Apple Inc. Achieves Historic $4 Trillion Market Capitalization
Apple Inc. has reached a remarkable $4 trillion market capitalization for the first time on Tuesday, positioning itself as the third major technology corporation to attain this significant benchmark.
This achievement was propelled by robust global enthusiasm for its latest iPhone models, which alleviated investor apprehensions regarding Apple’s lagging advancements in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).
The company’s shares have risen by 13% since the debut of the iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air on September 9, a pronounced rebound that has pushed the stock into a favorable position for the year 2025.
“The iPhone constitutes over half of Apple’s profit and revenue. The greater the number of devices sold, the more entrenched users become in the Apple ecosystem,” remarked Chris Zaccarelli, Chief Investment Officer at Northlight Asset Management.
Earlier this year, Apple’s stock faced considerable pressure due to intense competition in China and uncertainties linked to U.S. tariffs affecting Asian manufacturing giants such as China and India. Nonetheless, the newfound success of the latest iPhones—particularly in Beijing and Moscow—has been instrumental in restoring investor confidence.
Resilient iPhone Sales Propelling Growth
According to data from Counterpoint Research, iPhone 17 sales have surpassed those of the iPhone 16 series by 14% in both the American and Chinese markets. Analysts have also acknowledged the slim, lightweight iPhone Air as a strategic asset, bolstering Apple’s market position against Samsung Electronics and other Android competitors.
The brokerage firm Evercore ISI posited that this strong performance could enable Apple to exceed market forecasts for the September quarter, setting the stage for a bullish outlook for the December quarter.
Apple’s AI Strategy Under Scrutiny
Despite achieving this valuation milestone, Apple’s cautious strategy concerning AI has attracted criticism. Reports indicate that multiple senior AI executives have departed for Meta, while Apple simultaneously seeks to forge partnerships with the likes of OpenAI, Anthropic, and Alphabet’s Gemini to enhance its AI capabilities.
The rollout of Apple Intelligence, which promises ChatGPT integration and an upgraded Siri AI, has been postponed until next year, contributing to investor unease.
“The absence of a definitive AI strategy continues to cast a shadow over Apple’s stock,” Zaccarelli observed. “If Apple can successfully incorporate AI as a dynamic element of its ecosystem, the trajectory of the company’s growth narrative could transform significantly.”
Financial Performance and Market Valuation
Apple reported double-digit growth across critical segments for the April–June quarter, with results outperforming analyst predictions. The company is set to disclose its fourth-quarter earnings on October 30.
Currently, Apple’s shares trade at 33.2 times projected 12-month earnings, a premium compared to the Nasdaq 100’s 27.42 multiple, according to LSEG data. In spite of this recent surge, Apple’s 7% gain in 2025 remains modest when contrasted with the Nasdaq’s 22% increase.
With this accomplishment, Apple now joins the ranks of Nvidia and Microsoft in the exclusive $4 trillion market cap club, with Nvidia currently leading at over $4.5 trillion.
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