Apple's Powerhouse iPhone 17 Sales Offset 2025 Stock Losses

Apple's stock jumped 4% on Monday, pushing the tech giant into positive territory for 2025 after strong early demand for its new iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods lineup launched last Friday. The company appears to have finally caught up with other major tech stocks, driven by what analysts say are encouraging wait times for the redesigned devices.

The new iPhone models, particularly the mid-priced iPhone Air at $999, represent Apple's first major redesign in years. Bank of America analysts noted that shipping times for the iPhone 17 have stretched to 18 days compared to just 10 days for the iPhone 16 last year at the same point after launch. This extended wait typically signals stronger-than-expected consumer interest.

China, a crucial market for Apple, is also showing robust demand based on pre-order data. This comes as welcome news for the company, which has faced increased competition from local smartphone makers in the region over the past year.

Apple had been lagging behind other major tech companies in 2025, partly because it's spending far less on AI chips and data centers compared to rivals like Google and Microsoft. The company also delayed a major upgrade to its Siri voice assistant until 2026, raising concerns about falling behind in the AI race.

But Apple's new products showcase several AI features that could help close that gap. The new AirPods Pro 3 can automatically translate spoken text, while the latest Apple Watch uses machine learning to warn users about potential high blood pressure risks.

The stock gains mark a significant turnaround for Apple, which had been one of the few major tech companies still in negative territory this year. With the company now showing just over 2% gains for 2025, investors seem more confident that Apple can maintain its position despite the competitive pressure in both smartphones and AI technology.

The strong initial response suggests consumers are ready to upgrade their devices, particularly as Apple integrates more AI capabilities into its ecosystem. How this translates into actual sales numbers over the coming quarters will be key to sustaining the stock's momentum.