Apple shares are in the green on Friday: here’s why

Apple share price [https://invezz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250919_2119_Apple-Store-Buzz_simple_compose_01k5haj5rke339171cmgfj6tfr1.png] Apple stock gained ground Friday as the company’s latest generation of iPhones officially hit store shelves worldwide, with early demand indicators suggesting stronger-than-expected consumer appetite. IPHONE 17 LAUNCH AND MARKET RESPONSE The new lineup — which includes the slimmed-down iPhone 17 Air alongside the premium Pro and Pro Max models — became available at Apple Stores across the globe following preorders that opened Sept. 12. Apple shares rose 2.2% to $243 on Friday, putting them on pace for their highest close since Feb. 28, according to Dow Jones Market Data. Since the unveiling of the iPhone 17 on Sept. 9, the stock has advanced 1.5%, modestly trailing the S&P 500’s 1.8% gain over the same period. The new devices ship with iOS 26, which introduces features such as an updated lock screen and spam-call filtering. However, the most closely watched update remains the enhanced Siri chatbot — viewed as Apple’s key entry into the AI race. That release has been delayed multiple times, with CEO Tim Cook saying in July that developers were “making good progress”…