Apple’s $255 Moonshot: JPMorgan Bets Big on iPhone’s China Coup

Vladimir Popescu
iPhone 17 Air JPMorgan AAPL
Source: Watcher.Guru

Apple’s stock price target adjustments from JPMorgan actually reflect some optimism around the iPhone Air launch, along with China sales recovery, and also aggressive buyback programs. The Apple stock price target has been revised multiple times in 2025 as analysts weigh AI-powered iPhone features against market headwinds right now.

Apple stock daily trading chart
Apple stock daily trading chart – Source: Google Finance

Apple Stock Price Target Rises With iPhone Air Launch And China Sales

Jp Morgan Apple stock price
Source: Kaohoon

JPMorgan’s Apple stock price target actually reached $250 in July 2025, and iPhone Air launch expectations along with China market recovery drove this increase. Analyst Samik Chatterjee had this to say:

“We rate shares of Apple Overweight from the combination of AI and age of installed base led volume replacement cycle while Services continues to demonstrate robust growth delivering acceleration in earnings growth.”

Is the iPhone 17 Air Confirmed?

Apple iPhone 17 Air
Source: Mac Rumors

Yes, the iPhone Air launch is officially confirmed, with Apple already sending out event invites for the “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, 2025. The ultra-thin 5.5mm device is replacing the Plus model in Apple’s lineup. Apple’s iPhone Air launch represents the biggest design change since iPhone X, and it’s targeting the mid-tier market right now.

Apple seasonality performance chart
Apple seasonality performance chart – Source: Trend Spider

Is the iPhone Air Coming Out?

Iphone 17 Air Apple
Source: Cult of Mac

Yes, iPhone Air is coming out on September 19, 2025, following the September 9 announcement and preorders starting September 12. Apple’s China sales actually surged 4% year-over-year to $15.37 billion in Q3 2025, which reversed previous declines. CEO Tim Cook stated:

“The subsidy does apply to some of our products, and it clearly helps.”

Government subsidies supported this Apple China sales recovery and also helped iPhone capture the top three sales positions in urban China markets at the time of writing.

Also Read: Apple’s New OLED MacBook Pro May Boost AAPL Stock to $275 High

How Much Will the iPhone 17 Air Cost?

iPhone 17 Air cost
Source: Mac Rumors

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to cost between $899-$1,000, positioned as a mid-tier option. Apple’s buyback program announced $100 billion in 2025, which is the second-largest in U.S.

Apple’s buyback program announced $100 billion in 2025, which is the second-largest in U.S. history after its own $110 billion program. The Apple buyback program spent $25 billion in Q3 2024 alone, and this reduced share count while boosting earnings per share even during revenue challenges.

Apple stock trading interface
Apple stock trading interface – Source: Google Finance

Markets with Apple Intelligence deployment are seeing AI-powered iPhone features drive replacement cycles right now. Cook emphasized:

“It’s difficult to see a world where iPhone is not living in it.”

The convergence of iPhone Air launch momentum, along with recovering Apple China sales, aggressive Apple buyback program execution, and also expanding AI-powered iPhone features supports JPMorgan’s bullish Apple stock price target despite near-term uncertainties.

Also Read: Tesla, Amazon, Apple, Alphabet Stocks Fall as NASDAQ Sheds 150 Points