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Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup is shaking up Wall Street. After a weak start, strong demand has helped the company’s stock rebound and pushed it into positive territory for the year. The launch has investors debating if this marks a lasting turnaround or a short-term bounce.
The Launch
On September 9, Apple introduced three new phones: the iPhone 17 priced at $799, the Pro model at $1,099, and the slim iPhone 17 Air at $999. The Air’s thinner design grabbed attention, alongside sharper cameras, a smoother display, and new AI tools like real-time translation in AirPods Pro 3. Apple also unveiled the Watch Series 11 with health features that can flag potential high blood pressure.
The market reaction was not positive at first. Shares dropped after the event, sliding to $226 by week’s end. Investors wanted bigger AI upgrades, particularly for Siri, which has now been delayed until 2026. Higher storage costs also frustrated buyers, adding $200 for a jump to 256GB.
The Rebound
By September 22, the picture had changed. Pre-orders are running ahead of expectations, and shipping times are stretching to nearly three weeks. Analysts at Wedbush now believe iPhone 17 sales could outpace forecasts by 10 to 15 percent and raised their target price to $310. Apple’s stock climbed more than 4 percent in a single day to $256, wiping out earlier losses for the year.
Why It Matters
Apple has been the laggard among the big tech names in 2025. Rivals surged on AI investments, while Apple lost ground, falling six percent year-to-date before the launch. The new iPhone demand has shifted momentum, putting Apple back in the green. Funds with heavy Apple weightings, like XLK and VGT, are also seeing gains.
The Market Picture
September is usually a difficult month for stocks, yet this year the S&P 500 has risen about three percent. Fed rate cuts, strong energy names, and optimism around U.S.–China trade talks are fueling the rally. Apple’s rebound has added strength to the broader market, but risks remain. Valuations are high, yields are moving up, and investors are still watching for meaningful AI updates.
What’s Next
If iPhone 17 demand continues and Apple delivers on its AI strategy in the coming year, the stock could climb further. If sales slow or services revenue softens, enthusiasm could fade quickly. For now, Apple is back on solid ground and the iPhone 17 is driving fresh optimism.
