Melius sees Apple stock rising on new AI-driven Visual Intelligence features By Investing.com

On Tuesday, Melius maintained a strong position on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:) stock, reiterating a Buy rating and a $265.00 price target. The firm’s positive outlook is largely due to the anticipated features in the upcoming iOS 18, which is expected to be released later this year.

These features include advanced Visual Intelligence software, which allows users to interact with their environment through the camera, identifying objects and places, and even scheduling events based on signage recognition.

The new iOS is also set to enhance user experience with upgrades to the Photos app. One notable addition is the Memories feature, which enables the creation of movies from photos and videos by simply describing the desired moment. Another innovation is the Clean Up tool, designed to remove unwanted elements from photos without affecting the main subject.

These improvements to Apple’s software are seen as potential drivers of increased revenue, particularly within the company’s Services segment. The analyst points out the potential for revenue-sharing opportunities and a heightened demand for both on-device and cloud storage solutions. The integration of these features is expected to contribute to Apple’s profitability without the need to increase iPhone prices.

Additionally, Melius foresees a strategic partnership between Apple and Baidu (NASDAQ:) for the integration of similar AI features in China by 2025. This collaboration would likely enhance Apple’s presence in the Chinese market by leveraging Baidu’s AI capabilities.

The endorsement of Apple’s stock comes amid a broader discussion on the tech giant’s ability to innovate and generate additional revenue streams from its existing product lines.

With the introduction of new software capabilities, Apple continues to find ways to enrich user experience and expand its services revenue, which remains a significant component of the company’s financial success.

In other recent news, Apple Inc. has been making significant strides with its product releases, despite facing various challenges. The tech giant unveiled its iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, equipped with the new A18 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence for enhanced personalization and privacy.

The company also introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, offering health-focused capabilities like sleep apnea notifications and water depth sensing. Analyst firm Needham maintained a Buy rating and a $260.00 price target on Apple, showing confidence in the company’s overall market strategy and product portfolio, despite the perceived shortcomings of the latest iPhone model.

However, Apple has faced setbacks including a European Union order to repay 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland, which is part of the EU’s broader effort to clamp down on favorable tax deals between member states and multinational companies. This ruling marks the end of Apple’s challenge to a 2016 European Union order.

Furthermore, the launch of Huawei’s new tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, overshadowed Apple’s recent product releases, impacting the company’s standing in the competitive smartphone market.

Despite these challenges, CFRA reiterated its Buy rating for Apple, following the tech giant’s product launch event that included new iPhone models, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

The firm’s stance on Apple stock remains positive, with the belief that despite the lackluster response to the iPhone 16’s new features, other product updates will contribute to the company’s growth. These are some of the recent developments that investors should be aware of in relation to Apple Inc.

InvestingPro Insights

In light of Melius’ bullish stance on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), current InvestingPro data offers a deeper financial perspective on the company. Apple’s market capitalization remains robust at $3.36 trillion, reflecting its status as a market leader. The company’s P/E ratio stands at 33.12, which, although high, may be justified by Apple’s consistent track record of profitability and innovation. This is further supported by its revenue growth in the last twelve months, which, while modest at 0.43%, indicates steady performance in a competitive market.

InvestingPro Tips suggest that Apple has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Additionally, the stock is known for low price volatility, which could appeal to investors seeking stability in their portfolio. For those considering a deeper dive into Apple’s financial health, InvestingPro offers additional insights, with 14 more tips available to help guide investment decisions.

The strategic moves highlighted in the article, such as the anticipated features in iOS 18 and the potential partnership with Baidu, are likely to play a significant role in Apple’s future growth. These initiatives, combined with Apple’s strong financial fundamentals, provide a comprehensive picture for investors considering the stock.

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