iPhone 17 Leak, Tim Cook's Donation to Trump, and China's Subsidies: This Week in Apple World

The past week was an eventful one for Apple Inc. (AAPL). The tech company made headlines due to several significant stories impacting its future. From insights about the next iPhone model to political donations and market strategies in China, Apple was at the forefront of discussions.

iPhone 17 Display Upgrade

Recent leaks have emerged regarding the display technology planned for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series. A Chinese leaker known as Digital Chat Station, active on Weibo, reported that the supply chain materials point to a potential upgrade in the phone's refresh rate. Although the specific rate hasn’t been confirmed, there are strong indications that the standard model might adopt a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate—a feature that has traditionally been reserved for the Pro models of iPhones.

Tim Cook’s $1 Million Donation

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, has reportedly made a $1 million contribution to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural committee. This donation places him among other major tech executives, including Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman. Cook’s decision appears to stem from his belief that the inauguration is an essential American tradition and a moment to foster unity, following his previous interactions with Trump during his first term and a recent dinner at Mar-a-Lago.

China’s Smartphone Subsidies

In a significant market move, China has decided to extend consumption subsidies to smartphones and other electronic devices. This new policy could provide domestic companies, particularly Huawei, with a competitive advantage in the market. The national trade-in program, which previously focused on home appliances and vehicles, will now be applicable to personal devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, as announced in a recent briefing.

Apple Halts Sales in EU

Apple has recently suspended the sales of several iPhone models, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the third-generation iPhone SE across numerous European Union nations. This decision was made in response to new regulations in the EU that mandate USB-C ports for smartphones with wired charging capabilities. The affected devices have consequently been removed from Apple’s online store in various countries.

Bullish Prediction for Apple Stock

On the positive side, analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush forecasts a 26% upside for Apple’s stock, predicting a “golden era of growth” for the company, spurred by an AI-enhanced iPhone upgrade cycle. According to Ives, the introduction of AI could significantly boost iPhone sales, prompting him to raise the price target of Apple stock to $325.

iPhone, Donation, Subsidies