Apple stock consolidates above $220 as Turkey launches antitrust investigation
Turkish authorities have launched a formal investigation into Apple.
As of March 27, 2025, Apple Inc. (AAPL) is trading at $221.18, marking a modest decline of 0.16% on the day.
The intraday range has been relatively tight, between $220.52 and $222.02, with trading volume currently at 3.13 million shares, below the average daily volume. This price action reflects a consolidation phase, as the stock appears to be in a wait-and-see mode following recent news flow.
From a technical standpoint, AAPL is hovering just above its 50-day simple moving average, which stands near the $220 level. The 200-day moving average, a key long-term trend indicator, lies closer to $228, forming a resistance ceiling that the stock has failed to breach in recent weeks. This sets up a clear near-term technical structure: immediate support is at $220, followed by stronger support at $215. On the upside, resistance is seen at $225 and then at $228.
AAPL stock price dynamics (January 2025 - March 2025). Source: TradingView.
Momentum indicators are showing indecisive signals. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently around 48, placing the stock in neutral territory and reflecting a balance between buying and selling interest. Meanwhile, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) line is slowly climbing toward the signal line from below, suggesting a possible bullish crossover in the near future. However, confirmation is needed for any significant trend reversal.
Regulatory developments
The muted price action in AAPL comes in the wake of a new regulatory probe announced by the Turkish Competition Board. According to recent reporting by TipRanks, Turkish authorities have launched a formal investigation into Apple and several local resellers, alleging interference in retail pricing and potential anti-competitive behavior. This follows similar scrutiny Apple has faced in the European Union under the new Digital Markets Act, which could result in significant operational restrictions or fines.
While the Turkish market represents a small portion of Apple’s global revenues, the investigation signals rising international resistance to Apple’s pricing strategies and distribution control. These global antitrust concerns are increasingly becoming a headwind for the company, especially as it seeks to expand services and maintain premium device pricing amid a maturing smartphone market.
Adding to the uncertainty is the broader macroeconomic environment. U.S. Treasury yields have been volatile, with investors recalibrating expectations for interest rate cuts later in the year. A risk-off sentiment in equities has kept megacap tech names like Apple from regaining recent highs, despite a strong earnings season earlier this year.
Trading scenarios
Given the convergence of technical stagnation and regulatory pressure, Apple’s short-term price outlook is mixed but leaning cautiously bearish unless positive momentum resumes. If the stock can hold above the $220 level and MACD confirms a bullish crossover, there is a high probability of a move back toward $225–228 in the next two to three weeks. A breakout above $228 could open the door to testing January highs near $235.
However, if negative sentiment intensifies—either from Turkey’s probe escalating or further antitrust actions in other jurisdictions—AAPL could fall below $220. In that case, the next downside target would be $215, followed by $210 as a secondary support level.
In January, Apple appointed veteran executive Kim Vorrath to a senior role in its AI and machine learning division, working closely with AI chief John Giannandrea. The move highlights Apple’s renewed focus on overhauling Siri and strengthening its AI capabilities amid competitive and market pressures.
