** Apple AAPL.O shares edging up 0.2% on Thurs ahead of qtrly results due after the bell, with focus on iPhone demand and its partnership with Google on AI features
** The iPhone maker is expected to report qtrly rev up 11% to $138.48 bln and adj EPS of $2.67, from $2.40 a yr ago, per LSEG
** Stock has fallen about 5% YTD, underperforming a 1% gain in the Nasdaq .IXIC
** Investors will also look for commentary on how the co plans to navigate a global memory chip crunch and regulatory scrutiny of its App Store in Europe
** Shares last traded 10% below their Dec. 2, 2025 record high close
** Average rating of 48 analysts is 'buy', broken down as 29 'buy' or 'strong buy' recommendations, 17 'hold' recommendations and 2 'sell' recommendations
(Reporting by Noel Randewich)
((noel.randewich@thomsonreuters.com))
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