Apple Stock News: Demand Might Fall Below Expectations
Apple Stock News: Apple plans to launch new MacBooks and iPads with 3nm chips in 2024, but demand might disappoint due to a perceived lack of growth factors, according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This implies that Apple won’t enjoy the same growth drivers as in previous years, like the pandemic-induced work-from-home trend or the appeal of Apple silicon, which encouraged Intel-based Mac upgrades. Despite declining Mac and iPad sales in 2023, Apple may benefit from more favorable year-over-year comparisons in 2024.
Additionally, upcoming iPad Pro models are expected to feature OLED displays, potentially boosting sales. Kuo recently stated no new MacBooks or iPads are expected until the end of 2023, except for a possible iPad mini release. If Kuo’s prediction holds, Apple might delay the M3 chip until 2024, potentially leading to a quiet end to the year.
The iPhone of Artificial Intelligence
Former Apple designer Jony Ive and OpenAI’s Sam Altman are in advanced talks with SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son to create a $1 billion AI device, aiming for “the iPhone of artificial intelligence,” per the Financial Times. The project involves Altman’s OpenAI, Ive’s LoveFrom design agency, and SoftBank’s Arm, with Son contributing $1 billion. Ive’s motivation is to reduce screen dependency in computer interaction. While discussions are serious, no deal is final, and an official announcement could take months, with the launch even farther away.
Lost All Visibility
Apple’s progress on the Apple Car is currently unclear, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggesting that unless Apple pursues acquisitions in the automotive market, mass production of the Apple Car within the next few years is unlikely. There have been few Apple Car rumors in 2023, and reports suggest internal disagreements over the project’s direction. Earlier plans aimed for testing in 2025 and consumer availability in 2026, but with limited recent updates, meeting these timelines seems doubtful. Apple appears to be prioritizing its Vision Pro headset, and the last Apple Car update was in March 2023, mentioning improved self-driving capabilities. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously noted Apple’s shift away from a fully autonomous vehicle, focusing on guided driving features instead. The absence of a manufacturing partner further supports Kuo’s concerns about delays.
iPhone 16 Lineup
All four iPhone 16 models are expected to feature A18 chips, according to analyst Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities. This is a notable shift from the A16 Bionic chips in the iPhone 15 models. The A18 chips will be manufactured using TSMC’s N3E 3nm process, which is more cost-effective than the N3B process used for the A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro models. It’s worth noting that since the iPhone 16 is still about a year away from launch, the actual branding of the chips could change, and they might be called A17 and A18 Pro, following Apple’s recent naming conventions. Jeff Pu has a track record of accurate predictions, including details about the iPhone 15 models.
