Apple shares closed near $341 on September 25, 2026, within striking distance of the recent intraday high of $345.34 amid elevated trading volumes following the mid-September launch of the iPhone 18 series. Strong early demand signals, including reduced ship times in key markets and premium pricing resilience, have supported momentum under new CEO John Ternus, who assumed the role on September 1. However, persistent supply constraints and rising memory costs flagged in the July earnings release continue to pressure gross margins, while the stock trades at forward multiples near historical peaks. Traders are also monitoring broader risk appetite, China policy developments, and the October earnings date for resolution cues on near-term price thresholds.