Apple Inc. has made history once again. The tech giant has officially joined the $4 trillion market-cap club, becoming the third company ever to do so. It now stands beside Nvidia, valued at over $4.5 trillion, and Microsoft, which recently regained its spot thanks to strong growth in artificial intelligence ventures with OpenAI.
Apple’s Milestone Moment
Apple’s market value crossed $4 trillion for the first time after its shares rose 0.2% to a record $269.87 in early U.S. trading on Tuesday. This marks a remarkable rebound for Apple, which started the year on a slower note.
Since launching the iPhone 17 series and the new iPhone Air on September 9, the company’s stock has climbed about 13%. The surge highlights renewed investor confidence in Apple’s products and long-term strategy.
Strong Demand for iPhone 17 and iPhone Air
Apple’s latest devices have sparked strong global demand. Research firm Counterpoint reported that iPhone 17 shipments were 14% higher than last year’s models in both the U.S. and China.
The iPhone Air, a slimmer and lighter version of the flagship line, has also been a success. Analysts say it has attracted mid-range buyers and helped Apple recover market share from rivals like Samsung.
Analysts Expect Robust Earnings
Market analysts are optimistic about Apple’s next earnings report. Brokerage firm Evercore ISI told Reuters that strong demand could help Apple beat expectations for the September quarter. It may also set up a positive outlook for the upcoming holiday quarter in December.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite its record valuation, Apple faces challenges in key markets. Competition from Chinese brands such as Huawei and Xiaomi continues to grow. Apple is also navigating uncertainty linked to U.S. tariffs on its Asian manufacturing hubs.
In addition, Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy remains under the microscope. The rollout of Apple Intelligence, which includes ChatGPT integration and an upgraded Siri, has been slower than expected. Rivals like Microsoft and Google are moving faster in AI innovation.
Valuation and Market Comparison
Apple’s shares trade at 33.2 times forward 12-month earnings, compared with the Nasdaq 100’s 27.4 multiple, according to LSEG data. The premium shows investor confidence in Apple’s brand strength and consistent profitability.
However, its stock has risen only 10% this year, while the Nasdaq index is up 22%. That gap reflects the market’s higher enthusiasm for AI-driven companies.
What’s Next for Apple
Apple will announce its quarterly results on October 30. Strong iPhone 17 and iPhone Air sales could push the company’s revenue higher than expected. A positive report may strengthen Apple’s place in the $4 trillion club.
As competition intensifies, Apple’s challenge is to maintain growth while accelerating its push into artificial intelligence. Its success in combining innovation, brand loyalty, and profitability will decide how long it stays among the world’s trillion-dollar giants.
Nithin Rosh 
Leslie Rajan