Apple (AAPL) Stock: Goldman Maintains Buy Rating Before iPhone Launch

TLDR

Table of Contents

Goldman Sachs maintains Buy rating on Apple with $266 price target before iPhone 17 event
Apple stock trades at $227, down 0.26% as investors show pre-launch caution
iPhone 17 series launch scheduled for September 9th with new Air model expected
Technical support identified at $225-$223 with resistance at $231-$234
Goldman projects 5% iPhone revenue growth in fiscal 2025, rising to 7% in 2026

Apple stock closed at $227 Monday, declining 0.26% as investors exercise caution ahead of the September product launch. Trading volume reached $7.1 billion, ranking Apple fifth in market activity.3

Goldman Sachs reiterated its Buy rating with a $266 price target on Apple stock before the company’s September 9th event. The investment bank expects the “Awe-Dropping” special event to showcase the iPhone 17 series and updated Apple Watch lineup.

The iPhone 17 launch will feature new form factors including an Air model and larger screen sizes. Goldman analysts view these changes as positive developments for Apple’s product portfolio.

It’s official! Apple will launch the iPhone 17 at the next #AppleEvent on September 9th at 10 a.m. PDT 🚨
Are you excited? pic.twitter.com/E41ouA8KPn
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) August 26, 2025

iPhone 17 Pricing and Revenue Projections

Reports suggest the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air may carry a $100 premium over standard models. Goldman also expects price increases for iPhone 17 Pro models, supported by ongoing carrier promotions.

The investment bank forecasts iPhone revenue growth of 5% year-over-year in fiscal 2025. Revenue growth is projected to accelerate to 7% in fiscal 2026 as new products gain market traction.

Bank of America maintains its Buy rating with a $250 price target, citing potential upside from product demonstrations and pricing strategies. Services revenue continues providing stability despite App Store regulatory scrutiny.

Technical Analysis Shows Key Support Levels

Apple stock recently broke above a descending trendline from its $260 peak and reclaimed moving averages in August. The current pullback brings shares toward the $225.3 Fibonacci retracement level.

Technical support sits at $225-$223, aligning with the 20-day moving average. Resistance appears at $229-$231, with further targets at $234-$235 and $240.6 if momentum returns.

Breaking through $241 would open the path toward $250 and potentially $260. Downside risk emerges below $214, which could trigger a decline toward $203-$205.

RSI momentum indicators show healthy digestion at 61 after peaking at 67. The technical structure suggests consolidation rather than trend reversal.

Historically, Apple shares experience volatility following iPhone launches, particularly when upgrades focus on incremental improvements. This year’s expectations center on hardware differentiation and services enhancements.

Hardware supply chains appear stable ahead of holiday promotions. Apple’s silicon capabilities and software integration support long-term growth prospects despite regulatory headwinds.

The September event represents a critical juncture for Apple stock momentum. Investors will evaluate whether product messaging and pricing can drive shares toward analyst price targets above $250.

Apple’s current consolidation phase follows a multi-week rally and reflects typical pre-launch investor behavior.

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