Key HighlightsCEO John Ternus introduced the iPhone Duo, marking Apple’s entry into foldable smartphones with a $2,000 price pointiPhone 18 series launching exclusively with high-end variants; budget-friendly models postponed until 2027Enhanced Siri AI functionality rolling out in beta phase this month, though unavailable in EU and Chinese marketsPayden & Rygel dramatically expanded Apple holdings by 276% during Q2, elevating it to their portfolio’s second positionWall Street consensus points to “Moderate Buy” designation with projected price target averaging $331.53Apple’s most significant hardware reveal this year took center stage Thursday, with newly appointed CEO John Ternus emphasizing display innovation over artificial intelligence capabilities.iPhone DuoiPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro MaxApple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4AirPods 5… and Joz pic.twitter.com/TWj3GjDSmk— John Ternus (@johnternus) September 9, 2026The centerpiece announcement featured the iPhone Duo—Apple’s inaugural foldable device carrying a $1,999 price tag. This handset boasts a 7.6-inch display when opened fully alongside a 5.4-inch exterior screen. Ternus criticized rival foldables as feeling like “two phones awkwardly stuck together,” presenting the Duo as Apple’s refined alternative.Apple Inc., AAPLShares of AAPL began Thursday’s trading session at $315.34, reflecting a 16% gain year-to-date prior to market open. The equity trades within a 52-week spectrum of $225.95 to $344.57 and commands a market capitalization reaching $4.60 trillion.The forthcoming iPhone 18 collection will debut exclusively with premium-tier options. Consumers seeking more affordable base configurations must wait until calendar year 2027. Additionally, Apple implemented a $100 price increase on iPhone 18 Pro models while adjusting pricing upward across legacy products.An extensively anticipated Siri artificial intelligence enhancement enters beta testing this month, though European Union and Chinese markets face initial exclusion from availability.Institutional Momentum BuildsInvestment firm Payden & Rygel substantially expanded its Apple holdings by 275.8% throughout Q2, concluding the period with 138,310 shares valued at approximately $40 million. The position now represents 3.1% of their total portfolio and stands as their second-largest equity allocation.Major institutional players have demonstrated significant activity. Norges Bank established a fresh position valued at approximately $52.3 billion during Q4. Nuveen initiated a new $17.5 billion stake in Q1. Vanguard expanded its holdings by 1.9% in Q4, accumulating 1.43 billion shares worth $387.7 billion. Institutional ownership of AAPL currently stands at 67.73%.Apple’s most recent quarterly results delivered $2.02 earnings per share, surpassing analyst expectations of $1.89 by $0.13. Total revenue reached $109.42 billion, representing 16.4% year-over-year growth and marginally exceeding the $109.04 billion consensus forecast.Wall Street PerspectivesAnalyst opinions diverge as the product launch unfolds. Wedbush Securities maintained its “outperform” designation alongside a $400 price objective. Tigress Financial preserved its “strong buy” stance with a $375 target. Rosenblatt Securities adjusted its target upward from $300 to $303 while retaining a “neutral” classification. Barclays sustained its “underweight” position with a $245 target.Aggregate analyst sentiment from 39 professionals yields a “Moderate Buy” recommendation with an average price projection of $331.53.Competitive dynamics intensified as Huawei unveiled its Mate XT2 tri-fold device preceding Apple’s presentation, establishing market pressure on the Duo prior to retail availability.Apple’s Thursday showcase also featured AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, and Watch Ultra 4 launches, completing an extensive product portfolio update.The iPhone 18 Pro incorporates a 2-nanometer A20 Pro processor, enhanced camera systems, extended battery performance, and advanced Siri capabilities.Equity research professionals project Apple will achieve $8.74 earnings per share for the complete fiscal year.The post Apple (AAPL) Stock Analysis: Foldable iPhone Duo and Premium Strategy Impact appeared first on Blockonomi.