Wedbush technology sector analyst Daniel Ives already had the highest price target for the iPhone maker among Wall Street analysts, but on Thursday he boosted it further on an expected surge in interest in artificial-intelligence-enhanced iPhones.

Apple's stock AAPL eased 0.1% in premarket action on Thursday as trading resumed after the Christmas break. The stock had gained 4.1% amid a four-day win streak to close Tuesday at a record $258.20.