Apple Inc. confronts a challenging start to 2024, hinting at potential threats to its longstanding market dominance. Shares dipped 0.4% to approximately $181 amid reports of an impending antitrust case. This stumble marks Apple’s weakest start since 2019, erasing a staggering $177 billion in market value. Analysts attribute this setback to weakening iPhone sales exacerbated by economic woes in China. Meanwhile, Microsoft Corp.’s steadier performance inches it closer to Apple’s market supremacy, prompting industry speculation.

Investor concerns heighten as Apple grapples with a five-day downward streak, the longest since October. The looming shadow of a possible antitrust lawsuit adds to existing woes, including patent issues and slowing iPhone sales. This market upheaval significantly shrinks Apple’s lead, positioning Microsoft Corp. within striking distance, now less than $100 billion away. As Apple’s market value hovers around $2.8 trillion, the narrowing gap with Microsoft’s $2.7 trillion value signals a potential shift in the tech giants’ standings.

Amidst these uncertainties, experts anticipate intense investor scrutiny in the coming weeks, waiting to see if Apple can weather these challenges and retain its top position in the stock market hierarchy. This pivotal moment raises questions about Apple’s resilience and the tech landscape’s evolving dynamics in 2024.