iPhone 17 Launch Wipes $112 Billion Off Apple’s Market Value as Investors React
Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 launch has taken an unexpected turn, with the company losing over $112 billion in market value within just two days. Despite hopes for a breakthrough, investor disappointment saw Apple’s share price drop 1.5% on launch day and another 3.23% the following day, closing at $226.79.
Industry analysts highlighted several reasons for the sell-off. The iPhone 17 offered little more than a slimmer design and minor hardware tweaks, falling short of the innovation many expected. Adding to concerns, Apple postponed its major AI upgrade for Siri until 2026, leaving the company behind rivals like Google and Samsung in the race for AI dominance.
Apple’s strategy to absorb $1 billion in tariffs instead of raising prices raised alarms about its profit margins. Weeks before the launch, key features—including the ultra-thin iPhone Air—were widely leaked, draining excitement from the event. Trading volumes remained low, pointing to weak confidence among investors.
Several major financial institutions, including Phillip Securities and DA Davidson, responded by downgrading Apple’s stock, citing the lack of excitement over the new lineup. While fans and tech reviewers praised the design of the ultra-thin iPhone Air, Wall Street remained largely unimpressed, noting the absence of significant AI enhancements and limited camera upgrades on the entry models.
Apple’s shares have declined 6.4% in 2025, even as competitors like Microsoft and Nvidia continue to surge on AI innovation. Experts warn that unless Apple can catch up in artificial intelligence, its status as a tech innovator may be at risk.
For average consumers, the iPhone 17 may still find a place as a popular holiday-season device, but for investors, these results underline increasing pressure on Apple to prove it can redefine the future of technology.
