Apple reported record iPhone 17 sales, calling it the "most popular ever." The surge comes as CEO Tim Cook prepares to step down after 15 years leading the company.
Cook's departure marks a major transition for Apple. His successor will inherit a business at peak iPhone demand, though the company faces ongoing challenges around services growth and international market competition.
The strong sales figures underscore the continued dominance of Apple's flagship product line despite a crowded smartphone market. The iPhone remains the company's primary revenue driver, accounting for roughly half of annual earnings.
The timing of Cook's planned exit alongside these blockbuster results suggests a planned transition rather than a response to business headwinds. Cook took the helm from Steve Jobs in 2011 and has overseen the company's expansion into services, wearables, and software ecosystems while maintaining iPhone profitability.
Apple did not disclose specific unit sales or revenue figures in the announcement, but investor confidence appears solid based on the "most popular ever" claim. The company typically releases detailed financial results in quarterly earnings reports.