Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives stated on CNBC's Closing Bell on Friday that Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) represents an important moment for the company's artificial intelligence strategy. Apple is scheduled to host WWDC from June 8-12, marking Tim Cook's final major appearance before stepping down as CEO later in 2026, with John Ternus succeeding him. Ives expects Apple to showcase iOS 27 and AI integrations involving Gemini and Anthropic at the event. The analyst explained that Apple is now positioning itself to enter the consumer AI market after years of unmet expectations, stating the company could act as a "toll collector" on the consumer AI highway. This WWDC occurs as Apple holds an installed base of 2.5 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones, which Ives cited as a unique ecosystem advantage for AI monetization.
Ives Expects iOS 27 and AI Partner Integrations at WWDC
Speaking on CNBC's Closing Bell on Friday, Dan Ives responded to a question about a recent note in which he wrote "We expect fireworks." He explained that expectations for Apple's WWDC are running high, pointing to iOS 27 as a key focus along with expected integrations involving Gemini and Anthropic. Ives stated that sentiment around Apple's AI push has shifted as the company moves closer to execution. "Two years ago, they promised everything, as we know, never came out with this. I think it's actually the first time that they now put their hat in the ring," he said. He added that Apple is now positioning itself to "get into the AI game from a consumer perspective."
Apple's 2.5 Billion Device Installed Base Cited as AI Advantage
Ives emphasized Apple's massive installed base, citing 2.5 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones. He stated that the ecosystem gives the company a unique advantage, adding that without this scale the outlook would be "fine, but not great." According to Ives, service expansion and developer engagement will be central themes at WWDC. He further estimated that around 20% of global consumers could eventually access AI through an Apple device.
Analyst Describes Apple's AI Monetization Positioning
Ives stated that Apple is entering what he views as the start of AI monetization, where the company could act as a "toll collector" on the consumer AI highway. He pointed to leadership under John Ternus and a renewed push into services as key signals of change. He said Apple is moving beyond past delays and positioning itself for a broader AI-driven revenue model.
AAPL Stock Performance Data
On Friday, AAPL shares were up 0.3% in after-hours trading after ending the regular session down 1.25%. Stocktwits sentiment on AAPL was bearish on Friday at the time of writing, while message volume was normal. AAPL stock is up nearly 13% year-to-date and about 53% in the past 12 months. In the same period, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) has gained over 25%, while the Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (QQQ) is up over 36%. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) has risen nearly 26%, and the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) has also gained over 26%.
FAQ
When is Apple's WWDC 2026 scheduled?
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is scheduled to run from June 8-12.
What AI integrations does Dan Ives expect Apple to announce at WWDC?
Dan Ives expects Apple to showcase iOS 27 and AI integrations involving Gemini and Anthropic at WWDC, according to his statements on CNBC's Closing Bell on Friday.
What is Apple's current installed base of devices?
Dan Ives cited Apple's installed base as 2.5 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones during his CNBC appearance on Friday.
