Apple (AAPL): Citi Sticks To Buy Rating Despite Tariff Worries

Apple Inc. stock (AAPL) has been one of the US stocks hit the hardest by tariff concerns so far this year. The US Presidential administration has even threatened that the tariffs will hit Apple heavily if the company continues to outsource the development of its American iPhones overseas. Despite all the concerns currently surrounding Apple (AAPL) shares, Citi remains confident in the stock’s potential, maintaining a buy rating.
On Monday, Citi analysts reaffirmed a Buy rating and maintained a $240 price target for AAPL. This represents a potential 19% upside from the current price of $200.81. Citi noted that while the delayed release of AI-powered personalized Siri features hurt Apple’s stock, the company remains strategically positioned to capitalize on Apple Intelligence. Indeed, the iPhone developer continues to leverage its comprehensive approach, integrating hardware, software, and services to capitalize on the era of personal AI server devices.
Investors Hopeful Following Citi’s Apple Stock Forecast?
Citi’s buy rating being maintained is welcome news for investors, as Apple has underperformed in 2025 so far. Year-to-date, AAPL stock is down over 20% and even lower at certain periods. While Magnificent Seven stock members like Microsoft (MSFT) and Meta Platforms (META) are up year-to-date, Apple (AAPL) is the worst performer among the stock grouping. An uncertain US economy amid tariff threats and recession concerns has harmed most of the market, but it certainly hit Apple hardest.
The company has worked to reverse this drop, especially in terms of fighting tariff threats, by investing in AI development and expanding overseas. The iPhone developer is expanding in India, for example, opening a new facility that will create around 14,000 jobs and supply display modules specifically for iPhones that are destined for US markets. Citi analysts likely noticed this and believe that it keeps Apple stock on a solid path.
Also Read: US Stock Rises 36% in a Month: It’s Not Nvidia, Microsoft, or Apple
Furthermore, Apple’s expansion in India reflects a broader supply chain restructuring as the Trump tariffs’ impact continues to influence global manufacturing decisions. Apple’s manufacturing operations in India contributed about 18 percent of global iPhone production in 2024, and projections suggest this could jump to 32 percent in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research.
AAPL stock is trading in the middle of its 52-week range and below its 200-day simple moving average. Analysts at CNN rate the stock as a 7-out-of-10, with the majority of experts surveyed by the firm in agreement. Out of 50 analysts surveyed by CNN Business, 64% suggest buying the stock, while 28% suggest holding onto AAPL, and the remaining 8% opt to sell.
Apple (AAPL): Citi Sticks To Buy Rating Despite Tariff Worries

Apple Inc. stock (AAPL) has been one of the US stocks hit the hardest by tariff concerns so far this year. The US Presidential administration has even threatened that the tariffs will hit Apple heavily if the company continues to outsource the development of its American iPhones overseas. Despite all the concerns currently surrounding Apple (AAPL) shares, Citi remains confident in the stock’s potential, maintaining a buy rating.
On Monday, Citi analysts reaffirmed a Buy rating and maintained a $240 price target for AAPL. This represents a potential 19% upside from the current price of $200.81. Citi noted that while the delayed release of AI-powered personalized Siri features hurt Apple’s stock, the company remains strategically positioned to capitalize on Apple Intelligence. Indeed, the iPhone developer continues to leverage its comprehensive approach, integrating hardware, software, and services to capitalize on the era of personal AI server devices.
Investors Hopeful Following Citi’s Apple Stock Forecast?
Citi’s buy rating being maintained is welcome news for investors, as Apple has underperformed in 2025 so far. Year-to-date, AAPL stock is down over 20% and even lower at certain periods. While Magnificent Seven stock members like Microsoft (MSFT) and Meta Platforms (META) are up year-to-date, Apple (AAPL) is the worst performer among the stock grouping. An uncertain US economy amid tariff threats and recession concerns has harmed most of the market, but it certainly hit Apple hardest.
The company has worked to reverse this drop, especially in terms of fighting tariff threats, by investing in AI development and expanding overseas. The iPhone developer is expanding in India, for example, opening a new facility that will create around 14,000 jobs and supply display modules specifically for iPhones that are destined for US markets. Citi analysts likely noticed this and believe that it keeps Apple stock on a solid path.
Also Read: US Stock Rises 36% in a Month: It’s Not Nvidia, Microsoft, or Apple
Furthermore, Apple’s expansion in India reflects a broader supply chain restructuring as the Trump tariffs’ impact continues to influence global manufacturing decisions. Apple’s manufacturing operations in India contributed about 18 percent of global iPhone production in 2024, and projections suggest this could jump to 32 percent in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research.
AAPL stock is trading in the middle of its 52-week range and below its 200-day simple moving average. Analysts at CNN rate the stock as a 7-out-of-10, with the majority of experts surveyed by the firm in agreement. Out of 50 analysts surveyed by CNN Business, 64% suggest buying the stock, while 28% suggest holding onto AAPL, and the remaining 8% opt to sell.