Evercore Resets Apple Stock Price Target for 2026

Apple (AAPL) requested a judge overturn a $5.7B patent verdict in favor of Taction Technology, arguing the award lacked evidence and the patents were invalid. The jury found Apple's Taptic Engine infringed Taction's patents, awarding $5.72B in damages. Apple also asked for a new trial if the verdict is not overturned.

China approved Alibaba's AI models for Apple Intelligence, allowing its rollout in China. Apple received regulatory clearance for iPhone Duo and 18 Pro, launching next week with Siri AI as a key feature. Apple Intelligence is already available in Hong Kong but faced delays due to China's AI and privacy laws.

OpenAI alleges in a lawsuit that an ex-employee, now at Apple, took over 100 files about an unreleased product and presented them to Apple's leadership. The filing is part of ongoing legal action between OpenAI and Apple.

Apple is challenging a $5.7 billion patent verdict, calling it excessive. The company seeks a retrial or judgment in its favor, following a jury's decision in favor of Taction Technology, a haptics company, in the US District Court for the Southern District of California.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) stock reached a 52-week high, up 30% in 2026, driven by iPhone demand and smart-home expansion. Analyst Craig Moffett noted iPhone upgrades and high-end models are key, but Apple's late entry into smart homes may limit growth. AAPL trades at 30x earnings, with mixed analyst ratings and price targets. Apple also won a partial victory in its trade-secret lawsuit against OpenAI, accelerating evidence production.

Apple (AAPL) launched HomeView, a 7-inch smart home hub with AI capabilities, aiming to compete with Amazon (AMZN) and Google (GOOG, GOOGL). The device features a Liquid Retina Display, smart home controls, and Siri integration, with Apple emphasizing AI and privacy as key advantages.