Market analysts believe Apple’s record-breaking run may be the early phase of a broader AI-led expansion rather than a fleeting moment of enthusiasm. The stock has risen 55% since April, adding over $1.4 trillion to its market capitalisation. This climb reflects not only renewed strength in iPhone 17 demand but also Apple’s steady progress in embedding artificial intelligence into its core products and services.

The latest rally appears grounded in solid fundamentals - not speculative hype - as investors reassess Apple’s positioning in an increasingly AI-centred economy. Still, technical readings show momentum cooling, suggesting a potential short-term pause before the next advance.

Key takeaways

• Apple’s $1.4 trillion rebound since April underscores strong investor confidence in its AI transition.
  
• Loop Capital’s upgrade to Buy lifted the price target to $315, a potential 25% upside from current levels.
  
• The RSI is nearing overbought levels, signalling possible near-term consolidation.
  
• AI-focused tokens - FET, and AGIX, - have mirrored Apple’s trading activity in recent sessions.
  
• Institutional investors continue shifting capital toward AI-driven equities and digital assets, reinforcing a broad “risk-on” environment.
  

Apple’s market cap: The $1.4 trillion rally

Apple’s rally in 2025 has been remarkable, adding more than $1.4 trillion in market value since April. The latest leg higher followed Loop Capital’s upgrade from Hold to Buy and a revised price target of $315, now among the most optimistic on Wall Street.

Analysts attribute the move to a combination of robust iPhone 17 shipments - 56.5 million units in Q3 2025 - and expectations of sustained growth in AI-enabled devices. Loop Capital anticipates three consecutive record iPhone shipment years (2025–2027), highlighting the beginning of a longer hardware refresh cycle fuelled by AI and design innovation.

Apple AI strategy as a catalyst

Apple’s strength aligns with the wider boom in AI-linked equities. The company’s ecosystem, from the iPhone to its upcoming “AI Phone”, has evolved into a key interface between consumers and artificial intelligence.

At a market capitalisation of $3.89 trillion, Apple has once again surpassed Microsoft, sitting just behind Nvidia. The company’s push toward on-device AI and hardware-accelerated intelligence is transforming investor perception - shifting AI from a software concept to an integrated consumer experience.

For traders tracking tech performance, Deriv MT5 provides real-time charting and indicators to compare Apple’s movements against broader AI-sector benchmarks.

Apple stock technical analysis

Technically, Apple’s momentum remains strong but slightly stretched. The RSI continues to hover near overbought levels, implying that a brief consolidation may be on the horizon. Key support levels remain intact near the April low, while resistance sits around $315, Loop Capital’s new target.

At present, the stock is in price discovery mode with clear bullish momentum on the daily chart. The RSI holding above 60 reflects ongoing strength, though a developing upper wick on the latest candle signals emerging sell pressure. If sellers gain ground, the stock could test support near $244.15, followed by $225.20 and $201.80.

Deriv’s trading calculators help estimate potential returns and manage exposure with precision. 

Trading Apple’s AI momentum on Deriv platforms

For traders looking to ride Apple’s AI momentum, Deriv MT5 offers access to flexible trading strategies across multiple timeframes.

• Momentum trading: Combine RSI and MACD signals to confirm upward continuation. If RSI remains above 50 and price trades above the 20-day EMA, consider long entries with stops below support zones.
  
• Range trading: If Apple consolidates between $244 and $315, traders can capture smaller moves within that band.
  
• Position management: Use Deriv’s trading calculators to pre-assess risk, pip value, and margin requirements before placing trades.
  

Beyond Apple, Deriv platforms offer access to AI-driven indices and crypto pairs, enabling diversification into correlated markets such as FET/USDT or OCEAN/USDT - both linked to the ongoing AI investment cycle.

Cross-market ripple: stocks and crypto

Apple’s rally could spill over into cryptocurrency markets. Traders have noted increased activity in AI-related crypto pairs like FET/USDT, which often track AI patterns as investor enthusiasm spreads across asset classes.

This parallel movement underscores Apple’s growing role as a sentiment anchor for the global AI trade. Trading volume surges in both equities and tokens highlight the interconnected nature of today’s markets - where enthusiasm for AI innovation moves capital across traditional and decentralised systems.

Institutional confidence and capital rotation

Apple’s valuation surge signals a deeper institutional belief in AI’s profitability. Major funds are moving away from defensive holdings toward companies and sectors with clear AI exposure.

This trend is also evident in the digital-asset space, where capital flows into Bitcoin, Ethereum, and AI-themed tokens often mirror tech stock rallies. The result is a synchronised “risk-on” rotation - with Apple’s performance frequently serving as the leading indicator for broader sentiment shifts.

Investment implications

Apple’s all-time high reinforces its position as a cornerstone of the AI economy. Traders may look for entry opportunities near consolidation zones, while crypto participants can use Apple’s trajectory as a guide for timing entries into AI-related assets.

Whether the stock pushes through $315 or takes a breather, Apple’s performance continues to shape investor expectations for AI’s next phase of growth - connecting Wall Street’s innovation narrative with the emerging Web3 ecosystem.