#Apple

Apple’s stock surged nearly 4% to a record high, driven by strong early iPhone 17 sales in the US and China, surpassing its predecessor by 14%. Analysts attribute this success to upgraded features, strategic pricing, and advancements in AI integration powered by the A20 chip. Loop Capital upgraded Apple’s stock, raising the price target to $315, citing underestimated long-term growth potential. The successful iPhone Air launch in China further boosts investor confidence. Analysts anticipate strong September quarter results, fueled by iPhone momentum. Despite earlier volatility, Apple’s stock has rebounded strongly, signaling renewed investor confidence.

Apple’s stock reached an all-time high driven by strong iPhone 17 demand, defying earlier concerns about tariff impacts and perceived shortcomings. Counterpoint Research indicates significant outperformance compared to the iPhone 16. Analysts are upgrading AAPL, citing compelling value in the base iPhone 17 model and robust performance from the iPhone Air. Loop Capital set a $315 price target, while Melius Research anticipates a “beat and raise” quarter and highlights the potential of an AI-enhanced Siri. Easing concerns over AI, regulations, and tariffs further boost market sentiment.

Apple is reportedly finalizing a $140 million deal for Formula 1’s U.S. broadcast rights, signaling its aggressive push into live sports. Apple aims to revolutionize sports broadcasting, departing from traditional fragmented models. Eddy Cue emphasizes the need for a modernized, integrated viewing experience, criticizing the current subscription overload. Apple seeks exclusive control over sports leagues, exemplified by the F1 deal and its MLS partnership, aiming to attract younger audiences and reshape content consumption.

Apple’s Eddy Cue outlined the company’s strategy for sports rights, focusing on innovation and differentiated experiences. While interested in acquiring rights, Apple seeks opportunities to deliver something “unique and special,” aiming to disrupt traditional broadcasting models. Cue highlighted issues like blackouts and content fragmentation, referencing Apple TV+’s MLS broadcasting as an example of improvement. Apple is experimenting with broadcasting techniques, seeking a “level of differentiation” by improving video quality and exploring unconventional camera angles. The company views sports rights as a way to reshape how sports are consumed globally.

Apple unveiled updated MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro models, all powered by the new M5 chip, promising significant performance upgrades. The MacBook Pro starts at $1,599, the iPad Pro at $999, and the Vision Pro, now with a Dual Knit Band, at $3,499. The M5 chip boasts a fourfold increase in compute performance with enhanced AI capabilities. This launch is strategically timed before the holiday season, while analysts are monitoring Apple’s pricing amid geopolitical concerns.

Apple’s stock rebounded after the iPhone 17 launch, overcoming earlier 2025 losses. Strong demand, indicated by extended iPhone 17 delivery times (18 days vs. iPhone 16’s 10 days), and a rebound in China fuel the surge. While Apple’s 2025 stock performance lagged due to lower AI investment, new products integrate AI features like real-time translation in AirPods Pro 3 and proactive health alerts in Apple Watch. Investors await further AI announcements to assess Apple’s competitiveness in the AI landscape.

Luxshare’s shares soared on reports of a potential partnership with OpenAI to manufacture a consumer AI device, targeted for release in late 2026 or 2027. Leveraging ChatGPT, OpenAI aims to create a screen-less smart speaker, challenging Apple and Amazon in the voice assistant market. Luxshare, a key Apple supplier, is reportedly developing a prototype. OpenAI has strategically hired Apple hardware experts and partnered with Jony Ive’s firm, signaling a serious push into AI-powered hardware, including potential robotics applications.

Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed concerns about iPhone 17 price increases, stating they aren’t due to tariffs. This comes after a $100 price hike for the Pro model, despite unchanged entry-level prices. While analysts anticipated tariff-related increases, Cook highlighted Apple’s efforts to mitigate impact, including supply chain diversification by shifting production to India and Vietnam. Apple absorbs significant tariff costs and balances global operations with U.S. investments. The company also faces challenges from competitors and navigating the AI landscape, focusing on practical AI applications rather than overt marketing.

The iPhone 17 series launched globally, drawing long queues in China and Singapore. Chinese customers cited improved design, storage, and user experience as reasons for switching from Huawei and Xiaomi. While early indicators are promising, Apple faces intense competition from domestic brands in China and needs to focus on AI innovation. Analysts like Ben Wood suggest Apple must refine its AI strategy to maintain its premium brand image and investor confidence following previous lukewarm AI rollouts. Pre-order data and consumer sentiment appear positive.

Apple has delayed the launch of its new, ultra-thin iPhone Air in China due to regulatory hurdles surrounding eSIM technology. Chinese wireless carriers require government licenses for devices with eSIM functionality, which are currently pending. The iPhone Air, boasting a radical redesign and a focus on eSIM, was slated for pre-orders this Friday with retail availability on September 19th. Apple is actively working with regulators to expedite the approval process. The delay highlights the increasing scrutiny of foreign technology and China’s emphasis on cybersecurity.