American technology giant Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has had a tough run in 2025, with the stock underperforming most of its peers, but July could mark a turning point.
At the close of the Friday trading session, Apple was valued at $201, up more than 2% on the day. Still, the stock remains down over 17% year-to-date.
Looking ahead, historical data shows July is Apple’s strongest month, with gains in 93% of sessions and an average return of 7.2%, far outperforming any other month, according to data provided charting platform TrendSpider in an X post on June 22.
In contrast, June has historically been soft, with only a 47% win rate and modest returns. But once July begins, the tide often turns sharply, making a compelling case for investors hoping to capitalize on a seasonal rebound.
Apple’s 2025 headwinds
Notably, Apple has faced several headwinds in 2025. For instance, trade tensions between the U.S. and China created uncertainty, especially around iPhone pricing and margins, as 80–90% of Apple’s production is based in China. Although both countries have moved toward a deal, earlier concerns rattled investor confidence.
Meanwhile, iPhone sales, particularly in China, have slowed amid rising competition from local players like Huawei and Vivo. This has added pressure to an already saturated smartphone market.
Adding to the strain, Apple has struggled to make a strong impression in the AI race. The company has not gained meaningful traction since debuting new AI features at WWDC 2024.
Reports now suggest the company is eyeing external partnerships, including a potential bid for AI startup Perplexity, to accelerate its AI roadmap.
However, these efforts have come with legal baggage. The technology giant is facing a securities fraud class action filed in San Francisco.
In the matter, shareholders allege the company misled investors about the readiness of its AI-powered Siri upgrades, implying they would drive iPhone 16 demand, only to push the release to 2026. The lawsuit claims this delay contributed to weaker sales and further stock declines.
Featured image via Shutterstock
