Wall Street analysts comment on Apple's WWDC: AI narrative "has its shortcomings"

According to Zhitong Finance APP, Apple's (AAPL.US) Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) brought a series of updates related to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the Apple ecosystem. Although Wall Street analysts are mostly optimistic, they still feel there is more room for improvement.

Wedbush Securities maintains an "Outperform" rating on Apple, with a target price of $270.

Analysts at Wedbush Securities, led by Daniel Ives, stated: "Although Apple joined the AI party late, it has begun laying the groundwork for a multi-year AI strategy for its 2.4 billion iOS device user base over the next few years. We believe this event has sown the initial seeds for Apple's AI strategy in 2026 and beyond, as Apple seeks to further integrate AI into its entire ecosystem. As time goes on and investor patience wears thin, Apple will face more daunting AI tasks."

WWDC showcased Apple's vision to developers, but Apple AI has not made any significant progress. Analysts added that this indicates the company is now proceeding cautiously after last year's missteps.

Therefore, analysts pointed out that this year is crucial for Apple to monetize AI, as Apple may ultimately be forced to make some larger acquisitions to kickstart its AI strategy.

Evercore maintains an "Outperform" rating on Apple, with a target price of $250.

The Evercore analyst team, led by Amit Daryanani, stated that the keynote was largely in line with Evercore's forecast, indicating that this year will be a "transition year" with relatively few announcements. Analysts added that, as expected, the biggest announcement related to AI was that Apple would open its foundational AI models on its devices, which underpin Apple AI.

Daryanani and his team noted that these announcements were consistent with their expectations prior to the event, and it is unlikely that anything during the event would change their view on the stock.

Morgan Stanley maintains an "Overweight" rating on Apple, with a target price of $235.

The Morgan Stanley analyst team, led by Erik Woodring, stated: "WWDC 2025 focused on operating system design innovation and product user interface unification, along with a few AI updates. Market sentiment is unlikely to shift until more substantial progress is made in AI, although Apple clearly still possesses the elements to become an AI winner."

Woodring added that at this stage of the cycle, the catalyst path is longer than usual.

Wells Fargo reiterates an "Overweight" rating on Apple, with a target price of $245.

Wells Fargo analyst Aaron Rakers stated that the most important news for Apple is the new foundational model framework and liquid glass user interface design, but investors still need to see more news Nevertheless, Nabila Popal, senior research director at research firm IDC, stated that the delayed launch of personalized Siri features has not yet impacted Apple's shipments.

Popal said, "The fact is that the delay in artificial intelligence has not yet affected Apple's shipments, as it remains a desirable brand, and is expected to achieve growth globally by 2025. Apple knows that artificial intelligence is not a sprint but a marathon. Apple is in it for the long haul."

Tipranks data shows that, overall, Wall Street analysts have given Apple a "Moderate Buy" rating, with an average target price of $226.94, which is 12% higher than the current stock price level.