Fri Jun 27 11:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Apple’s Future in Question: JPMorgan Downgrades Price Target, AI Acquisitions in Focus**

**[City, State] –** Apple (AAPL) faces headwinds as JPMorgan Chase lowered its price target for the tech giant, citing softening demand for upcoming iPhone models and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. The investment bank reduced its target from $240 to $230, although maintaining an “overweight” rating on the stock. Apple stock closed Thursday down 0.3% to $201.

JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee predicts weaker demand for the iPhone 17, anticipating consumers pulled forward purchases to avoid potential tariff-related price increases earlier in the year. He expects the iPhone 17 tracking to 85 million units in 2025, down 9% from the iPhone 16 build. However, Chatterjee remains optimistic about the iPhone 18 series, expecting a stronger cycle driven by the potential launch of a foldable phone and enhanced AI capabilities.

The focus on AI also extends to potential acquisitions. Apple’s rumored interest in AI startup Perplexity AI has sparked debate among analysts. UBS analyst David Vogt expressed skepticism, calling the deal “defensive in nature” and questioned its benefits, especially given the potential $14 billion price tag and allegations of plagiarism against Perplexity. Vogt rates Apple as neutral with a 12-month price target of $210.

Conversely, Loop Capital Markets analyst Ananda Baruah believes a Perplexity acquisition could bolster Apple’s AI talent and improve its Siri digital assistant, providing a search alternative to Google. Baruah rates Apple stock as hold with a price target of $215.

The news comes as rival Samsung is set to unveil new folding-screen Galaxy smartphones with AI features next month. Apple’s IBD Composite Rating, a measure of a stock’s fundamental and technical strength, currently stands at 53 out of 99.

Investor’s Business Daily continues to provide market updates and analysis to help investors navigate these developments.

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