TLDR
- Apple iPhone 17 series launches September 19 with keynote September 9, including new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air model
- Wall Street analysts predict post-announcement stock selloff due to incremental upgrades, following historical “sell-the-news” patterns
- Apple stock currently at $227.16 with analyst price targets of $250 and technical resistance at $260.10
- Google Gemini AI partnership rumors for Siri upgrade could provide positive catalyst for 2026 launch
- BofA and Evercore maintain buy ratings despite expecting short-term volatility after product reveal
Apple prepares for its annual iPhone refresh with the iPhone 17 series hitting stores September 19, 2025. The company follows its traditional launch timeline despite Wall Street concerns about investor reactions.
Pixel 10 Pro XL vs upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max pic.twitter.com/MszbNIMgVt
— Apple Design (@TheAppleDesign) August 25, 2025
The tech giant will announce its keynote event Tuesday, August 26 at 8 a.m. Pacific. Apple’s main presentation is scheduled for September 9 at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino.
Pre-orders open September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific, giving customers one week before general availability. The iPhone 17 lineup includes four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air.
Wall Street Expects Traditional Selloff Pattern
BofA Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan warned Apple stock could face pressure after the iPhone 17 reveal. He maintains a buy rating with a $250 price target but expects short-term volatility.
“These events have traditionally been sell-the-news events,” Mohan noted. Historical patterns show Apple stock often drops immediately after product announcements before recovering within 30 to 60 days.
Apple stock closed Monday at $227.16, down 0.3%. The stock remains in a consolidation pattern with technical resistance at $260.10 according to IBD MarketSurge charts.
Mohan sees the iPhone 17 updates as incremental rather than revolutionary. The lack of major innovations could limit investor enthusiasm compared to previous cycles.
Google AI Partnership Could Boost Investor Sentiment
Apple reportedly explores a partnership with Google for its Siri voice assistant upgrade. The collaboration would integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, scheduled to launch in 2026.
Evercore ISI analyst Amit Daryanani believes the Google partnership addresses investor concerns about Apple lagging in AI development. He maintains an outperform rating with a $250 price target.
“A Gemini-powered upgrade to Siri would accelerate Gen AI adoption,” Daryanani stated. The partnership provides competitive AI features while maintaining lower capital expenditure requirements.
The AI announcement could provide positive momentum if revealed during the September keynote. Mohan suggested compelling AI demonstrations might help Apple stock perform better than historical post-event patterns.
Technical Analysis and Stock Outlook
Apple stock holds an IBD Composite Rating of 82 out of 99, reflecting mixed technical and fundamental indicators. The stock trades in a 34-week consolidation with a buy point at $260.10.
iOS 26 becomes available September 15, supporting devices back to iPhone 11. Initial reviews are expected September 16, with Apple Watch reviews following September 17.
Apple will also announce new Apple Watch models and AirPods during the September event alongside the iPhone 17 series.
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