iPhone 17 Sales Surge 25% Higher Than iPhone 16 Debut

Apple's iPhone 17 launch delivered something rare in tech, genuine surprise backed by numbers. While Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives just bumped his price target to $310, citing "positively surprised" demand, the real story is the gap between early Wall Street skepticism and the rush at retail.

That creates a compounding loop. Each new iPhone user, especially at the premium tiers, tends to become a Services customer, from the App Store to iCloud to Apple Music. With Services margins higher than hardware, the mix shift can support premium valuation even during slower upgrade windows.

Sustainability is in the mix for ESG-focused money too. Apple points to 100% recycled cobalt in batteries and aluminum frames that are 20 times more heat-efficient than titanium. The A19 chip’s 10% power efficiency improvement supports the 2030 carbon neutrality goal, though manufacturing still accounts for 80-90% of an iPhone’s lifetime emissions.

Looking ahead: Can Apple sustain this momentum through 2026?

The question is not whether the iPhone 17 is a good phone, early data says it is. The real question, can Apple hold this pace while rivals lean harder into AI?

Historical patterns suggest Apple stock often stabilizes within 30 to 60 days after launch volatility, and the foundation looks solid. With Apple's market cap at $3.64 trillion and the stock near the top of its 52-week range, getting to Wedbush’s $310 will require execution on several fronts.

Here is why that path looks plausible. Apple seems to have balanced premium pricing with better operations. The 12-8% reduction in manufacturing costs, paired with a stronger Pro mix, points to margin and volume gains at the same time, a rare combo in a mature smartphone market.

For different investor profiles, the setup looks distinct:

• Growth investors, focus on Services acceleration and geographic expansion, particularly in India where Apple expects to sell over 5 million units in the September quarter.
• Value investors, look to the efficiency gains and valuation versus earnings growth.
• Income investors, nearly $24.4 billion in free cash flow after dividends in Q3 supports both the payout and buybacks.

The iPhone 17’s fast start can justify Dan Ives’s bullish $310, but only if Apple keeps the drumbeat going while competitors push AI. Based on early sales and the underlying business model shifts, Apple looks positioned for a strong fiscal 2026. Not just another cycle, a statement.