Apple Inc. (AAPL) is in focus Tuesday as investors weigh early demand for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, upcoming earnings and the company's position ahead of the holiday quarter.

The stock traded slightly lower Tuesday even as the Technology sector gained 0.53%. The Nasdaq rose 0.27%, while the S&P 500 was little changed.

Counterpoint Sees Modest Global Growth

Counterpoint Research said global sales of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max rose 3.1% year over year during the first three weeks after launch compared with the iPhone 17 Pro series.

The firm said the overall result reflected strong demand in China, partly offset by weaker sales in the U.S. and Japan.

China Drives Most Of The Increase

Counterpoint said Tuesday that China sales jumped 29% year over year, accounting for most of the global increase.

The firm attributed the growth to better early product availability and higher prices on competing flagship Android devices.

By contrast, sales declined in the U.S. and Japan. Counterpoint said U.S. consumers saw limited feature and design improvements, while exchange rates amplified price increases in Japan and weakened demand.

Pro Max Mix Edges Lower

The iPhone 18 Pro Max accounted for 56% of Pro-series sales, down from 57% a year earlier.

Counterpoint attributed the shift to higher pricing and stronger demand for the standard Pro model in markets including India and Southeast Asia.

Holiday Demand And iPhone Duo Stay In Focus

Counterpoint Associate Director Sujeong Lim said the coming weeks should show whether China's strength reflects durable demand or front-loaded purchases. She also identified U.S. and Japanese volume recovery and the iPhone Duo launch as important near-term variables.

Research Director Tarun Pathak said longer upgrade cycles, higher memory-related prices and macro uncertainty are weighing on demand, although even single-digit unit growth would still benefit Apple.

Technical Analysis

Apple trades 1.3% above its 20-day SMA, 4.1% above its 50-day SMA and 16.7% above its 200-day SMA.

The 20-day SMA remains above the 50-day SMA, while the 50-day SMA stays above the 200-day SMA.

Earnings And Analyst Outlook

Apple is scheduled to report earnings on Nov. 2, 2026.

Analysts expect EPS of $1.98, up from $1.85 a year earlier, and revenue of $113.23 billion, up from $102.47 billion.

The stock carries a Buy consensus rating with an average price forecast of $337.03.

MoffettNathanson maintained Neutral and lowered its forecast to $283 on Oct. 20. Loop Capital downgraded Apple to Hold and lowered its forecast to $330, while JPMorgan maintained Overweight and raised its forecast to $360.

AAPL Price Action: Apple shares were up 0.68% at $346.23 at the time of publication on Tuesday. The stock is approaching its 52-week high of $351.73, according to market data.