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A next generation iPhone 17 is held during an Apple special event at Apple headquarters on Sept. 9, 2025 in Cupertino, California.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
Shares of Apple (AAPL) surged nearly 4% on Monday, hitting a record closing price of $262.24, fueled by a new report indicating robust early sales of the iPhone 17 in both the U.S. and Chinese markets. This performance underscores Apple’s persistent brand strength and its ability to resonate with consumers despite increasing competition in the premium smartphone segment.
Data from Counterpoint Research reveals that the iPhone 17 series, launched in September, has outpaced its predecessor, the iPhone 16 series, by a significant 14% in combined U.S. and China sales within the initial ten days of availability. This strong uptake highlights the consumer appeal of the upgraded features and strategic pricing strategies employed by Apple.
“The base model iPhone 17 is presenting a highly compelling value proposition for consumers,” notes Mengmeng Zhang, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint Research. “The combination of a superior chip, enhanced display, increased base storage, and an upgraded selfie camera—all offered at the same price point as last year’s iPhone 16—makes this device an almost irresistible choice, especially when factoring in channel discounts and promotional offers.”
Beyond initial sales figures, market analysts are focusing on the underlying factors driving the iPhone 17’s success, including advancements in AI integration and enhanced user experience powered by the A20 bionic chip. The A20 chip promises not only faster processing speeds but also improved energy efficiency, a key consideration for environmentally conscious consumers.
Loop Capital has revised its outlook on Apple, upgrading the stock from hold to buy and raising the price target to $315 per share, a substantial increase from the previous target of $226. This bullish sentiment reflects confidence in Apple’s continued growth trajectory, driven by sustained iPhone demand and expansion into new product categories.
“While Wall Street has already factored in a degree of outperformance from Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup, we believe there remains significant upside to market expectations through calendar year 2027,” stated Ananda Baruah of Loop Capital in a note to clients on Monday. The firm’s analysis suggests that Apple’s long-term growth potential is being underestimated by the market, pointing to opportunities in areas such as augmented reality and the development of its custom silicon ecosystem.
Last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook engaged with employees and government representatives in China, coinciding with the launch of the new iPhone Air. Reports indicate that initial stock of the iPhone Air quickly sold out following its release. This apparent success in the crucial Chinese market is a welcome sign for investors, especially amid geopolitical tensions and increasing competition from domestic smartphone manufacturers.
Evercore analyst Amit Daryanani, in a note released on Sunday, highlighted the potential positive impact of the iPhone Air’s popularity in China on Apple’s stock performance. The firm maintains an equivalent of a buy rating on the stock, citing its belief that Apple is well-positioned to exceed expectations in the upcoming earnings report.
“We expect Apple to report strong results for the September quarter later this month,” Daryanani wrote, emphasizing the positive momentum driven by the iPhone 17 series and the initial success of the iPhone Air.
Despite experiencing volatility earlier in the year, Apple’s stock has shown resilience, gaining approximately 5% year-to-date in 2025. While this performance lags behind some of the other “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks such as Nvidia, Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet, Apple has demonstrated a strong rebound in the last three months, surging by 24%. This resurgence indicates renewed investor confidence in Apple’s ability to innovate and maintain its leadership position in the consumer electronics market.
Apple’s ability to consistently deliver compelling products, combined with a strategic focus on emerging technologies and key markets, suggests a positive outlook for the company in the coming years. However, challenges remain, including navigating regulatory scrutiny, managing supply chain complexities, and adapting to evolving consumer preferences. The company’s success will depend on its ability to proactively address these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the rapidly changing technology landscape.
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