Most of the news this week has been pretty bleak, and omicron speculation has topped the airwaves. Still, fans of Apple's technology can expect to see a major catalyst in early 2022. According to MacRumors, Apple plans to release the third-generation iPhone SE in the first quarter of next year. So far, it looks like the newest member of the smartphone family will be available by the end of March, with no further delays. Not surprisingly, Apple shares reacted well to the news.
What happened to Apple stock
Apple shares rose more than 2 percent on news of the long-awaited iPhone launch. Although the stock fell on Black Friday, it bounced back pretty well. The index is up nearly 2 percent this week. Still, Apple had a good month overall, with its stock up nearly 10% for the month. As the holiday season approaches, shopping trends could help inventories continue to rise for the rest of the year.
While uncertainty continues to cast a pall over the market, largely due to omicron, none of these factors will have much of an impact on Apple's stock price.
Why is it important
Moreover, the upcoming iPhone announcement could help spur growth throughout the first quarter of 2022. Investors Place's Faisal Humayun recently named Apple as the blue-chip with the biggest growth potential and dividend payout potential over the next year, pointing to the upcoming iPhone launch and the company's recently reported strong earnings as key drivers of cash flow.
It's worth noting that Apple is a company well-positioned to withstand rising costs amid persistent inflation concerns. Patrick Sanders, a contributor to InvestorPlace, recently touted the potential of Apple's (AAPL) stock, citing its high market value and substantial cash reserves. The launch of the new iPhone will only boost sales. Even with the delay, the buzz around it is likely to keep its momentum going until it hits the market. The loyalty of Apple customers is a powerful asset for the company.
What it means
No doubt we are in for a complicated holiday. New COVID-19 variants, uncertain holiday travel plans, inflation fears, and supply chain anxiety are all wreaking havoc, leaving investors with more questions than answers. In the case of Apple's stock, however, it is clear that the company is not going to move much.
The tech industry won't be affected as much as other industries if the concerns get traction. Regardless of the exact release date, the iPhone SE is a catalyst that will get a lot of consumers excited. As we gear up for the coming year, investors need not worry about the future of Apple stock.
