The trading day left Apple within striking distance of a symbolic goal: approaching 4 trillion dollars valuation thanks to the commercial push of the family iPhone 17, which has revived investment appetite in two key locations.
The new model has gotten off to a good start in United States and China, where the first data point to a start above expectationsAccording to Counterpoint, sales of the iPhone 17 series outperformed the iPhone 16 by 14% during its first ten days on sale in both markets.
The iPhone 17's price increases
Shares advanced around one 4,3% At the close, it fell to $263,20, after hitting an intraday high of $264,38. This brings its market capitalization to around $3,91 trillion, leaving the company just a step away from the $4 trillion club, which includes Nvidia and, intermittently, Microsoft.
The escalation of the action consolidates Apple as one of the most followed stocks on the American stock market.
The stock's performance is directly linked to the reception of the new iPhone: the initial pull in the US and China has raised market expectations and given air to the thesis of a stronger than expected renewal cycle, with better delivery times than in recent years.
- Intraday Max: $264,38
- Closing of the day: $263,20
- Capitalization: ~3,91 trillion dollars
- Difference in initial sales (Counterpoint): +14% vs. iPhone 16
If the purchasing tone and sales pace are sustained, the company could overcome in a stable manner the 4 trillion barrier, a historic milestone that would reinforce its position as the second most valuable company in the world behind Nvidia.
Initial sales and analysts' reading
Counterpoint notes that sales of the 17 series beat by a 14% its predecessor in the first ten days in the US and China. The combination of hardware improvements —brighter screen, longer-lasting battery and new chip—, along with stable base prices, would have favored early adoption.
On the demand side, Evercore ISI analysts included Apple on their tactical “Outperform” list, citing early signs of orders. more vigorous in China behind the opening of online sales and longer than usual initial delivery times.
Loop Capital, for its part, raised its recommendation to “buy” and set a target price of $315, based on the idea of a long and sustained update cycle. B Riley Wealth points out that the new iteration of the iPhone is performing above from initial market expectations.
The renewed enthusiasm comes after a more tepid start to the year, marked by doubts about competition in China and uncertainty surrounding the US tariffs to Asian production centers. The appeal of the iPhone 17 may have helped reverse that trend.
Risks, diversification and upcoming milestones
Experts warn that once the novelty effect passes, growth could moderate your pulse in a market showing signs of saturation. In addition, higher production costs, a strong dollar, and tariffs could put pressure on margins in the coming months
To reduce dependence on the iPhone, Apple has intensified its commitment to digital services (App Store, iCloud, Music, TV+), an area that already accounts for more than a quarter of revenue. In parallel, the company is accelerating the integration of Artificial Intelligence in the ecosystem and maintains its roadmap on devices like the Apple Vision Pro headset.
In the shorter term, the market will be waiting for the company's accounts will be presented on October 30, where the first full impacts of the launch will be measured. Some firms point to particularly robust iPhone shipments; Loop Capital, for example, cites 56,5 million of units in the third quarter of 2025 as a reference for cycle traction.
If the combination of strong demand, investor confidence and diversification continues, Apple would have options to cross and hold the 4 trillion mark. The challenge, however, will be to extend the iPhone 17 cycle and consolidate new growth drivers that cushion the ups and downs of the core business.
With a price that has reached new highs, a capitalization of around 3,91 billones and a sales start of the iPhone 17 above the previous model, Apple is in a favorable scenario to aspire to the milestone of 4 billion, always with the nuance of the macro and competitive risks that may affect the journey.
