Apple opens new tab is expected to report its biggest quarterly revenue jump in two years on Thursday, with iPhone demand faring better than recent years toward the end of the company’s annual release cycle, especially in China.
The results will provide investors the first hints of demand for the latest iPhone 16 series, which was released a few days before the end of the company’s fiscal fourth quarter.
But the focus will be on executive commentary for its fiscal first quarter amid fears that releasing its Apple Intelligence features at a slow pace could dampen a much-awaited AI-led “super-cycle” for Apple’s biggest seller.
The company is playing catch-up in AI as Android smartphone rivals such as Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), opens new tab and software rivals such as Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab aggressively roll out applications aimed at tapping the generative AI boom.
“The strength of the iPhone 16 cycle is the most important question heading into both the December quarter and FY25,” Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi said.
“Investors should expect Apple to be upbeat about iPhone 16 and Apple Intelligence, but it may or may not necessarily reflect the ultimate success of the cycle.”
