Apple Inc. has reached a $5 trillion market capitalization for the first time, overtaking Nvidia to claim the title of the world's most valuable company.
The milestone arrives just as CEO Tim Cook prepares to host his final earnings call as the company's chief executive, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in the firm's leadership transition.
Shares climbed to record levels on Thursday, reflecting a decisive shift in market sentiment toward Apple's artificial intelligence ambitions.
The rally signals growing conviction among Wall Street analysts that the company's AI strategy is beginning to drive tangible value, despite earlier skepticism about the pace of adoption.
This repricing has helped anchor the most active week of the second-quarter earnings season, with Apple's results expected to set the tone for the broader equity market.
However, the celebratory mood is tempered by significant operational challenges.