** Shares of Apple dipped 1.5% ahead of qtrly results after the bell, with focus on iPhone demand in China and new AI features
** Investors watching for rev jump driven by iPhone sales, especially in China, and potential impact of modest release of AI features
** Co on Wed launched new MacBook Pro models, aiming to attract creative professionals amid soft personal computer sales
** AAPL stock up about 18% YTD, underperforming Nasdaq's 21% rise
** Stock trading 4% below its record high close on Oct. 21
** "We expect Apple to deliver in-line results against current estimates, which should enable the stock to work higher, especially as we suspect their guide and iPhone commentary will be incrementally better vs. fears," Evercore ISI analysts wrote in a client note this week
** Analysts on avg expect qtrly rev up 5.7% to $94.58 bln, which would be strongest qtrly rev growth since 2022 fiscal fourth qtr, per LSEG
** Adjusted EPS seen at $1.60 vs $1.46 yr-ago, per LSEG
** AAPL's PE ratio at 31 times expected earnings, above 5-year avg of 26, per LSEG data
(Reporting by Noel Randewich)
((noel.randewich@tr.com;))
