Apple's iPhone sales in China have surpassed those in the United States for the first time, contributing to Apple potentially becoming the biggest player in the smartphone market this year, despite global smartphone shipments being on track to be the worst in a decade due to economic headwinds in China and the US, according to Counterpoint Research.
Apple shares have declined due to falling revenue in its product segments, but the company's long-term outlook remains strong, driven by its booming services business and dominant market shares, with two reasons to buy Apple stock being the upcoming iPhone launch and its potential in high-growth industries like AI and virtual/augmented reality.
China has reportedly ordered officials at central government agencies to not use Apple's iPhones and other foreign-branded devices for work or bring them into the office, potentially impacting foreign companies operating in China as tensions between the US and China escalate.
Apple stocks fell 3.6% after China reportedly banned officials from using or bringing iPhones and other foreign-branded devices into the office, signaling Beijing's push to reduce dependence on American technologies.
Stocks sold off and major indexes closed in the red, while U.S. Treasury yields rose for the second consecutive day; China's trade activity fell in August, but not as badly as expected; Apple signed an agreement with Arm that extends beyond 2040, securing access to the Arm architecture; China reportedly banned government officials from using Apple's iPhone for work; and inflationary pressures and the threat of higher interest rates are causing market concerns.
Apple shares fell during out of hours trading on Thursday, following reports that China has banned government employees from using iPhones, posing a potential threat to Apple's sales and global supply chain.
Big tech, including Apple, faced pressure as concerns grew over China potentially expanding its iPhone ban, while equity futures fell due to strong jobless claims figures, reinforcing the case for the Federal Reserve to maintain elevated interest rates.
Apple shares fell over 2.6% as China plans to extend a ban on iPhone use to state-owned corporations, while Dutch Bros dropped 6% after announcing a public offering of $300 million in shares, and Dave & Buster's shares fell over 3% due to weaker-than-expected earnings.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped after a decrease in initial unemployment claims, while Apple stock declined due to China's order for officials to not use iPhones and other foreign-branded devices for work.
Apple stock is experiencing a decline leading up to the release of the iPhone 15.
Apple's recent sell-off due to concerns about a Chinese crackdown on iPhone usage among government workers should not deter investors from the tech giant.
Despite reports of China banning iPhone use for government employees, CNBC's Jim Cramer advises investors not to sell Apple, citing the company's ability to adapt and potentially find a compromise with China.
Asian shares fell and the dollar's rally stalled as the greenback weakened against most major currencies; concerns over Apple's iPhone sales in China and the expansion of a ban on iPhones in sensitive departments in China to government-backed agencies and state companies also weighed on sentiment.
Shares of major Apple suppliers dropped following reports of China widening curbs on iPhone use by state employees, raising concerns about sales in one of Apple's biggest markets.
The US economy is displaying resilience with jobless claims at their lowest since February and increased consumer spending on travel and experiences, despite challenges such as the resumption of student loan payments and oil production cuts by Saudi Arabia and Russia. Apple's stock has also been affected by the Chinese government's expanding iPhone ban, reflecting the broader tensions between the US and China.
Rumors of an iPhone ban for government employees in China caused major market benchmarks, including Apple (AAPL), to experience a down week and sparked concerns over tensions between the US and China.
The launch of the latest iPhones by Apple aims to boost consumers and investors amidst falling share prices caused by deteriorating international relations, with tensions between Beijing and Washington threatening sales in China, one of Apple's biggest markets.
Fears over Beijing's ban on iPhones for government officials in China may be exaggerated, as analysts predict the impact will be minimal and Apple's support of millions of jobs in the country could deter further restrictions.
Renewed curbs on the use of Apple devices by government officials in China have raised concerns among Apple's investors and heightened geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
Apple's bet on China has come back to haunt CEO Tim Cook as Beijing's recent ban on state employees using foreign-branded smartphones, including the iPhone, could cost the company $19 billion in revenue and has prompted questions about the worth of Apple's appeasement of the Chinese Communist Party.
France has ordered Apple to halt iPhone 12 sales and recall all previous models in the country due to concerns that the devices emit too much electromagnetic radiation, despite contradicting advice from the World Health Organization.
Apple has reduced the prices of its iPhone 14 series in China after the release of the iPhone 15 lineup.
Apple is facing growing troubles in China, with tensions rising between the US and China, the ban on government employees using iPhones, and China's economic woes, prompting the tech giant to shift its focus to India as a potential market for growth.
The White House has called the bans on iPhones in China by government agencies an "inappropriate retaliation" and refers to it as aggressive behavior from the People's Republic of China.
Apple has increased iPhone prices in China, Japan, and India, while reducing prices in Europe, with analysts suggesting that the company is targeting less price-sensitive customers and taking advantage of established financing and trade-in options.
The article does not mention any specific stock recommendations. However, it discusses Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) extensively and highlights the author's positive view towards the company's valuation and growth prospects.
The author's core argument is that while Apple's growth has slowed, its elevated valuation is justified due to factors such as its superior competitive position, strong brand and connection with consumers, solid prospects for future growth, and strong financial position.
Key information and data mentioned in the article include:
- The Wall Street Journal reported that the Chinese government had banned iPhones for government employees, but the Chinese government later denied this report.
- If the ban had been true, analyst Dan Ives estimated it would be a hit of half a million iPhones, but he referred to it as "more bark than bite."
- Apple's growth has slowed, but its high valuation is justified due to its many advantages, including its competitive position and strong financials.
- Apple's valuation is less dependent on current earnings and more focused on long-term prospects.
- Apple's revenue is comparable to other massive companies, but it still has room for growth, especially in the high-margin services segment.
- Apple's dependence on China is both a risk and an advantage, as China is also dependent on Apple.
- The Chinese economy is facing challenges, and a cooperative relationship between the US and China would benefit Apple and the global economy.
- The author believes that Apple's strong management and adherence to secrecy and compartmentalization give it a unique edge.
- The author suggests that expectations for Apple may be too low if globalization is not receding as expected.
