Apple Stock Price: Here’s Why Apple Dividend Might Protect AAPL Shares Amid DOJ Lawsuit

• Apple: A Quick Overview
• Apple: History And Product Line
• Products
• Apple Stock Price Forecast: Price History
• Apple Dividend History & Current Status
• AAPL Stock Price: Technical Analysis
• Apple Stock Price Prediction By Blockchain Reporter
• Apple Stock Price Prediction 2024
• Apple Stock Price Prediction 2025
• Apple Stock Price Prediction 2026
• Apple Stock Price Prediction 2027
• Apple Stock Price Prediction 2028
• Apple Stock Price Prediction 2029
• Apple Stock Price Prediction 2030
• Apple Stock Forecast: By Experts
• Conclusion

In the technology market, there’s one name that consistently makes headlines, sparks innovation, and fundamentally changes the way we live our lives: Apple Inc. It’s a brand that has become synonymous with sleek design, robust technology, and a user experience that’s second to none. From its humble beginnings in a garage in California to becoming one of the most valuable companies in the world, Apple’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Apple isn’t just a company; it has become a part of daily life that has managed to embed itself into every aspect of our daily lives. Whether it’s the iPhone that’s likely in your pocket, the MacBook you work on, or the Apple Watch tracking your fitness goals, Apple products are everywhere. But Apple’s impact goes beyond just the products it creates. The company has been a pioneer in many fields, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in technology and design. Apple recently launched its vision pro and is aiming to introduce a foldable iPhone. Over the last few years, the AAPL stock price has surged exponentially and is now aiming to climb even further following increasing sales and growth in Asia. In this article, we’ll explore Apple stock price prediction with in-depth technical analysis and find out its future market potential based on Apple dividend.

Apple: A Quick Overview

Apple Inc., originally known as Apple Computer, Inc., is a global technology giant based in Cupertino, California, within the heart of Silicon Valley. The company is renowned for its wide range of consumer electronics, software, and services, including popular devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, and Apple TV, along with operating systems like iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Its software and service offerings include iTunes, iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV+.

From the majority of 2011 until January 2024, Apple held the title of the world’s largest company by market capitalization, a position later taken by Microsoft in 2024. In 2022, it led the tech industry in revenue, amassing $394.3 billion. By 2023, Apple ranked as the fourth-largest seller of personal computers, the top manufacturing company by revenue, and the leading mobile phone vendor globally. It stands as one of the Big Five U.S. information technology firms, alongside Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.

Established on April 1, 1976, by Steve Wozniak to sell his Apple I personal computer, Apple transformed into a corporation in 1977 under Wozniak and Steve Jobs. Its early success was fueled by the Apple II, one of the earliest microcomputers produced en masse. The introduction of the Lisa in 1983 and the Macintosh in 1984 marked some of the initial uses of graphical user interfaces and mice. However, by 1985, expensive product prices and internal power disputes led to Jobs founding NeXT, Inc., and Wozniak pursuing other interests. Throughout the 1990s, Apple’s market share dwindled against more affordable PCs running Microsoft’s Windows.

In 1997, on the brink of bankruptcy, Apple’s purchase of NeXT brought Steve Jobs back, revitalizing the company. Under his guidance, Apple introduced groundbreaking products like the iMac and iPhone, led innovative ad campaigns, and grew through store launches and acquisitions. After Jobs stepped down in 2011, Tim Cook became CEO.

Despite criticisms about its practices, Apple has kept strong brand loyalty and ranks as one of the world’s top brands. It hit a $1 trillion valuation in 2018, $2 trillion in 2020, and surpassed $3 trillion by January 2022, maintaining that value into June 2023.

Apple: History And Product Line

Apple Computer Company was launched on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, introducing the Apple I computer, funded by selling personal items like Jobs’ VW Bus and Wozniak’s calculator. Despite Wayne’s early exit, multimillionaire Mike Markkula invested $250,000, catalyzing Apple’s rapid revenue growth. The Apple II, released in 1977 with innovative features, set the stage for Apple’s success, despite competition. Apple’s IPO in 1980 created 300 millionaires and marked the beginning of its ascent in the tech industry.

Significant developments included the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984, pioneering personal computing with a graphical user interface. Despite internal struggles and Jobs’ departure in 1985, Apple continued to innovate, leading the desktop publishing revolution with the Macintosh and LaserWriter.

The 1990s saw Apple’s decline amid competition and internal issues, prompting a shift to lower-cost models and the unsuccessful experimentation with consumer products like the Newton. Apple’s lawsuit against Microsoft and leadership changes further destabilized the company.

Jobs’ return in 1997, following Apple’s acquisition of NeXT, marked a turning point. Under his leadership, Apple regained profitability, launching iconic products like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone, and opening Apple Stores. After Jobs, Tim Cook continued Apple’s success, leading to milestones like the first U.S. company to reach a $2 trillion market cap.

Apple’s expansion into services and wearables, including Apple Music and Apple Watch, and its transition to in-house processors for Macs, underscored its ongoing innovation. Despite challenges, such as labor and environmental criticisms, Apple maintained its industry dominance, adapting to regulatory changes and embracing new market opportunities.

Products

Apple’s Mac lineup, known for its macOS operating system, includes personal computers that as of late 2023, contribute to roughly eight percent of the company’s earnings. The current Mac families are:

• iMac: An all-in-one desktop since 1998.
• Mac Mini: A compact desktop since 2005.
• MacBook Pro: A high-end laptop since 2006.
• Mac Pro: A professional-grade workstation since 2006.
• MacBook Air: A lightweight laptop since 2008.
• Mac Studio: A compact professional workstation introduced in 2022.

Macs, often seen as part of a “walled garden” due to their exclusive Apple silicon chips and macOS, come with applications like Safari, iMovie, GarageBand, and iWork. Professional software such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Xcode are also available, alongside accessories like the Pro Display XDR and Magic devices.

The iPhone, Apple’s smartphone series running iOS, has been a major revenue driver since its 2007 debut, revolutionizing the industry with its multi-touch screen. Dominating over half of Apple’s sales by the end of 2023, it’s been pivotal in establishing the app economy.

The iPad line, operating on iPadOS, offers a versatile tablet experience since 2010, suitable for multimedia consumption, art creation, and more. Despite selling over 500 million units by September 2020, its operating system has faced limitations. The iPad remains the leading tablet, contributing to seven percent of Apple’s 2023 revenue. Accessories like the Apple Pencil and various keyboards enhance its functionality.

Other products categorized as “Wearables, Home and Accessories” include AirPods, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Beats headphones, HomePod, and the Vision Pro headset, making up about ten percent of Apple’s 2023 revenues.

Apple’s services division, accounting for 22% of its 2023 revenue, encompasses the App Store, AppleCare+, iCloud+, Apple Card, Apple Pay, and digital content services like Apple Books, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, Apple TV+, and iTunes Store, highlighting Apple’s focus on growing its service offerings.

Apple Stock Price Forecast: Price History

Apple Inc. (AAPL) has had a dynamic stock price history since its initial public offering (IPO). On December 12, 1980, Apple went public at $22 per share, marking one of the most significant IPOs of its time and creating numerous millionaires among its early employees. This event was a pivotal moment, generating more capital than any IPO since Ford Motor Company in 1956.

However, it started at a price of $0.11 in 1984 on NYSE. Over the years, Apple’s stock has undergone several splits, reflecting the company’s growth and its strategy to make shares more accessible to investors. The first split occurred on June 16, 1987, at 2-for-1, followed by another 2-for-1 split on June 21, 2000. The third split, also 2-for-1, took place on February 28, 2005. Apple then executed a 7-for-1 split on June 9, 2014, and most recently, a 4-for-1 split on August 31, 2020. These splits have adjusted the share price and made it more attractive to a broader base of investors.

AAPL stock remained under the $1 mark till 2005 and later surged following the internet boom. It surpassed $5 in 2007. In the following years, the stock price skyrocketed and Apple stock price surged above $30 in 2015. During Covid pandemic, the stock jumped further and touched $170 in 2022. In mid-2023, AAPL stock price neared the $200 milestone. However, it has since dropped and now trades below $180.

Apple Dividend History & Current Status

Recently, the US Justice Department, together with over a dozen states, launched a significant antitrust lawsuit against Apple. The lawsuit accuses the tech behemoth of unlawfully monopolizing the smartphone market.

This action marks the largest in a series of antitrust complaints by the US government against major technology companies, part of a broader effort to regulate an industry that has experienced minimal oversight for many years. During a press conference, Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the complaint alleges Apple has sustained its monopoly in the smartphone market not merely by surpassing its competitors based on merit but by infringing upon federal antitrust laws.

However, the momentum for AAPL shares remains bullish as its dividend increases. In the early days, Apple’s dividends were modest, with a cash payment of $0.10 to $0.12 per share being the norm in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These early dividends set the foundation for a culture of shareholder reward that has grown significantly over the years.

Fast forward to the 2010s, a pivotal moment marked by groundbreaking product launches and exponential growth, Apple’s dividends saw a noteworthy transformation. The company initiated a significant increase in its cash dividends, reflecting its strong revenue streams and confidence in future growth. Notably, in May 2014, shareholders received a cash dividend of $3.29 per share, a solid uptick to the dividends in the early years of the company’s history.

From 2015 onwards, Apple adopted a policy of incremental growth in its dividend payouts. While these increments were more modest compared to the substantial jump in 2014, they represented a sustainable and shareholder-friendly strategy.

In the most recent update, Apple declared a cash dividend of $0.24 per share in February 2024. The annual dividend is at $0.96 with a PE ratio of 26.94 and a dividend yield of 0.54%.

AAPL Stock Price: Technical Analysis

Recently, Apple’s stock has experienced a significant decrease in its value, contributing to its downward momentum. Nevertheless, resistance at the $180 mark has been strongly upheld by bearish traders, leading to a robust pullback in the stock’s price. Over the last few months, the stock’s performance has been positively influenced by the company’s financial outcomes and sales growth, as well as its AAPL dividend history. A closer look at Apple’s technical analysis shows promising bullish indicators, but these could quickly diminish if bearish activity rises. Investors are advised to proceed with caution due to the uncertain chances for short-term correction in Apple’s stock price. The sustainability of the recent price volatility is questionable, creating doubt on Apple’s stock’s ability to remain a robust investment choice.

TradingView indicates that Apple (AAPL) shares are priced at $172.1, marking a decrease of approximately 3.6% over the last day. Detailed analysis of the stock’s performance suggests that despite a potential ongoing downward trend, there is a significant chance for a bullish reversal, given the stock’s upward trajectory since March 2023. Although AAPL stock encounters resistance at the $180 level, there is potential for a boost in buying interest around the immediate Fibonacci retracement levels, which may initiate a shift towards positive momentum. Observations from the daily price chart show that AAPL shares have established a support level around $165, serving as a foundation for potentially breaching the next resistance level. With the stock price recently dropping below various Exponential Moving Average (EMA) trend lines after moving below $175, this could attract traders to initiate short positions, possibly sending the stock lower in the near term. The Balance of Power (BoP) indicator, currently positioned in a slightly bearish zone at 0.87, hints at a minor pullback in the coming hours.

To thoroughly analyze the price of AAPL shares, it is crucial to take a look at the RSI-14 indicator. The RSI indicator recently experienced a decline below the midline as it hovers around a selling region at 43-level. It is anticipated that AAPL stock price will soon attempt to break above its 38.6% Fibonacci level to achieve its short-term bullish goals. If it fails to climb above this Fibonacci region, a downtrend might occur. 

As the SMA-14 continues its downward swing near the 56-level, it trades around the RSI line, potentially accelerating the stock’s downward correction on the price chart. However, if AAPL shares break above the consolidation zone and surge above the Fib lines, it can pave the way to the crucial resistance of $180. A breakout above the strong resistance will drive the share price toward the upper limit of the Bollinger band at $205.

Conversely, if AAPL stock price fails to hold above the critical support level of $165, a sudden collapse may occur, resulting in further price declines and causing the AAPL share to trade near the crucial support zone at $150.

Apple Stock Price Prediction By Blockchain Reporter

Apple Stock Price Prediction 2024

The Apple stock is forecasted to achieve a minimum price of $161 in 2024. It is anticipated that the stock could reach a maximum price of $205, with an average trading price of $186 throughout the year.

Apple Stock Price Prediction 2025

Based on projections and market analysis, the price of Apple stock in 2025 is expected to have a minimum value of $180. The maximum stock price is predicted to be $231, with an average value of $205 over the year.

Apple Stock Price Prediction 2026

Continuing with the trend, Apple’s stock price in 2026 is projected to have a minimum of $199. The stock is anticipated to achieve a maximum price of $257, with an average price throughout the year estimated to be $224.

Apple Stock Price Prediction 2027

For the year 2027, the Apple stock price is predicted to have a minimum value of $218. It could reach a maximum value of $283, with the average trading price around $243.

Apple Stock Price Prediction 2028

The predictions for 2028 suggest that Apple’s stock will have a minimum price of $237. The maximum price could climb to $309, with an average price over the year of $262.

Apple Stock Price Prediction 2029

Looking further ahead, in 2029, Apple’s stock is forecasted to have a minimum value of $256. The maximum stock price is expected to reach $335, with an average value of $281 throughout the year.

Apple Stock Price Prediction 2030

For the year 2030, the Apple stock is anticipated to achieve a minimum price of $275. The stock could reach a peak price of $361, with an average trading price estimated to be $300 for the year.

Apple Stock Forecast: By Experts

According to the consensus from 26 Wall Street analysts who have provided their 12-month forecasts for Apple in the past three months, the average predicted price target stands at $204.86. The projections range from a high of $250.00 to a low of $158.00. This average target suggests an anticipated increase of 18.66% from the most recent trading price of $172.64.

According to the latest forecast by Coincodex for AAPL stock, Apple shares are expected to see a slight increase of 0.11%, reaching an estimated $176.88 per share by March 26, 2024. Coincodex’s analysis, utilizing technical indicators, suggests a bearish sentiment towards the stock, while the Fear & Greed Index indicates a level of 39, which corresponds to Fear. Over the past 30 days, AAPL stock has experienced 11 green days out of 30 (37%), with a price volatility of 3.50%. Based on Coincodex’s predictions for Apple stock, it is considered an opportune moment to purchase AAPL shares, as they are trading 2.35% below the forecasted value.

Conclusion

Apple holds a dominant position in the technology industry, significantly influencing other companies in the electronics sector. Its main competitor in the mobile tech market is Samsung, which excels in mobile device sales. Additionally, Apple contends with smaller firms that have enhanced their offerings to penetrate the market.

These companies offer products similar to Apple’s but at more affordable prices, attracting consumers seeking sophisticated technology without the high cost. However, following a patent lawsuit against Samsung for infringing on patents, these competitors must tread carefully in their design processes to avoid creating products too similar to Apple’s and facing legal challenges.