Apple (AAPL-US) stock surged nearly 4% on Monday (the 20th), closing at $262.24 and briefly touching $263.21 intraday, making it the top gainer in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The rally came on the back of encouraging third-party sales data for the iPhone 17 series in both the U.S. and China—two of Apple’s most critical markets.
iPhone 17 Sales Surprise
According to Counterpoint Research, iPhone 17 sales rose 14% in the first 10 days compared with last year’s iPhone 16 launch. The base model stood out, with sales up 31% year-over-year, a sign that Apple’s entry-level device is resonating with value-conscious buyers.
Analyst Mengmeng Zhang noted that the base model "offers excellent value, and Chinese consumers are rewarding Apple with concrete actions." Meanwhile, Maurice Klaehne highlighted that higher U.S. carrier subsidies—up about 10%— have made the iPhone 17 Pro Max more accessible, fueling demand for Apple’s ultra-premium lineup.
Investors See Signs of Recovery
For Apple shareholders, the data suggests the company may be regaining momentum after a stretch of sluggish iPhone sales and criticism over a lack of breakthrough innovation. Competition in China remains fierce, and Apple’s rollout of AI-powered features has been slower than some rivals. Still, the early iPhone 17 numbers hint that Apple is stabilizing its core business.
Melius Research analyst Ben Reitzes pointed out that while Apple’s stock is up only 1% year-to-date, it has rebounded 46% from its 2025 low. He also flagged strong demand for the iPhone Air in China, which sold out within minutes in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing.
What's Next: Foldables, AI, and Even Robots
Looking ahead, Apple is expected to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026, priced around $2,000, aimed squarely at the high-end market. A year later, the company is rumored to unveil an all-glass, curved iPhone to mark the device’s 20th anniversary.
Reitzes also sees Apple's AI strategy gaining traction with an update to Apple Intelligence in 2026, potentially giving the company more influence in the AI race. Beyond phones, Apple is reportedly developing new hardware, including a touchscreen MacBook and even a robotic assistant by 2027. Bloomberg has reported that Apple is working on a desktop robot with motion tracking and facial recognition, a move that could open a new frontier in consumer robotics.
Not Everyone Is Convinced
Skeptics remain. Jefferies analyst Edison Lee warned that strong sales of the iPhone Air may have diluted demand for the Pro series. He also noted that shorter wait times for new iPhones suggest demand may already be cooling after the initial launch rush.
The Bottom Line
Apple's nearly 4% stock jump shows that investors are willing to reward signs of recovery in iPhone sales, even as questions linger about long-term innovation. With foldables, AI, and even robotics on the horizon, Apple is trying to prove it can still surprise the market. For now, the iPhone 17’s strong start has given Wall Street a reason to cheer.