UPDATED with exec comments. Apple shares rose 5% in after-hours trading after CEO Tim Cook told investors that sales of the company’s flagship product, the iPhone , were on pace to hit a record during the holiday quarter.

“We expect the December quarter’s revenue to be the best ever for the company and the best ever for iPhone,” Cook said during an earnings call with Wall Street analysts after the company reported solid results for the July-to-September quarter. “We are heading into the holiday season with a truly remarkable lineup. That includes the big biggest leap ever for iPhone, which has had a tremendous response from our users around the world.”

Early reports of sales for the iPhone 17 have been positive, prompting a boost in Apple’s stock. Shares perked up 4% in after-hour

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