AAPL Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strikes at $280 and $300 Suggest Aggressive Call Plays as AI Hype Builds

• Current Price: AAPL trades at $273.26, down 0.49% from yesterday’s close.
• Options Imbalance: Call open interest (3.34M) outpaces puts (2.39M), with heavy call OI at $280 and $300.
• News Catalysts: Morgan Stanley raises price target to $315; AI-driven product innovation and services growth highlighted.
• Technical Setup: Short-term bearish but long-term bullish; RSI at 45.37 hints at oversold conditions.

Here’s the core insight: The options market is pricing in a bullish bias, with heavy call interest at key strikes and analysts upgrading targets. But watch for a potential short-term pullback before the next leg higher.Options OI and Block Trades: A Bullish Playbook

Let’s break down what the options data is telling us. The top OTM call options for this Friday (Dec 19) are clustered at $280, $285, and $300, with open interest exceeding 47K at $280. This suggests institutional players are hedging or positioning for a near-term pop above $276.74 (middle Bollinger Band). Meanwhile, the top OTM puts ($230, $200) have much lower OI, indicating limited bearish conviction.

The put/call ratio of 0.716 (calls dominate) reinforces this. But don’t ignore the block trades: A $478K put block at $255 (expiring Sept 19) and a $431K call buy at $240 (Oct 17) hint at mixed strategies. The largest single trade? A 880-lot call purchase at $240, which could signal a whale betting on a rebound from current levels.

AI and Services Catalysts: Why the Bull Case Stands Tall

The news flow aligns with the options data. Morgan Stanley’s $315 target isn’t just a number—it’s backed by Apple’s AI roadmap and services growth. The firm expects EPS to hit $9.83 in 2027, driven by AI integration in devices and services like Apple TV+. Jefferies also raised its target to $283.36, citing improved sentiment and long-term earnings potential.

But here’s the catch: Regulatory risks linger. Antitrust probes in the U.S. and Switzerland could weigh on short-term momentum. Still, the Street seems to believe Apple’s AI-driven product cycle will offset these headwinds.

Actionable Trades: Calls at $280 and $300, or a Breakout Buy

For options traders, the most attractive plays are the AAPL20251226C280 and AAPL20251226C300 calls expiring Dec 26. Why? The $280 strike is just above the 30D support/resistance range (278.61–279.01), and the $300 level has massive open interest (7.5K OI). If AAPL breaks above $276.74 (middle Bollinger Band) and holds above $273.26, these calls could see sharp gains.

For stock buyers, consider entry near $272.28 (intraday low) if the price holds above the lower Bollinger Band ($266.25). A breakout above $278.61 (30D resistance) targets $287 (fair value estimate) and even $300. A bearish hedge? A put spread at AAPL20251226P270 (OI: 4.78K) could cap downside risk if the stock dips below $266.25.

Volatility on the Horizon: Position for the AI-Driven Rebound

The key takeaway? AAPL is in a classic “buy the dip” scenario. The options market is pricing in a bullish bias, technicals suggest oversold conditions, and fundamentals (AI, services) are lining up for a 2026 breakout. That said, short-term volatility is likely—watch the $272.28 support level and the $276.74 Bollinger Band. If the stock holds, the next leg higher could surprise to the upside.

Final call: This isn’t a “buy and forget” trade. But for those willing to ride the AI hype train, the options and stock setups are compelling. Just keep a tight stop and stay nimble—Apple’s next move could be a big one.