Apple launches M5 chips as Amazon uses Astera Labs

Key Takeaways

• Apple launched new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, offering up to 8x faster AI performance than M1 models and 4x the GPU power of M4.
• Apple also introduced the MacBook Neo with a neural engine and the iPhone 17e with an A19 chip, expanding on-device AI capabilities across its product line.
• Wedbush predicts Apple's AI hardware push could drive a 33% stock gain, maintaining a $350 price target.
• Loop Capital initiated a 'Buy' rating for Astera Labs with a $250 price target, citing its role as a pure-play AI silicon provider outside Nvidia and strong demand from Amazon Web Services.
• Astera Labs designs crucial hardware for connecting processors and memory in data centers, addressing AI system bottlenecks.
• Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff stated that AI has enhanced all of the company's products.
• Templum offers SoFi members private market investment access to AI companies like OpenAI and Perplexity AI via the Cosmos Fund until March 2026.
• Family offices made 41 direct investments in AI startups in February, contributing to $171 billion raised by AI companies, including Azim Premji's investment in Runway.
• The Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has risen 70.68%, driven by the increasing importance of AI and drones in defense.
• Some strategists, like James Thorne of Wellington Altus, believe Wall Street is misinterpreting the AI investment landscape with outdated valuation models.

Apple unveils new AI-focused products and chips

Apple has launched a range of new products, including updated MacBook Pro laptops with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips designed for faster AI tasks. The new silicon offers significantly improved AI performance compared to previous generations. Even the budget-friendly MacBook Neo includes a neural engine for on-device AI features. This strategic hardware upgrade aims to boost sales and prepare for a smarter Siri update later this year. Apple's revenue growth has already accelerated, and these new AI-ready devices could further drive momentum.

Apple's new products signal a major AI hardware push

Apple has introduced new products featuring advanced AI capabilities, including updated MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These chips are designed to significantly speed up machine learning and AI workloads, with performance up to eight times faster than older M1 models. The new MacBook Neo also includes a dedicated neural engine for AI tasks. This focus on on-device AI processing across its product line aims to encourage device upgrades and prepare for future software enhancements like a smarter Siri. The company's recent revenue growth suggests these new offerings could further boost sales.

Wedbush predicts 33% stock gain from Apple's AI hardware

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives believes Apple's latest product launches, centered around AI hardware, could drive a significant upgrade cycle and boost the stock by 33%. The new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips offer greatly enhanced AI performance. Apple also introduced new Mac models, including the affordable MacBook Neo with an A18 Pro chip, and the iPhone 17e with an A19 chip for generative AI. Wedbush maintains a $350 price target for Apple, seeing these AI-focused devices as a catalyst for future growth.

Apple's M5 chips boost AI power, new products drive revenue

Wedbush Securities predicts Apple will see a revenue increase from its new M5-powered Macs, iPhones, and iPads. The M5 chips offer four times the GPU power of the M4, significantly improving AI performance for demanding tasks. This enhanced capability is crucial for AI workflows on Apple's latest laptops. Wedbush maintains an 'Outperform' rating and a $350 price target, viewing the new products and their pricing strategy as a positive catalyst for Apple's financial future.

Wedbush keeps $350 Apple target on AI product push

Wedbush Securities reiterated its 'outperform' rating and $350 price target for Apple, seeing its recent product launches as a strong reinforcement of its AI hardware strategy. The new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips deliver over four times the AI graphics processing power of the previous generation. Apple also introduced the budget-friendly MacBook Neo and the iPhone 17e, enhancing its AI capabilities across its lineup. Wedbush believes this broad refresh, coupled with strategic pricing, will support revenue growth and Mac sales.

Apple's new products drive aggressive AI hardware strategy

Apple has launched new products, including the affordable MacBook Neo, emphasizing its aggressive AI hardware strategy. The revamped MacBook Pro lineup features M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, offering significantly boosted AI performance. These chips enable professionals to run advanced large language models on device. This focus on powerful, on-device AI processing across its product range aims to encourage upgrades and prepare for future AI-driven features. Apple's recent revenue growth indicates strong momentum for these new offerings.

Wedbush maintains $350 Apple target amid AI product surge

Wedbush Securities has maintained its 'outperform' rating and $350 price target for Apple, citing the company's recent product launches as evidence of its strong AI hardware push. The new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips offer significantly enhanced AI processing power. Apple also introduced the budget-friendly MacBook Neo and the iPhone 17e, broadening its AI-enabled device offerings. Wedbush believes this strategy, including updated pricing, will positively impact Mac revenue and overall financial performance.

Loop Capital sees Astera Labs doubling on AI super cycle

Loop Capital initiated coverage of Astera Labs with a buy rating and a $250 price target, suggesting the stock could more than double. Analyst Ananda Baruah calls Astera Labs a leading 'pure play' for diversified AI silicon outside of Nvidia. The firm believes Astera Labs is well-positioned to benefit from an AI 'super cycle,' particularly with Amazon Web Services' strong demand for its chips. Astera Labs' solutions address critical needs in AI servers and clusters, making it valuable as these systems grow more complex.

Astera Labs gets buy rating for AI chip potential

Loop Capital has initiated coverage of Astera Labs with a Buy rating and a $250 price target, indicating the artificial intelligence semiconductor company's shares could more than double. Astera Labs designs hardware that connects processors and memory in data centers, which is crucial for AI infrastructure. Analyst Mark Miller believes the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the AI boom due to its technology addressing key bottlenecks in AI systems, enabling faster data processing.

Salesforce CEO: AI improves all products

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff stated that artificial intelligence has enhanced all of the company's products. He discussed Salesforce's outlook, recent earnings, and the impact of AI on the software sector in an interview with CNBC.

AI and drones boost defense ETF SHLD 70%

The Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has seen a significant increase, rising 70.68%. This growth is attributed to the increasing importance of artificial intelligence and drones in the defense industry. The ETF's performance reflects a broader trend of heightened interest in defense technology investing, especially amid ongoing global conflicts.

Templum offers SoFi members AI investments

Templum is providing SoFi members access to private market investments in leading AI companies like Perplexity AI and OpenAI, along with Colossal Biosciences. These opportunities are available through the Cosmos Fund from March 5 to March 30, 2026. Accredited investors can invest in individual assets or all three companies. Templum aims to provide differentiated access to high-growth private companies in sectors like AI, FinTech, and Defense Technology.

HALO trade offers hedge against AI stock sell-off

A new investment strategy called the 'HALO' trade is gaining traction on Wall Street as a hedge against potential impacts of artificial intelligence. HALO stands for 'Heavy Asset, Low Obsolescence,' and it aims to protect investors' money. This strategy is emerging as AI is expected to significantly reshape the economy and stock market.

Middle East war impacts stocks but AI remains key

While global conflicts in the Middle East have caused stock market declines, artificial intelligence continues to be the most significant dynamic influencing market trends. Despite geopolitical events, the focus on AI development and investment remains strong, shaping the future direction of the market.

China sales and AI margins boost MKS Instruments

MKS Instruments reported a revenue increase and significant earnings growth, driven by strong international sales, especially in China and Singapore. Higher-margin chemistry and services revenue tied to AI and semiconductor demand also contributed. Despite an elevated valuation and some insider selling, the company's performance shows a positive shift in its investment story due to these factors.

Family offices invest heavily in AI startups

Family offices are significantly increasing their investments in AI startups, despite concerns about an AI bubble. In February, these firms made 41 direct investments, primarily in AI-related companies, which collectively raised $171 billion. Notable investments include Emerson Collective's participation in World Labs' $1 billion fundraise and Azim Premji's family office investing in AI video startup Runway. This trend highlights strong confidence in the long-term economic returns of AI.

Strategist: Wall Street misunderstands AI trade

James Thorne, chief market strategist at Wellington Altus, believes Wall Street is misinterpreting the AI investment landscape. He argues that current valuation models are outdated for the AI era, which he compares to historical industrial mobilizations. Thorne criticizes the market's rotation away from AI and software into sectors like utilities at inflated prices, suggesting investors are using old frameworks to assess new economic paradigms.

Sources

• Apple's Brand-New Products Represent an Aggressive AI Push
• Apple's Brand-New Products Represent an Aggressive AI Push
• Apple’s AI Hardware Push Could Drive 33% Upside: Wedbush
• Apple's M5 chips boost GPU power four times over M4 as new products provide revenue catalyst: Wedbush
• Wedbush maintains $350 Apple target as product blitz reinforces AI hardware push
• Apple's Brand-New Products Represent an Aggressive AI Push
• Wedbush maintains $350 Apple target as product blitz reinforces AI hardware push
• Loop Capital thinks this chip manufacturer could more than double on an AI ‘super cycle’
• Astera Labs Gets a Buy Rating. How the AI Semi Stock Could More Than Double.
• Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff: AI has made all of our products better
• SHLD Is Up 70.68% as AI and Drones Reshape Defense Investing
• Templum to Offer Premier Private Market Investment Opportunities in Perplexity AI, OpenAI, and Colossal Biosciences to SoFi Members
• AI Stocks: The HALO Trade As A Hedge Against The AI Sell-Off
• Middle East War Hits Stocks. But AI ‘Is Still the Most Important Dynamic in the Market.’
• How Surging China-led Sales And AI-centric Margins At MKS (MKSI) Have Changed Its Investment Story
• Family offices double down on AI investments as startup fundraising breaks record in February
• What one strategist says Wall Street is getting wrong about the AI trade