Is Apple Stock a Buy Heading Into Q4 Earnings as iPhone 17 Sales Soar?

Core Viewpoint - Apple is set to release its fiscal Q4 2025 earnings on October 30, with expectations of strong performance following a recent surge in market capitalization to $4 trillion [1]. Group 1: Revenue and Earnings Estimates - Consensus estimates predict a 7.6% increase in Apple's Q4 revenues to $102 billion, indicating a revival after previous quarters of slow growth [2]. - The company's earnings per share (EPS) is expected to rise by 5.5% to $1.73, with management guiding for gross margins between 46% and 47% for the September quarter [3]. Group 2: Key Focus Areas for Earnings Call - iPhone 17 sales are anticipated to be a focal point, with reports suggesting strong adoption in the U.S. and China, which are Apple's largest markets [4]. - Updates on Apple Intelligence features, which are not yet available in China, will be monitored, especially following CEO Tim Cook's recent visit to the country [5]. - Commentary on Apple's artificial intelligence strategy and potential mergers and acquisitions in the AI space will be of interest, as the company seeks to improve its standing in this area [5]. - Insights into the company's hardware strategy, particularly regarding the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset and potential shifts towards smart glasses, will also be closely watched [5].