Apple has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing the $4 trillion mark in market value, becoming the third major technology company to do so. The company’s soaring valuation comes amid strong demand for its latest iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models, which have revitalised global sales and investor confidence.
iPhone Launches Drive Market Turnaround
Apple’s stock has climbed nearly 13% since its new product launches on September 9. This surge marks a remarkable comeback for the company, which struggled earlier in the year due to competition in China and uncertainty over U.S. tariffs. The new iPhone lineup, featuring sleeker designs and advanced performance, quickly captured consumer interest in major markets such as the United States, China, and Europe.
The iPhone continues to be Apple’s most profitable product, accounting for more than half of its revenue and earnings. According to analysts, the success of recent models reinforces Apple’s strategy of expanding its ecosystem by increasing user engagement across devices and services.
Global Demand Strengthens Apple’s Position
Early data from research firms show that sales of the iPhone 17 have outperformed the previous generation by 14% in both the U.S. and China. The iPhone Air’s ultra-slim design has also attracted customers looking for innovation and style, helping Apple compete strongly against rivals like Samsung Electronics.
Despite higher manufacturing costs caused by tariffs, Apple has absorbed much of the financial impact to maintain competitive pricing. Analysts expect that strong global demand will enable the company to exceed its quarterly market expectations for the period ending in September.
Investors Welcome Apple’s Growth Momentum
Apple’s market rally reflects renewed optimism among investors, who had earlier raised concerns about the company’s slow progress in artificial intelligence. With this milestone, Apple joins Nvidia and Microsoft in the exclusive $4 trillion club. Nvidia currently leads with a market capitalization exceeding $4.5 trillion, while Microsoft recently rejoined after securing a strategic deal involving OpenAI.
Apple’s shares reached an all-time high of $269.20 during early trading. The company’s strong quarterly results, reported in the April–June period, already signaled a recovery. Double-digit growth across key segments indicated that Apple’s core business remains resilient despite competitive pressures.
AI Challenges Remain for Apple
While Apple’s hardware performance continues to impress, questions linger about its artificial intelligence strategy. The company’s cautious approach and delayed rollout of its Apple Intelligence suite have raised concerns among investors. Planned upgrades to Siri, including ChatGPT integration, have been postponed until next year.
Reports suggest Apple is exploring partnerships with major AI developers, including Alphabet’s Gemini AI, Anthropic, and OpenAI. Analysts believe that a clearer and more engaging AI roadmap could further strengthen Apple’s growth prospects.
Looking Ahead
Apple will announce its next quarterly results on October 30, with analysts expecting continued strength driven by robust iPhone sales. The company’s shares currently trade at 33.2 times projected earnings for the next 12 months, compared with 27.4 for the Nasdaq 100 index.
Although Apple’s 7% annual gain trails the Nasdaq’s 22% rise, its long-term outlook remains positive. With global demand surging and a potential AI expansion on the horizon, Apple’s $4 trillion achievement marks not just a financial record, but a renewed era of innovation and market leadership.
