Apple, Jony Ive, and the AI Narrative That Could Fuel the Next Leg to $240+

Quick Take: Apple’s been stuck lately – regulatory headlines, insider selling, and muted product buzz have weighed on the stock. But there’s a story developing just beneath the surface that could flip sentiment fast. Between the Ive–OpenAI hardware news and what’s expected at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the setup for a move toward $240 is real.

Jony Ive x OpenAI: Not Just Nostalgia

OpenAI just acquired Jony Ive’s hardware startup (io Products) for $6.5B. That alone is a headline. But here’s where it gets interesting: Ive helped define Apple’s hardware identity, and now he’s designing an AI-native device with one of Apple’s biggest AI partners.

Apple doesn’t own OpenAI, and they’re not part of the deal, yet. But:

·         Ive’s design DNA still influences Apple’s roadmap

·         Apple already has ChatGPT integration coming to Siri + productivity tools

·         A collab tease or “future compatibility” nod at WWDC could send this narrative vertical

WWDC 2025: The Real Catalyst

June 10–14. Mark it on your calendar.

This year’s WWDC is set up to be Apple’s biggest AI pitch yet. The company’s been seen as behind the AI curve—this is their shot to reset that.

What we expect:

·         Major Siri overhaul powered by ChatGPT-4 Turbo

·         iOS 18 loaded with AI features: Smart replies, auto-summarizing, real-time organization tools

·         Strong privacy angle: On-device AI vs. cloud-based competitors

·         Potential hardware refreshes with AI-optimized silicon

·         “Apple Intelligence” branding to tie it all together

And if Ive’s AI hardware—directly or indirectly—gets a mention or shown to work with iOS/macOS? That’s narrative fuel.

Why $240 Isn’t a Stretch

Here’s the setup:

1. Narrative shift: AI + Ive + OpenAI = something new to get excited about

2. Multiple re-rating: If the Street believes Apple has an AI revenue flywheel brewing, 35x+ earnings becomes justifiable

3. WWDC excitement: Even a strong teaser can move the stock short-term

4. Sticky ecosystem: If Apple hints at being the hub for AI hardware (even third-party), that strengthens their moat

5. Buyback strength: Apple has ammo to buy the dip - don’t overlook that

Bottom Line:

This setup reminds me of how AirPods or Apple Watch started - skeptical at first, then category-defining. With Ive back in the hardware mix and WWDC around the corner, this could be the ignition point for Apple’s next growth chapter.

Keep your eyes on the headlines.

AAPL to $240? It’s not just possible, it’s positioned.

The author of this article is the Managing Partner of BFG Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Adviser. BFG Wealth Management holds a position in Apple Inc. (AAPL) directly and indirectly through its Innovation in Technology portfolio on behalf of client accounts. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Any opinions expressed are those of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Investment decisions should be made based on individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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