Apple stock (AAPL) is down 4.7% to start 2025, not like its strong performances of the 2024 fiscal year. Some analysts worry that the stock will have a down-year compared to recent performances, citing several signals that could stall AAPL growth. The US stock market remains in the red this week as fears of a crash loom. The grey cloud surrounding the markets stems from Trump-induced tariffs and other macroeconomic factors that affect trade and commerce. Apple is one of several stocks being affected, and this may carry out throughout several more months.

Apple recently released its new iPhone 16e model. However, opening sales were largely underwhelming. On March 3, Jefferies analysts led by Edison Lee noted about Apple Inc. that China’s smartphone growth momentum is stalling. This likely played a role in the underwhelming iPhone 16e sales to start. Discussing the iPhone 16e, the analysts stated that even though sales data isn’t out yet, specifications and price comparison with iPhone 14/15 show that the 16e is unattractive. Further, the phones’ Apple Intelligence AI capabilities aren’t helping its case, signaling that the company’s work in AI may not rescue it.

Analysts Suggest Apple Will Continue to Underperform

Additionally, Jeffries maintains an “underperform” rating on Apple (AAPL) stock in 2025. Further, the firm has confirmed a $202.33 price target, with shares currently sitting at 239.06. A steeper falloff could send stock under $200 for the first time since Summer 2024. Leading on-chain metrics and price prediction firm Traders Union remains cautious about Apple’s prospects for March 2025. According to the price prediction, the average trading price for AAPL could be at the $240 level, which is the same price it’s moving in the charts in February. However, so far it is far below that level.

Another factor affecting Apple’s stock performance could be the ongoing Trump Tariff talks. With new Tariffs against Canada and Mexico already underway, increased tariffs could drop the overall market further, including AAPL. CNBC stock expert Jim Cramer suggests that despite Apple’s recent strong investments in AI and U.S.-based operations, the overall market struggles could cap Apple’s performance.

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“As someone who cares about the stock market, I can tell you that we’re entering a new, more mercurial world where we have to start worrying about the president’s public appearances because we don’t know which country, which continent, which ally he is going to attack next,” Cramer said on a recent episode of Mad Money. Cramer also emphasized that the unpredictability of tariff discussions has overshadowed other major economic concerns, including interest rates and bonds.

Therefore, if the market remains sluggish, AAPL’s price could be stagnant in March 2025 with little to no price spurts. On the flip side, if the markets turn bearish, Apple stock could establish a new resistance at the $216 mark, higher than the sluggish $202 mark from Jeffries.