Amidst a turbulent phase for Apple in China, marked by a faster decline in iPhone sales, JP Morgan analysts project a hopeful future. Utilizing data from Counterpoint Research covering the early part of 2024, the investment firm conveyed to its investors that Apple’s sales dip in China is more pronounced than that experienced by its rivals.
This decline, described as moderate yet significant, signals a shift in Apple’s fortunes within the Chinese market.
The recent data, highlighting the initial six weeks of 2024, underscores a continued downturn in Apple’s market performance in China — a deviation from previous indicators suggesting a stabilization. Despite this setback, JP Morgan remains optimistic about Apple’s long-term prospects in the region.
The firm’s confidence stems from anticipated growth in Apple’s Services sector, including popular offerings like Apple TV+ and iCloud, which are expected to bolster revenue.
While JP Morgan refrained from providing specific iPhone sales forecasts for the remainder of 2024, the firm is confident about the eventual recovery of smartphone sales in China.
This belief in a market rebound has led JP Morgan to uphold its $215 price target for Apple, a figure slightly adjusted from $225 in February 2024 due to weakening iPhone demand.
This outlook aligns with the sentiments of other investment firms, such as Wedbush, which also anticipates a resurgence in Apple’s performance in China. Wedbush points to enhanced Services revenue, advancements in AI, and a strong demand for the upcoming iPhone 16 series as key drivers of this expected recovery.
Despite current hurdles, the broader financial community sees a silver lining for Apple in China, driven by its diverse range of services and technological innovation.
