The Guardian·2025-10-28 15:46Core Insights - Apple achieved a market value of over $4 trillion for the first time, becoming the third tech company to reach this milestone, alongside Microsoft and Nvidia [1][5] - The strong demand for the new iPhone 17 lineup has alleviated concerns regarding Apple's slow progress in artificial intelligence [1][4] - Apple's shares have increased approximately 13% since the launch of the new iPhones on September 9, marking a significant recovery for the stock this year [1] Company Performance - The iPhone contributes to over 50% of Apple's profit and revenue, indicating the importance of smartphone sales in driving the company's ecosystem [2] - Earlier in the year, Apple faced challenges due to competition in China and uncertainties related to high US tariffs on Asian manufacturing hubs [3] - The iPhone 17 has seen early sales outperform its predecessor by 14% in both the US and China, demonstrating strong market reception [4] Competitive Landscape - Apple's latest iPhone models have attracted customers globally, while the company has absorbed tariff costs rather than passing them onto consumers [4] - Despite some analysts suggesting that the iPhone Air has not met demand projections, others contest this view, indicating mixed opinions on production levels [4] AI Strategy - Apple's cautious approach to artificial intelligence has raised concerns about potentially missing out on significant growth opportunities in the sector [7] - The company has been slow to introduce its AI suite and has delayed upgrades to its voice assistant Siri, which has disappointed some consumers [8] Financial Outlook - Apple reported its strongest quarterly results in years during the April-June period, with double-digit growth across key segments, and is expected to announce its fourth-quarter results on October 30 [9]