Apple Inc.'s stock has rebounded strongly in late February 2026, closing at $272.14 on February 24 after gaining 2.24%, as investors focus on the company's record fiscal first-quarter performance, accelerating App Store growth, and anticipation for the iPhone 17e announcement amid broader concerns over regulatory pressures and China demand.

iPhone 17e
iPhone 17e

As of February 24, 2026, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) traded in a session range of $267.71 to $274.89 with volume of about 47 million shares. The shares have risen from recent lows near $255 in mid-February, though they remain below the all-time high of $285.92 reached on December 2, 2025. Year-to-date in 2026, the stock shows modest gains following a strong close to 2025, with market capitalization hovering around $4.1 trillion after briefly touching that milestone in recent commentary tied to U.S. manufacturing announcements.

The rally reflects digestion of Apple's blockbuster fiscal Q1 2026 results reported January 29, 2026, for the period ended December 27, 2025. Revenue hit a record $143.8 billion, up 16% year-over-year, surpassing estimates of around $138-139 billion. Diluted earnings per share reached $2.84, up 19% and beating consensus of $2.67. Net income stood at $42.1 billion. iPhone revenue set a new high at approximately $85.3 billion (up 23%), driven by strong demand, while Services achieved a record $30 billion (up 14%), underscoring recurring revenue strength from the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and other offerings.

The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share, payable February 12, 2026, maintaining its shareholder return commitment. Management highlighted an installed base exceeding 2.5 billion active devices and robust growth in emerging markets like India, offsetting some softness in Greater China amid competition from domestic brands like Huawei.

Recent developments include the February 24, 2026, annual shareholder meeting, where all nominated directors were reelected and proposals approved, signaling continued governance stability. Morgan Stanley noted accelerating App Store revenue growth in February, up 9% year-over-year per Sensor Tower data, supporting Services momentum despite ongoing antitrust scrutiny in the U.S., EU, and India.

Anticipation builds for Apple's March 4, 2026, "Special Experience" event in New York, London, and Shanghai, expected to feature the iPhone 17e as successor to the iPhone 16e. Rumors point to a 6.1-inch OLED display with Dynamic Island (replacing the notch), A19 chip, 8GB RAM, 48MP main camera, USB-C, Action Button, improved battery, and Apple-designed 5G modem. Priced around $599, the model aims to broaden appeal in the value segment. Some leaks suggest a March announcement, aligning with Apple's winter window for entry-level iPhones.

Broader outlook includes U.S. production of Mac minis, contributing to recent market cap commentary near $4 trillion. However, challenges persist: regulatory risks from App Store commission reductions (potentially impacting Services), antitrust trials, EU fines, and tariff/trade pressures. Analysts cite slower AI feature rollouts like enhanced Siri as execution risks.

Consensus among 28-47 analysts rates AAPL a Moderate Buy, with average 12-month price targets around $287-$299—implying 5-10% upside from current levels. High targets reach $350 from Wedbush, low ends around $200-$215. Optimism centers on ecosystem strength, Services expansion, and potential AI-driven cycles, balanced against valuation concerns and macro headwinds.

The next catalyst arrives with Q2 2026 earnings in late April, where updates on iPhone 17e traction, Services trends, and guidance revisions will be key. Positive momentum from the March event or sustained China recovery could propel shares higher; regulatory setbacks or demand softness might cap gains.

Apple navigates a pivotal period with its hardware-software-services integration and massive user base providing resilience. Record results and strategic launches position it to sustain leadership in consumer tech, though proving AI monetization and navigating global regulations will define trajectory in 2026.