Apple (AAPL) Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strike Levels and Trade Setups for Dec 19, 2025

• Options data shows heavy call open interest at $280 and $285, with a put/call ratio of 0.71 (calls dominate).
• Technical indicators hint at a potential rebound from oversold RSI (37.5) and Bollinger Band support ($267.85).
• Block trades suggest institutional activity: 880 calls bought at $240 (expiring Oct 17) and 600 puts bought at $235 (expiring Sept 26).

Here’s the thing: Apple’s options market is whispering a story of cautious optimism. While the stock dips 0.2% today, the call/put imbalance and positioning near key levels suggest traders are pricing in a near-term rebound. Let’s break down why this could be your entry point—or warning sign.

What the Options Chain Reveals About Market Sentiment

The options market isn’t just numbers—it’s a crowd-sourced forecast. Right now, calls at $280 ($AAPL20251226C280) and $285 ($AAPL20251226C285) dominate open interest for next Friday’s expiration, with 20,829 and 10,013 contracts outstanding, respectively. That’s not random. Traders are hedging or speculating on a move above the 30D support/resistance zone (278.61–279.01).

Meanwhile, puts at $260 ($AAPL20251226P260) and $270 ($AAPL20251226P270) have 9,574 and 6,428 contracts open, hinting at downside protection bets. But the put/call ratio of 0.71 (calls > puts) leans bullish.

Don’t ignore the block trades either. The 880 calls bought at $240 (expiring Oct 17) and 600 puts bought at $235 (expiring Sept 26) suggest big players are positioning for both directions. Think of it like a tug-of-war: the calls signal confidence in a rebound, while the puts hint at lingering caution.

How Recent News Shapes the Narrative

Apple’s story isn’t just about charts. The Zacks earnings revisions (+0.9% in 30 days) and $8.11 FY estimate (up 8.7% YoY) give bulls a leg up. But valuation debates complicate things: a narrative-based fair value of $287 vs. a DCF model’s $223.87 creates a tug-of-war between growth optimism and discounting concerns.

Regulatory risks (App Store lawsuits) and China’s iPhone demand are wild cards. Here’s the twist: if earnings beat estimates this quarter ($2.65 expected), the $280–$285 call strikes could ignite. But a miss—or regulatory blowback—might send puts at $260 ($AAPL20251226P260) into action.

Actionable Trade Setups for TodayFor Options Traders:

• Bullish Play: Buy $AAPL20251226C280 if AAPL breaks above $272.92 (intraday high). Target: $285–$290. Why? The 30D MA at $274.94 is a psychological hurdle; a close above $279.01 (upper 30D SR) could trigger a rally toward $280+.
• Bearish Hedge: Buy $AAPL20251226P260 if price drops below $270.95 (intraday low). Target: $267.85 (lower Bollinger Band). Why? RSI at 37.5 is oversold, but a break below $267.85 could accelerate selling.

For Stock Traders:

• Entry Near $267.85 (lower Bollinger Band): If AAPL holds here, consider buying on a rebound above $272.19 (previous close). Target: $277.14 (middle Bollinger Band) or $279.01 (30D SR upper bound).
• Stop-Loss: Below $270.95 (intraday low) invalidates the bullish case. Re-evaluate if RSI dips below 30.

Volatility on the Horizon

The next 72 hours will test Apple’s resolve. A breakout above $279.01 could reignite long-term bullish momentum, while a drop below $267.85 might force a reevaluation of the $229.72 200D MA as support. Either way, the options market has already priced in a directional move—now it’s about timing.

Bottom line: This isn’t a binary call. But if you’re willing to play the odds, the $280 call strikes and $260 puts offer a structured way to capitalize on AAPL’s tight range. Just keep an eye on those block trades—they might be the canary in the coal mine.