Apple Inc. (AAPL) could carry some serious iPhone momentum into its next product cycle. The iPhone 17 lineup generated record first-year revenue, according to Counterpoint Research analysts, and the numbers are not subtle.

The iPhone 17 series pulled in more than $170 billion in global wholesale revenue during its first year of sales. That's an 11% increase from the iPhone 16 series and the highest launch-year revenue for any iPhone generation, Counterpoint said.

Analysts See Apple's Strongest Lineup In Years

Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak called the iPhone 17 series Apple's "strongest lineup in years."

Pathak said the base model benefited from features previously reserved for Pro devices. Meanwhile, the Pro lineup attracted customers seeking Apple's latest silicon and camera technology.

The strategy helped Apple appeal to both first-time upgraders and existing Pro users. Revenue from the base iPhone 17 grew 1.3 times from its predecessor during the first year. It was also the world's best-selling smartphone by unit volume in the first half of 2026.

China emerged as Apple's biggest growth engine. Wholesale revenue from the iPhone 17 series in the country jumped 35% from the prior generation and represented nearly 24% of global series revenue. Gains in Japan, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific helped offset more moderate growth in North America and Europe.

Stable Pricing Gives Apple An Edge

Counterpoint Senior Research Analyst Shilpi Jain pointed to Apple's pricing as another advantage.

Memory and component inflation pushed many Android manufacturers to raise prices or adjust specifications. Apple, however, kept iPhone prices relatively stable even as memory prices quadrupled since the fourth quarter of 2025, Jain said. Installment plans and promotions also helped make premium iPhones more accessible.

Looking ahead, Counterpoint expects Apple's next iPhone cycle to provide another boost. The research firm expects Apple to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max alongside its first foldable iPhone, with lower-priced iPhone 18 models following in 2027.

Counterpoint said an ultra-premium foldable could lift Apple's average iPhone selling price while expanding its role as a catalyst for the broader foldable smartphone market.

Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Buy rating with an average price forecast of $335.36. Recent analyst moves include:

• HSBC: Buy (Maintains Forecast to $366.00) (Sept. 8)
• Needham: Hold (Sept. 8)
• Morgan Stanley: Overweight (Maintains Forecast to $360.00) (Sept. 2)

Top ETF Exposure

• iShares S&P 100 ETF (OEF): 9.48% Weight
• HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH): 9.81% Weight
• NYLIM US Large Cap R&D Leaders ETF (LRND): 9.49% Weight

Significance: Because AAPL carries such a heavy weight in these funds, any significant inflows or outflows for these ETFs will likely force automatic buying or selling of the stock.

Apple Price Action

AAPL Price Action: Apple shares were up 1.16% at $318.99 during premarket trading on Thursday, according to market data.