Apple Stock Falls Amid AI Concerns — Wedbush Says 2026 Could Be Cupertino’s Big AI Year

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares have underperformed in 2026, nearly 6% down YTD, as some investors weighed concerns over delays in the company’s artificial intelligence rollout.

Wedbush Securities, however, called the sell-off unwarranted and said 2026 could be a pivotal year for Apple’s AI efforts. Analysts led by Dan Ives noted that while Siri AI and other advanced features have faced scrutiny, Apple appears on track to release them this summer.

The firm reiterated an Outperform rating on Apple with a $350 price target. Wedbush highlighted Apple’s recent moves, including a partnership with Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and new leadership hires, as indicators the company is accelerating its AI strategy.

With over 2.5 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones globally, the potential for Apple’s AI platform is significant, Ives wrote. He added that successful AI monetization could contribute an estimated $75 to $100 per share over the next few years.

Investors appear cautious after past AI missteps, but Wedbush argued the market may be underestimating the opportunity. Apple’s focus on integrating AI across devices could reshape its growth trajectory in 2026 and beyond.