Apple is back in the spotlight of the global market, as the Cupertino-based tech giant is on track to become the third company in history to reach a market capitalization of $4 trillion. This impressive rise is largely due to the exceptional commercial success of the iPhone 17 series, which seems to restore the company's momentum after a period of instability.
iPhone 17 brings a "breath" of growth
According to a report by Counterpoint Research, the new iPhone series has surpassed the sales of the previous generation iPhone 16 in the United States and China in the first ten days of its release. The increase comes at a critical time as Apple tries to regain ground from intense Chinese competitive pressure from Huawei and other Android manufacturers.
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The iPhone 17 series includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and the new iPhone Air , which has been described as the thinnest smartphone the company has ever made. In China, the iPhone Air sold out within minutes of its pre-orders opening in September, proving that the brand's "magic" still has a huge impact on consumers.
Record capitalization and rise in the stock market
The impressive sales performance has translated into an explosive rise in Apple's stock, which has strengthened by 4.2%, reaching $262.9. The company's valuation now reaches $3.9 trillion, leaving it behind only Nvidia, which maintains the top spot thanks to its dominance in the artificial intelligence market. Third in line is Microsoft, which follows with a valuation of just over $3 trillion.
Analysts predict that if Apple's sales continue at the same pace, the company could surpass the $4 trillion mark before the end of 2025 — an achievement that would return it to the top of the global stock market hierarchy.
Analysts' optimism and the fourth quarter bet
Evercore ISI, one of the most prestigious research and brokerage institutions in New York, added Apple stock to its Tactical Outperform, expecting the company to exceed market estimates in the fourth quarter of 2025.
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In their note, Evercore analysts stressed that the explosion of online orders in China is a clear indication of increased demand for the iPhone 17 series, while the extended delivery times — which reached mid-October — indicate that production is struggling to meet the huge demand.
Maintaining stable prices in the Chinese market is also considered a strategic move, as it protects the brand's reputation without provoking negative reactions from consumers in a period of economic uncertainty.
The challenges: Competition, tariffs and geopolitics
Despite the optimism, Apple has not overcome all difficulties. In early 2025, the company's shares were pressured by intense competition in China and concerns about new US tariffs on countries like China and India — critical markets for Apple's supply chain.
However, the company has responded strongly, announcing $100 billion in investments in the United States to boost domestic production and reduce its reliance on Asia. The move is seen by investors as a precautionary strategy against geopolitical pressures, but also as a signal of confidence in the American economy.
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From hardware to experience: The new era of Apple
Apple's rise isn't just about the iPhone. The company is steadily expanding its ecosystem through serviceslike Apple Music, iCloud, and Vision Pro OS, aiming to create a complete digital experience around the user.
The company's philosophy is now shifting from "selling products" to "creating experiences." And as long as the iPhone continues to serve as the core of that ecosystem, Apple's value looks poised to shatter yet another Wall Street milestone.
