Apple’s latest iPhone 17 lineup is barely out of the gate and momentum is already building—on store shelves and on Wall Street. Evercore ISI analyst Amit Daryanani reiterated an Outperform rating on Apple and maintained a $260 price target, signaling confidence that demand for the new devices will support continued growth. With Apple shares recently closing at $236.70, that target implies meaningful upside if the current trajectory holds.
What’s fueling the optimism? Aggressive carrier promotions in the first week of launch. Major U.S. carriers, including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, are rolling out substantial trade-in offers to nudge customers toward upgrading to the iPhone 17 and the new iPhone Air. AT&T and Verizon are advertising trade-in credits that can reach up to $1,100, applied as monthly bill credits over two to three years. AT&T is spreading credits across 36 months, while T-Mobile is doing so over 24 months; Verizon is pursuing a similar model. The structure lowers the upfront cost of ownership and, for many buyers who plan to stay with their carrier long-term, makes the newest iPhone far more accessible.
According to Evercore, these carriers’ heavier-than-usual trade-in values are drawing attention and could spark a stronger-than-expected upgrade cycle. That dynamic not only appeals to loyal iPhone users ready to refresh their devices, but also to more budget-conscious buyers who might otherwise wait—especially when monthly credits substantially reduce the total cost over time.
If these promotions succeed in driving demand as anticipated, Apple stands to reinforce its position in a fiercely competitive smartphone market. For investors, the combination of early momentum, compelling carrier incentives, and a supportive analyst outlook underpins the case for continued strength as the iPhone 17 family makes its way into more hands.
