AAPL Options Signal Bullish Bias: Calls Dominate at $290 as Loop Capital Raises Price Target to $325

• AAPL drops 1.5% to $279.9, but call open interest outpaces puts 3:1, hinting at hidden optimism.
• $290 calls lead this Friday’s open interest, while block trades show big money buying October 17th calls.
• Loop Capital just raised Apple’s target to $325, citing 22M extra iPhone 17 units—enough to move the needle.

Here’s the takeaway: Despite today’s dip, options data and analyst upgrades suggest a strong case for a rebound. The stock is testing key support, and the options market is pricing in a bullish bias—but risks exist below $270.Bullish Pressure in Options, Whale Moves Signal Confidence

Let’s start with the numbers: call open interest totals 3.5 million vs. 2.4 million for puts. That 43% imbalance isn’t random. This Friday’s $290 call (OI: 44,527) and next Friday’s $290 call (OI: 39,789) are the most watched strikes. Think of it like a crowd gathering at a door—traders are positioning for a push above $285.

But it’s not all one-way bets. Block trades tell a layered story. A 880-lot buy of AAPL20251017C240 (October 17 expiring $240 calls) suggests someone’s hedging a long stock position. Meanwhile, two $478K puts (AAPL20250919P255) hint at cautious downside protection. The message? Bulls are in charge, but not ignoring risks below $260.

News Flow: Price Target Hike and AI Wins Fuel Optimism

Loop Capital’s $325 target isn’t just a number—it’s a signal. Analysts now expect 22 million extra iPhone 17 units sold through mid-2026, plus iPhone 18 models factored into forecasts. That’s real demand, not just hype. Combine that with Apple’s App Store Awards spotlighting AI-driven tools (Tiimo, Essayist), and you’ve got a narrative of innovation and ecosystem strength.

Here’s the catch: today’s price drop (down 1.5%) might be a correction ahead of the post-holiday buying rush. But the options market isn’t pricing in that risk—yet. If Apple holds above its 30-day support ($268.44), the news could amplify a rebound.

Actionable Trades: Calls for the Bold, Bets for the Prudent

For options traders, the AAPL20251205C290 (this Friday’s $290 call) is a high-conviction play. With open interest at 44,527, it’s the most liquid strike for a short-term breakout. If you prefer a longer runway, the AAPL20251212C290 (next Friday) offers leverage with slightly lower premium. Both need a close above $287.50 to justify the risk.

For stock players, consider entry near $273.80 (the middle Bollinger Band) if support holds. A break above $285.52 (upper band) could target $295–$300. On the downside, stop-loss at $268.50 would protect against a breakdown. For a safer bet, buy the AAPL20251212P270 put (OI: 5,456) to hedge a long position.

Volatility on the Horizon: Positioning for AAPL’s 2026 Catalysts

Apple’s technicals and options data point to a stock at a crossroads. The RSI at 67 suggests it’s not overbought yet, and the MACD histogram (0.86) shows momentum still trending higher. But don’t ignore the Bollinger Bands—prices are bouncing between $262 and $285, a range that could tighten before it breaks out.

The big question: Will the iPhone 17’s sales surge materialize as Loop Capital predicts? If so, $325 isn’t out of reach. But if demand falters, those $270–$260 support levels will face pressure. For now, the market’s betting on the former. Your move? Decide how much of that optimism you’re willing to own.