Dear Apple Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for September 9

Apple (AAPL) has finally picked Wednesday, Sept. 9 for its next big launch event. The company will host the event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park in Cupertino, California, at 1 p.m. EST. Apple has also given the event the tagline “Surprise and shine,” setting the stage for what could be a particularly interesting product reveal.

The spotlight will naturally fall on Apple’s newest iPhone series, although the company could have an even bigger surprise waiting in the wings. Apple might finally unveil its long-awaited foldable phone, rumored to be called iPhone Ultra. 

Such a launch would represent a major milestone for Apple as analysts expect high-end foldable devices to push selling prices higher while giving the company another avenue for margin growth.

The timing makes the event even more significant because incoming Apple CEO John Ternus will make his first major appearance in the role. Ternus has served as Apple’s longtime hardware chief and will take the helm on Tuesday, Sept. 1, as Tim Cook transitions to executive chairman. 

Apple could have quite a lineup ready for the big day. The company is expected to launch as many as eight different devices, ranging from the expected new iPhones and upgraded Apple Watches to several products focused on the smart home market. The foldable iPhone could be the biggest talking point among them, especially with research firm IDC expecting Apple to ship more than 17 million foldable iPhones by 2027.

The research firm also expects global foldable phone shipments to jump 12.6% this year, which gives Apple plenty of room to make an entrance at a time when the category is gaining momentum. With Sept. 9 fast approaching, let us take a closer look at Apple stock before the curtain rises.

About Apple Stock

Located in Cupertino, California, Apple has developed a vast business centered on a highly integrated ecosystem of premium hardware, software, and digital services. Valued at approximately $4.58 trillion, it designs, manufactures, and sells a diverse product range that includes the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Vision Pro.

Apple’s product lineup supports its software platforms and services, promoting customer retention within its ecosystem. This synergy has helped Apple turn customer loyalty into consistent financial gains, earning positive returns from investors. Unsurprisingly, AAPL stock has gained 36.5% over the last 52 weeks and climbed 15.7% year-to-date (YTD).

The strong run comes with a catch because investors now pay a premium for Apple’s momentum. AAPL stock is currently trading at 35.52 times forward adjusted price-to-earnings and 9.58 times sales. Both figures sit above industry averages and exceed their own five-year historical multiples. 

Apple has also sustained its appeal to shareholders with its ongoing dividend policy, marking 13 years of consecutive increases. The current dividend stands at $1.08 per share annually, offering a yield of 0.35%. The latest dividend payment was $0.27 per share, distributed on August 13 to shareholders recorded as of August 10.

Apple Surpasses Q3 Earnings

On July 30, the company reported Q3 FY2026 results that beat Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings. Revenue jumped 16.4% year-over-year (YOY) to $109.4 billion, topping the $108.65 billion estimate, while adjusted EPS reached $1.91 against the Street’s $1.89 forecast.

The iPhone once again provided the biggest push behind those results. Revenue surged 21.7% YOY to $54.7 billion as strong demand for the iPhone 17 lineup gave Apple’s biggest business plenty of momentum. Mac also gave the quarter a pleasant surprise. Revenue reached $10.4 billion compared with the $8.74 billion forecast.

Services continued to grow as well, although the segment missed expectations. Revenue increased to $30.7 billion from $27.4 billion in the year-ago quarter, yet the figure came in below the $31.22 billion estimate. The iPad faced an even tougher quarter as revenue slipped to $6.2 billion from $6.6 billion.

Apple still managed to improve profitability across the quarter. Gross margin climbed to $54.8 billion from $43.7 billion, producing a 50.1% rate, while operating income rose to $35.7 billion from $28.2 billion in the prior year’s period. Net income also amounted to $29.8 billion, giving investors plenty to like in the underlying financial results.

Looking ahead, analysts expect Q4 FY2026 EPS to grow 7% YOY to $1.98. Full-year FY2026 EPS estimates stand at $8.76, implying 17.4% annual growth. Meanwhile, analysts expect FY2027 EPS to reach $9.52, which would add another 8.7% growth. 

What Do Analysts Expect for Apple Stock?

Wall Street currently gives Apple an overall "Moderate Buy" rating. Among 41 analysts covering the stock, 21 rate AAPL stock a "Strong Buy," three give it a "Moderate Buy," 13 recommend "Hold," two assign a "Moderate Sell," while two analysts carry a "Strong Sell" rating.

To that end, the average price target of $328.62 represents potential upside of 4.5%. Meanwhile, the Street-High target of $400 from Rothschild Redburn analyst Timm Schulze Melander points to a gain of 27.2% from current levels.