make the stock a bargain.
Furthermore, Apple is entering a new era under CEO John Ternus, who took the helm on September 1 as longtime leader Tim Cook stepped down after 15 years as CEO to become executive chairman.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Can the Foldable iPhone Spark an Upgrade Cycle?
Unveiled September 9, Apple’s iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, with preorders opening October 16 and availability beginning October 23.
The device combines a 5.4-inch outer display with a 7.6-inch folding inner screen, offering a larger canvas for entertainment and multitasking while remaining pocketable. It’s the thinnest iPhone ever when unfolded (5.2 mm) but also one of the heaviest due to its titanium frame.
Manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM - Free Report) ), Apple’s A20 Pro chip is the engine behind the iPhone Duo’s performance, making the foldable design possible, while keeping the dual screens responsive, powering Apple’s newest AI features, and driving the camera system.
The investment appeal is straightforward: a new premium category could encourage upgrades and lift average selling prices. However, the steep price creates a meaningful demand test, and higher selling prices won’t necessarily translate into stronger margins if manufacturing costs are elevated.
Still, Apple enters this launch cycle with solid operating momentum. Most recently, Apple’s fiscal third-quarter revenue increased 16% YoY to $109.4 billion, with iPhone, Mac, and Services each delivering double-digit growth. That provides a stronger foundation than a turnaround dependent entirely on the foldable iPhone’s success.
Apple’s AI Push: Google and OpenAI Are Key Partners
Apple’s AI strategy is also becoming more tangible. Siri AI began rolling out in English-language beta on September 14, adding conversational capabilities, awareness of onscreen content, and the ability to find information and perform tasks across messages, emails, and other apps.
A central partner is Alphabet’s (GOOGL - Free Report) ) Google, whose Gemini technology underpins the next generation of Apple Foundation Models through a multiyear collaboration. These models operate on Apple devices and its Private Cloud Compute infrastructure. Separately, Apple’s OpenAI partnership integrates ChatGPT into Siri and Writing Tools for answering questions and generating content.
The potential payoff extends beyond hardware upgrades. Apple plans to charge for expanded access to certain server-based AI features, creating a possible Services revenue opportunity. However, the initial rollout remains restricted, including unavailability in China and limitations across several platforms in the European Union. Keeping that in mind, monetization and adoption still need to prove themselves.
Apple’s Premium Valuation
At around $330, Apple stock trades at 38X fiscal 2026 consensus earnings estimates of $8.85 per share and 35X FY27 EPS estimates of $9.53.
That is a demanding valuation for roughly 8% projected earnings growth next year. Moreover, the FY27 EPS estimate is essentially unchanged over the past month, suggesting analysts have not yet meaningfully upgraded their expectations.
In other words, the pullback has lowered the entry price without creating an obvious valuation cushion.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Bottom Line
Apple stock currently lands a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). The foldable iPhone and AI rollout strengthen the long-term investment case, but the premium valuation argues against buying this modest dip aggressively. Stronger earnings revisions, convincing customer demand, or a more attractive entry price would make the opportunity more compelling.