Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) unveiled the iPhone Air and broader iPhone 17 lineup at its September 2025 launch event, kicking off a product cycle that helped drive the company’s shares sharply higher over the following year.
Since the event on September 9, 2025, Apple stock has climbed from about $233 to $316, a gain of roughly 35.6%.
As a result, a $1,000 investment made on the day of the launch would now be worth approximately $1,356, excluding dividends.
Apple’s successful product roll-out
The rally coincided with a successful rollout of the iPhone 17 family, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and ultra-thin iPhone Air. Strong demand boosted upgrade rates and helped accelerate growth throughout fiscal 2026.
That momentum was reflected in Apple’s fiscal Q3 2026 results. The company reported record June-quarter revenue of $109.42 billion, up 16.4% year over year.
iPhone revenue rose 21.7% to $54.3 billion, while Mac revenue increased 28.7% to $10.4 billion. Services revenue reached a June-quarter record of $30.74 billion, helping lift net income 27% to $29.8 billion. Diluted EPS came in at $2.02, ahead of analyst estimates of $1.89.
At the same time, the technology giant’s pricing power also supported results. Despite higher memory costs, the company adjusted prices on select products and guided for September-quarter revenue growth of 9% to 11% and gross margins of 47% to 48%.
Long-term growth drivers remain intact with Apple’s silicon strategy continuing to deliver performance and efficiency advantages, while Services has evolved into a high-margin business generating more than $120 billion in trailing 12-month revenue.
Apple 2026’s Event
Investor sentiment has also been supported by expectations for future products under CEO John Ternus.
Anticipation surrounding Apple’s first foldable iPhone and other premium devices has helped sustain interest in the stock, even as component shortages and elevated memory costs created periodic volatility.
The focus now shifts to Apple’s September 9, 2026, event, titled “Surprise and Shine,” the first major product presentation under Ternus after succeeding Tim Cook on September 1.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max powered by the A20 Pro chip, alongside its long-awaited foldable iPhone.
Updated Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models are also anticipated, while the standard iPhone 18 lineup is reportedly being pushed to spring 2027 as part of a strategy focused on higher-margin products.
Featured image via Shutterstock
