Apple(US:AAPL) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-10-21 00:16Core Viewpoint - Apple's stock price increased by 3.94%, reaching a historical high of $262.24, with a market capitalization of $3.89 trillion, surpassing Microsoft to become the second-largest company in the U.S. by market value, only behind Nvidia [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - The recent surge in Apple's stock price is primarily driven by stronger-than-expected demand for the latest iPhone series, leading to optimistic expectations for a long-awaited upgrade cycle [1] - Investors are particularly interested in whether consumers who purchased new iPhones during the pandemic but have not upgraded in years will return to Apple stores for new devices [1] Group 2: Sales Performance - According to research firm Counterpoint, early sales of the iPhone 17 series in both China and the U.S. are strong, with sales 14% higher than the iPhone 16 series [1] - The basic model of the iPhone 17 has nearly doubled its sales in China, while the high-end iPhone 17 Pro Max shows the strongest demand growth in the U.S. [1] - U.S. wireless carriers are offering subsidy programs to attract high-value customers, which has boosted the sales of the Pro Max model, while the basic iPhone 17 is favored by average consumers due to its balance of price and performance [1]