Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, XETRA:APC) has seen its shares sell off over the past week amid investor concerns over potential delays to its much-anticipated AI features, particularly updates to Siri. Despite the recent volatility,
Wedbush analysts maintained an ‘Outperform’ rating on the stock with a 12-month price target of $350. The stock is down more than 4% in the last five days at about $263.
“We believe this recent worry and sell-off in Apple's shares is unwarranted as the focus is Apple getting its AI strategy right and releasing its advanced AI features by the summer timeframe and that still appears on target,” they wrote.
They noted that new AI capabilities could be released across iOS 26.4, 26.5, and eventually iOS 27 in September, with Apple aiming to build out a comprehensive AI platform for both developers and consumers in 2026.
Wedbush highlighted a number of factors that differentiate Apple’s current AI push from previous challenges. “Apple has its Google Gemini partnership cemented,” the analysts wrote. “New outside AI leadership has come into the organization in Apple Park, and Apple and Cook knows this revamped Siri and new architecture is one of the most important technology rollouts in its history.”
The analysts said past AI missteps now represent an opportunity for Apple to introduce its Siri AI platform in 2026, with the potential for significant impact on the company’s future growth. They estimate that AI monetization could add $75 to $100 per share to Apple’s value over the coming years.
“Developers and consumers are waiting patiently for the release of the new and improved Siri in the Spring timeframe,” they added, predicting an AI-driven subscription service could be launched to Apple’s installed base by the Fall.
Wedbush also cautioned that any significant delays in Apple’s AI rollout could weigh on the stock. “The worries or prospects of any delays on Siri this year will naturally cause more volatility until Apple finally proves the naysayers wrong,” they wrote.
The analysts concluded that Apple remains one of their favorite technology names and a key player in the emerging consumer AI market. “Developers, consumers, and technology partners will help turn Apple into a central player in the AI Revolution,” they wrote, calling 2026 a “golden opportunity” for Apple to deliver on its AI ambitions first outlined at WWDC 2024.