Apple $4 Trillion Milestone: Joins Nvidia and Microsoft in Market Cap Race

Apple has officially entered the $4 trillion market-cap club, marking a historic milestone in global business and technology. The iPhone maker is now the third company to surpass this valuation, joining Nvidia—currently valued above $4.5 trillion—and Microsoft, which recently re-entered the club following its AI-driven growth through OpenAI partnerships.

On Tuesday, Apple’s shares briefly rose 0.2% to reach a record $269.87 during early US trading, pushing its total market value past the $4 trillion benchmark. This achievement highlights a remarkable rebound after a slow start to the year, largely fueled by strong demand for the recently launched iPhone 17 series and the new iPhone Air model.

Strong Product Demand Drives Growth

Since the global launch of its iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, Apple’s stock has surged approximately 13%. Market analysts attribute this rally to a revival in consumer demand and confidence in Apple’s innovation ecosystem.

According to Counterpoint Research, early shipments of the iPhone 17 have outperformed last year’s models by 14% in both the US and China — two of Apple’s biggest markets. The introduction of the thinner and more affordable iPhone Air has further expanded the brand’s appeal among mid-range users, helping Apple maintain its competitive edge against Samsung and other Android rivals.

Brokerage Evercore ISI projected that strong iPhone sales could enable Apple to exceed expectations for the September quarter and maintain positive momentum heading into the December holiday period.

Apple’s AI Strategy Under Spotlight

Despite this financial triumph, Apple continues to face challenges, particularly in its artificial intelligence strategy. The company’s much-anticipated Apple Intelligence platform, featuring ChatGPT integration and enhanced Siri AI functionalities, has rolled out slower than competitors like Google and Microsoft.

Apple’s shares currently trade at 33.2 times forward 12-month earnings, higher than the Nasdaq 100’s 27.4 multiple, according to LSEG data. Though its stock is up over 10% this year, it still trails the broader Nasdaq’s 22% surge.

The company is set to release its quarterly earnings report on October 30, and analysts are closely watching how its AI and hardware synergy will shape future growth. For Apple, crossing the $4 trillion threshold is not just about market value — it symbolizes its enduring influence in the evolving landscape of global technology.