Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been pretty much a foolproof choice for growth investors from the early days of the iPhone right until the end of 2021. AAPL stock even managed to avoid the November 2021 selloff that took the wind out of so many tech stocks. In fact, through November and December of 2021, Apple shares gained an additional 18.5%.
However, the company has been unable to remain unscathed in 2022. At this point Apple stock is down over 16% for the year, effectively giving back those gains from late last year. However, that means AAPL stock is available at September 2021 prices — before the iPhone 13 and a holiday quarter (always Apple’s best) that helped keep that momentum going through the end of the year.
Today, investors have the opportunity to buy AAPL stock at a discount. And with the company’s biggest product releases of 2022 due to begin arriving, the timing couldn’t be better. The company will be going into the 2022 holiday quarter with an incredibly strong lineup and that is likely to be reflected in a stronger stock price.
Apple Investors Have a Lot to Look Forward to in 2022
When looking for catalysts for AAPL stock growth, there’s no bigger one in the company’s modern history than the iPhone. Apple already got a good start by releasing the low-cost iPhone SE with 5G in March. But the big show will be in September, when Apple is expected to show off new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models. The big flagship reveal always kicks off an upgrade frenzy. In addition, new versions of the Apple Watch and the incredibly popular AirPods Pro are in the pipeline.
The most eagerly anticipated release of 2022 is actually a Mac. Powered by the company’s in-house M1-series processors, Mac sales have been on fire. They are defying industry trends by increasing even as global PC sales have begun to shrink . This year, the company is expected to unveil an all-new version of the MacBook Air, its most popular laptop. Expect a colorful, new, M2-powered MacBook Air to be a big hit. It is also likely Apple is trying to time its release to coincide with the fall back-to-school rush.
As if that’s not enough, the company is inching ever closer to unveiling its AR/VR headset. Apple has reportedly previewed the headset to its board, indicating release is nearing. That could end up being this fall. With all the excitement about the metaverse, the headset could be the next iPhone as far as impact on AAPL stock is concerned.
A Few Risks to Watch
There are issues to keep an eye on in terms of any AAPL stock investment. With many of its Chinese suppliers still recovering from Covid-19 lockdowns, the supply chain could still be a factor. Popular products are only as good as your ability to produce them, and Apple has lost out on billions of dollars in sales because of supply chain snags.
There are also rumors that Apple is expecting iPhone sales to be flat this year, despite the iPhone SE 5G and forthcoming iPhone 14. If that turns out to be the case, it may be a drag on any Apple stock recovery.
Bottom Line: Should You Buy AAPL Stock?
Apple stock currently earns a B rating in Portfolio Grader. There is some risk, especially in the short term, but the reality is that Apple is a proven growth monster.
Even with its 2022 stumble and challenging macroeconomic conditions, many investment analysts remain very bullish on AAPL stock. As InvestorPlace Financial News Writer Samuel O’Brient reported last week, Bank of America just set a $200 price target on AAPL.
In terms of long-term growth stocks, Apple is a winner. AAPL stock is currently priced to buy ahead of its biggest 2022 product launches.
On the date of publication, neither Louis Navellier nor the InvestorPlace Research Staff member primarily responsible for this article held (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.