Technology

Apple’s latest product launch saw the debut of four new iPhone 17 models — the base edition, the ultra-thin iPhone Air, the high-end Pro, and the Pro Max. While the updates did not surprise Wall Street, the iPhone Air stood out as a bold step in smartphone design.

Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, said:
“Apple has always had a unique ability to turn incremental updates into must-have products, and the iPhone Air is the clearest example of that in this launch. At just 5.6mm thick and weighing 165 grams, it’s Apple’s boldest hardware move in years and sets a new benchmark in smartphone design. While we didn’t get the much-anticipated foldable iPhone, Apple’s strategy here is about deepening ecosystem loyalty and flexing its pricing power.”

Beyond smartphones, Apple refreshed its Watch lineup and delivered the first major AirPods Pro update in three years. The new AirPods, smaller and lighter than their predecessors, feature enhanced noise cancellation and on-device translation — reinforcing Apple’s dominance in consumer tech. With AirPods already generating USD $20 billion in annual sales, the upgrades carry strong financial potential.

The event, branded “Awe Dropping”, highlighted Apple’s strategy of delivering incremental but compelling innovations to fuel upgrade cycles and strengthen ecosystem loyalty. With more than 1.5 billion iPhones in circulation worldwide, even modest consumer adoption could drive significant demand over the next 12–18 months.

However, Apple’s long-term artificial intelligence roadmap remains unclear. Unlike rivals who have made aggressive AI plays, Apple offered no major updates on Apple Intelligence or AI integration, leaving investors questioning its competitiveness in the AI era.

Apple stock currently trades at around 30x forward earnings, compared to the S&P 500’s 23x and well above its 10-year average of 20x. Analysts caution that without a stronger AI narrative, the latest hardware refresh may not be enough to justify this premium valuation.

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