John Squire, a prominent analyst in the XRP community, made a statement comparing the current phase of XRP to Apple Inc. before the iPhone launch. According to Squire, current investors selling XRP may be missing out on a position with significant growth potential in the future, similar to those who sold Apple stock just before the company transformed into a global tech giant.
Squire's comments come at a time of rising optimism surrounding XRP. The coin has recently made a strong recovery, surpassing the important resistance level of $3 twice in the past week. XRP has also risen 49% over the past month, indicating a potential market trend reversal. While some traders may view this as an opportunity to secure short-term profits, others advocate a long-term investment approach.
Historical Context: Apple's Development After the iPhone
To bolster his comparison, Squire points to Apple's performance after the launch of its groundbreaking product. The iPhone was officially introduced in January 2007, marking a significant turning point for the company. Prior to that, Apple’s stock fluctuated slowly over the years, ranging from $0.06 to $1 from 1981 to the late 1990s, and reaching about $3 in 2007.
However, in the years following the iPhone's launch, Apple's stock grew exponentially. By December 2024, the stock peaked at $260. With its current value around $210, the stock has risen more than 6,800% from the $3 level before the iPhone launched. Compared to the 2024 peak, the increase is even more impressive, reaching approximately 8,566%.
Could XRP Experience Similar Growth?
Squire and other XRP supporters argue that the token may currently be in a position similar to Apple in the early 2000s. If XRP replicates Apple's growth pattern from the $3 level, theoretically, its price could rise to over $200. While such predictions are purely speculative, they reflect the high expectations of a significant portion of the community.
Several developments are driving this sentiment. These include increasing speculation about the approval of multiple XRP spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as well as discussions about the potential role of XRP in national digital asset strategy. Some analysts also suggest that companies may adopt XRP as a treasury reserve, similar to how some companies have adopted Bitcoin.
Furthermore, resolving the legal battle between Ripple and the SEC has removed a significant source of uncertainty. With improved regulatory clarity and increased utility-focused adoption, supporters believe that the long-term value of XRP is becoming more attractive.
Although critics warn against making overly optimistic forecasts, especially regarding extreme price targets, the general shift in market sentiment suggests that many are now reassessing the long-term potential of XRP.