As Apple gears up for the unveiling of its highly anticipated iPhone 16 lineup, Wall Street analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities believes it could mark a pivotal moment for the tech giant. In a research note, Ives predicts the launch could kick off “Cupertino’s biggest upgrade cycle in its history.” The driving force behind this optimistic outlook? The integration of artificial intelligence.
Ives, known for his bullish stance on Apple, emphasizes the transformative power of AI on the iPhone 16. He envisions a “consumer AI Revolution” with approximately 20% of global consumers accessing AI apps through Apple’s ecosystem in the years to come. This prediction is further fueled by Ives’s positive assessment of the supply chain, indicating stronger-than-expected initial shipments for the iPhone 16. He anticipates shipments nearing 90 million units, surpassing initial projections and representing a significant year-over-year increase. Looking ahead, Ives believes Apple’s AI-driven upgrade cycle could push iPhone sales beyond 240 million units by fiscal year 2025.
Beyond the sales figures, Ives highlights the strategic importance of Apple’s foray into AI. He envisions Apple as the “gatekeeper of the consumer AI Revolution,” with developers creating a vast array of AI-driven apps within the Apple ecosystem.
As for the iPhone 16 itself, Ives anticipates a range of upgrades, including larger displays for Pro models, the introduction of the powerful A18 chip (with a dedicated A18 Pro variant for high-end devices), enhanced battery life, and improved camera capabilities. To encourage widespread adoption, Ives believes Apple will maintain pricing levels similar to the iPhone 15.
The launch event at Apple Park tomorrow is poised to be a major spectacle. All eyes will be on CEO Tim Cook and his team to see if they can deliver on the ambitious expectations set by analysts like Ives. If his predictions hold true, the iPhone 16 launch could mark the beginning of “the next leg of the Apple growth story.”
