Apple has become the first U.S. company to reach a $4 trillion market capitalization, joining Microsoft in this elite group. Both tech giants saw their shares rise on Tuesday, with Apple’s market value crossing the milestone for the first time. Microsoft, which previously hit the $4 trillion mark in July, is now also back in that range, though it remains behind Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company with a market cap exceeding $4.6 trillion. Apple’s stock has surged 25% over the past three months, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17 series, which launched in September. Analysts say the new models are outperforming earlier versions, fueling investor confidence. The company is set to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on Thursday, and sentiment remains highly positive. JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee, who maintains a buy rating on Apple, raised his price target to $290 per share on Monday, citing strong momentum ahead of the earnings release. Microsoft’s shares climbed about 3% on Tuesday after the company finalized a 27% stake in the for-profit arm of OpenAI, a move that underscores its long-term commitment to artificial intelligence. The tech giant has been a key backer of OpenAI since 2019, and the latest investment deepens their strategic partnership. Apple’s ability to reach $4 trillion also reflects its successful efforts to navigate global trade challenges. The company has significantly shifted its U.S.-bound supply chain to India and Vietnam, reducing reliance on China. This strategy, combined with a public commitment to increase domestic investment in the U.S., has helped Apple avoid the worst impacts of potential tariffs under the Trump administration. Chatterjee noted that this shift in manufacturing and investment has improved Apple’s standing in the current political and trade environment. The achievement marks a major milestone in the history of the tech industry, highlighting the growing influence of a few dominant players in shaping the global economy. With both Apple and Microsoft now operating at unprecedented valuations, the race for market leadership continues, especially as AI, consumer electronics, and global supply chains remain central to their long-term strategies.