![Apple shares jumped 4.2% to $262.9, giving it a market capitalisation of about $3.9 trillion and making it the second most valuable company in the world after AI-chip giant Nvidia [File] | Photo Credit: REUTERS](https://newspage360.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-10-17T130043Z_1462447453_RC2O3EAITERD_RTRMADP_3_APPLE-F1-1068x601.jpg "Apple shares jumped 4.2% to $262.9, giving it a market capitalisation of about $3.9 trillion and making it the second most valuable company in the world after AI-chip giant Nvidia [File] | Photo Credit: REUTERS")
Key Takeaways
- Apple shares surged 4.2% to $262.9, nearing $4 trillion valuation
- iPhone 17 series outsold iPhone 16 by 14% in early US-China sales
- Stock added to Evercore ISI’s Tactical Outperform List
- Earnings report scheduled for October 30
Apple Inc. is approaching the historic $4 trillion market valuation milestone after its shares hit an all-time high on Monday. The surge comes as early sales data reveals stronger-than-expected demand for the latest iPhone 17 series.
Strong iPhone 17 Performance
According to research firm Counterpoint, the iPhone 17 series has significantly outperformed its predecessor during the first 10 days of availability in both China and the United States. The newer models recorded 14% higher sales compared to the iPhone 16 series launch period.
Apple shares jumped 4.2% to $262.9, pushing the company’s market capitalization to approximately $3.9 trillion. This positions Apple as the world’s second most valuable company, trailing only AI-chip giant Nvidia.
Analyst Confidence and Brokerage Support
Over the weekend, Evercore ISI added Apple stock to its Tactical Outperform List, citing expectations that the company will exceed market projections for the current quarter. The brokerage also anticipates positive forecasts for the crucial December quarter.
“The recent launch of online orders in China may be a positive tailwind for the Dec-qtr, as initial delivery time data reflects stronger initial demand relative to other regions at launch,” Evercore ISI analysts wrote in a note.
Product Strategy and Market Response
Apple introduced its upgraded iPhone lineup in September, featuring a slimmer iPhone Air model while maintaining stable pricing despite ongoing U.S. tariff concerns.
“They rolled out the latest version of their iPhone and it’s doing much better than anticipated … the demand trends for the company’s iPhones are now on the front foot,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Earlier this year, Apple shares faced pressure due to intense competition in the Chinese market and uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs affecting its major manufacturing hubs in China and India.
However, the stock has shown steady recovery since early August following Apple’s commitment to $100 billion in additional U.S. investment—a strategic move that could help mitigate potential tariff impacts.
If current gains hold, Apple is poised for its largest single-day jump in four weeks, with year-to-date growth exceeding 5%. Investors await the company’s quarterly earnings report scheduled for October 30.
