Key Highlights :
     Apple Inc shares hit a record high for the first time in 17 months on Monday, ahead of an annual software developer conference, where the tech giant is expected to launch a mixed-reality headset, which would be its first big move into a new product category since the introduction of the Apple Watch nine years ago.
     The iPhone maker's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is 28.39, compared with the sector median of 12.79, and its market value is currently valued at $2.89 trillion. Shares of the world's most valuable listed company were last up 1.5% at $183.70, having jumped nearly 40% in 2023, compared with an 11.5% rise in the benchmark S&P 500.
     The new headset, which is expected to be unveiled later in the day, is Apple’s first foray into the world of mixed reality, which combines both virtual reality and augmented reality. The headset is expected to be a standalone device that will feature two 8K displays, a custom processor, and a cooling system. It is also expected to have a high-end price tag, with some reports suggesting it could cost as much as $3,000.
     The headset is expected to be available to developers in 2022, with a consumer version expected to be released in 2023. It is expected to be the first of a range of products that Apple will launch in the coming years, as the company continues to expand its product portfolio.
     It is unclear what the headset will be used for, but it is likely that it will be used for gaming, entertainment, and communication. It could also be used for educational and medical purposes, as well as for virtual meetings and conferences.
     The launch of the headset is likely to be a major step forward for Apple, as it looks to expand its product range and capitalize on the growing popularity of mixed reality technology. It is also likely to be a major boost for the company's stock price, as investors look to capitalize on the potential of the new product.
     It remains to be seen how the headset will be received by consumers and developers, but it is clear that Apple is making a major push into the world of mixed reality, and its launch could be the first of many exciting products to come from the tech giant in the coming years.