Apple makes a comeback! The new iPhone sparks the strongest upgrade wave in recent years.

Apple’s iPhone 17 is driving the tech giant to its strongest smartphone sales growth since the COVID-19 pandemic. After the largest redesign of its flagship product in years, market response has exceeded expectations. On October 19, according to media reports, multiple indicators including supply chain insiders, mobile carriers, and customer wait times for deliveries showed that **the early momentum for the redesigned version before its September launch was stronger than expected**. Bank of America analysts recently cited data from Apple stores and carriers, stating that **iPhone 17’s delivery times are longer than in previous years, “which may indicate strong demand.”** Citing Visible Alpha data, **analysts predict Apple’s smartphone revenue will resume 4% growth in the latest fiscal year, reaching $209.3 billion.** Growth in fiscal year 2026 will further increase to nearly 5%, with iPhone revenue reaching $218.9 billion. Previously, Apple’s smartphone revenue declined by 2% in fiscal year 2023 and remained flat last year. Despite delays in AI feature releases and the pressure on the Silicon Valley giant’s stock price from Trump’s tariff policies over the past year, market confidence is strengthening as Apple enters the crucial holiday sales season. Major upgrades drive replacement cycle This year’s significant upgrades to the iPhone’s camera, screen, and battery are attracting more customers to upgrade their outdated devices. Deepwater Asset Management’s Gene Munster said: “It’s fair to describe the iPhone 17 launch as exceeding Wall Street’s expectations before its late August release.” He pointed out that **the waiting time for the new iPhone is about 13% longer than last year, possibly indicating a broader ‘upgrade cycle.’** “When delivery times are longer, it usually means a better product cycle.” IDC’s Francisco Jeronimo said: “This is clearly a very strong quarter for Apple. I can’t remember the last time I saw lines outside Apple stores like this year.” He added that **surveys of Apple’s supply chain show that iPhone 17 orders are “much stronger” than last year’s iPhone 16.** **Apple will announce its earnings for the fourth fiscal quarter ending in September on October 30, which will include sales data for the initial weeks following the launch of iPhone 17.** Apple no longer discloses unit sales, preferring to focus investor attention on revenue, with overall growth primarily stemming from its existing user base. According to Visible Alpha data, between Apple’s fiscal years 2024 and 2026, sales are expected to remain around 235 million units. By 2027, analysts predict the company’s flagship product sales will begin to surpass 240 million units, climbing to nearly 260 million by the end of the decade. Market rumors point to a foldable iPhone launching next year. The report noted that **the iPhone still accounts for more than half of Apple’s roughly $390 billion annual revenue. This successful launch of iPhone 17 could help Apple reverse a tough 2025, as trade tensions this year disrupted its global supply chain.** However, some analysts also warn that **market expectations for the new iPhone may be too high**. Earlier this month, Jefferies downgraded Apple stock to “underperform,” citing “excessive expectations” for iPhone demand. Risk warning and disclaimer The market has risks, investments should be made cautiously. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of individual users. Users should consider whether any opinions, viewpoints, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their specific circumstances. Any investment made based on this information is at your own risk.