iPhone 17 Leak, Tim Cook's Donation To Trump Inauguration, And China's Subsidies To Homegrown Players

The past week has been quite eventful for Apple Inc. AAPL. Major developments have arisen, ranging from rumors about the new iPhone 17 to CEO Tim Cook's significant contribution to Trump’s inauguration. Additionally, China's smartphone subsidies are anticipated to create more competition in the tech industry, while a recent pause in sales of some iPhone models in the EU has raised concerns. On a positive note, a bullish forecast regarding Apple's stock offers a glimmer of hope for investors. Let’s take a closer look at these intriguing stories.

iPhone 17 Display Upgrade

Recent leaks indicate that Apple plans to improve the display technology in its soon-to-be-launched iPhone 17 series. The leak, sourced from Weibo by Digital Chat Station, claims that supply chain components align with expectations of a higher refresh rate for the standard iPhone 17 model. Although the specific refresh rate is not confirmed, earlier reports have suggested the introduction of a 120Hz ProMotion rate, a feature previously limited to the Pro models.

Tim Cook’s $1 Million Donation

In another noteworthy event, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook is reported to have made a $1 million donation to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural committee. This donation places him alongside other notable tech leaders such as Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg. Cook’s contribution appears to stem from various discussions he has had with Trump during his first term, including a recent dinner meeting at Mar-a-Lago. By making this donation, Cook aims to support what he views as an important American tradition of unity.

China’s Smartphone Subsidies

On the international front, China is set to expand its consumption subsidies to include smartphones along with other electronics. This move may give domestic companies like Huawei a competitive edge. The trade-in program, which was initially limited to home appliances and vehicles, will now extend to personal devices such as phones and tablets. This announcement was made during a recent briefing held in China.

Apple Halts Sales in EU

In a significant development, Apple has ceased sales of its iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE across numerous European Union countries. This action is in response to new EU regulations mandating USB-C ports for smartphones that feature wired charging capabilities. Thus, these models have been removed from Apple's online store in various EU nations.

Bullish Prediction for Apple Stock

Wrapping up the week on a positive note, analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush has forecasted a potential 26% increase in Apple’s stock. He envisions a “golden era of growth” for Apple, attributing this to an AI-driven upgrade cycle for the iPhone. Ives suggests that sales are likely to receive a boost from advancements in AI technology and has revised his price target for Apple stock to $325.

iPhone, Donation, Subsidies, Sales, Stock