Options Market Statistics: Apple to Increase iPhone Shipments by 10% in 2024, Shares Reach All-Time High, Options Pop

Apple plans to ship at least 90 million iPhone 16 devices in the latter half of this year, aiming for a 10% increase in shipments compared to the iPhone 15. The company is relying on new AI features to boost demand after a challenging 2023. Apple expects a stronger 2024 despite competition from AI-enhanced smartphones by rivals like Samsung and Xiaomi. The tough comparison with 2023, especially in China, where Huawei's Mate 60 Pro gained popularity, also plays a role in these projections.

Shares of AMD surged after the company announced its acquisition of European AI lab Silo AI for approximately $665 million. Silo AI specializes in adding AI capabilities to customer products, including training multilingual large language models using AMD GPUs. This move is seen as a commitment by AMD to enhance its AI capabilities and market share.

The market's reaction suggests that while the acquisition is significant, it isn't transformative for AMD's overall business perception. This follows a recent 7.5% stock gain 20 days ago when Piper Sandler analyst Harsh Kumar named AMD a "Top Pick," citing strong performance and upcoming chip releases. AMD's shares have been notably volatile, with 18 moves greater than 5% over the past year.

Palantir Technologies has seen its stock rise over 60% in 2024, prompting speculation about whether it could double by year's end. The company's strength in AI software, particularly with its new Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), has driven its popularity. AIP integrates AI into company workflows, and its unprecedented demand suggests strong future growth potential.

In Q1, Palantir reported a 21% increase in sales, with U.S. commercial revenue growing 40% year-over-year. However, its largest clients, government entities, have yet to adopt AIP fully. For Q2, Palantir expects revenue of $651 million (24% growth) and has raised its full-year revenue expectations, reinforcing its bullish outlook. This growth is crucial to justify Palantir's premium stock valuation.