Apple (AAPL) forecast

Apple stock delivered an underwhelming performance in 2025. Shares of the consumer technology product maker rose 8.6% on the year, underperforming the 16.4% gain by the S&P 500. While most technology stocks had a strong year, Apple trailed its peers due to its much lower capital spending on artificial intelligence (AI).

Here’s a look at the current forecast for a stock investment in Apple in 2026 and 2030.

2026 forecast

Apple stock traded at around $260 a share in early 2026. The current consensus analyst forecast for Apple stock in 2026 is that shares will trade at $287.83 per share within the next 12 months. This outlook suggests that analysts expect the stock to rise by about 11% in 2026. Overall, most analysts are bullish on Apple stock, with 24 of the 49 analysts who have ratings on the stock giving it a “buy” or equivalent rating, while a few others rate Apple a “strong buy.”

This modestly bullish forecast for Apple seems reasonable. Apple isn’t betting as big on AI as some of the other tech leaders, which could mute its near-term growth prospects, especially given the expectations for lower global smartphone demand in 2026. I think it’s possible that Apple stock could underperform the market again in 2026. My prediction is that Apple stock will end the year below $285.

2030 forecast

Apple’s predictions for 2030 are all over the place. The average prediction is that the stock will rise to around $350 by 2030, which is a nearly 35% gain. Meanwhile, more aggressive outlooks estimate that the stock could more than double by 2030 to over $520 per share.

For Apple to rise to $350 a share, it would need to keep doing what it has been doing. The company must continue to develop high-demand smartphones and other consumer technology products (e.g., Apple Watch and AirPods), while expanding its services (e.g., Apple TV+, Apple Pay, and others). Meanwhile, a more bullish outlook would require Apple to release a new well-received consumer product platform (such as its upcoming smart glasses) while also improving its integration of AI into its products and services.

While I’m a bit cautious about Apple stock in 2026, I’m more bullish on its long-term outlook. I believe that Apple can finally launch another flagship consumer product while also smartly integrating AI into its ecosystem. That drives my prediction that Apple stock will top $500 by the end of 2030, assuming it doesn’t complete another stock split.

Key drivers of Apple’s stock performance

For Apple shares to rise over the next few years, the company needs to do three things.

First, Apple needs to maintain its share of the global smartphone market. That will mean continuing to develop innovative smartphones that encourage consumers to trade up more frequently. It will need to stay ahead of the competition by launching its first foldable iPhone in the coming years.

Additionally, Apple will finally need to launch its next flagship consumer technology product. The company has struggled to develop its next hit product as it shut down development of the Apple Car in 2024, while the Apple Vision Pro VR headset has been a flop. However, the upcoming release of its smart glasses, scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027, could finally be the next hot consumer product the company has been trying to develop for years.

Finally, Apple will need to harness the power of AI and seamlessly integrate it into its ecosystem. The company launched Apple Intelligence in late 2024, but it has yet to become a major sales driver. Apple will need to continue building out its AI capabilities to improve its products and services, ensuring it doesn’t fall behind its competitors.