WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Apple Stock Hits Intraday Record on Strong iPhone Sales

Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced roundup of headline tech stories making waves on October 20th, 2025. Host Julie Chang walks listeners through Apple's record-breaking stock surge over strong iPhone 17 sales, massive customer cancellations at Disney and Hulu, and fresh controversy over Elon Musk’s Tesla pay package. Listeners are provided with both market news and insight into the rapidly evolving tech and media landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Apple Hits Intraday Stock Record

• Apple’s Shares Surge:
  • Apple stock soared over 4% by mid-afternoon, reaching an all-time intraday high of approximately $263 per share.
  • Surge attributed to stellar initial demand for the iPhone 17 series.
• iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16:
  • Research from Counterpoint revealed the iPhone 17 series outsold the previous year’s iPhone 16 by 14% during its first ten days on the market in both China and the US.
• Notable Quote:
  • Julie Chang: “Apple stock hit a new intraday record today following a report of strong iPhone sales.” [00:15]

2. Disney and Hulu Streaming Cancellations Spike

• Subscriber Fallout:
  • Disney’s and Hulu's customer cancellations doubled in September compared to August.
• Catalyst for Cancellations:
  • The spike came after Disney briefly suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live over the host’s comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
  • According to Antenna, Disney’s cancellation rate jumped from 4% to 8%, Hulu’s from 5% to 10%.
• Stats:
  • Estimated 3 million Disney cancellations, 4.1 million for Hulu over September.
• Notable Quote:
  • Julie Chang: “The cancellations came after the company briefly suspended the ABC late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live over the comedian's comments related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.” [00:38]

3. Proxy Advisory Firms Oppose Elon Musk’s Tesla Pay Package

• Pay Package Details:
  • A second proxy advisor, Glass Lewis, recommended Tesla shareholders reject CEO Elon Musk’s proposed $1 trillion pay package.
  • This joins a similar stance by Institutional Shareholder Services, which had raised concerns about the size and design of the package.
• Tesla’s Response:
  • Tesla criticized the recommendation as “misguided,” pointing to strong financial results under Musk’s leadership.
  • Musk currently owns 13.6% of the company.
• Upcoming Vote:
  • The shareholder vote on the pay package is set for November 6th. Approval requires a majority.
• Notable Quote:
  • Julie Chang: “Glass Lewis is joining Institutional Shareholder Services, which said last week it had concerns about the magnitude and design of Musk's stock award program.” [01:15]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Apple’s Market Response:
  • Julie Chang, [00:15]: “Apple stock hit a new intraday record today following a report of strong iPhone sales.”
• On Streaming Turmoil:
  • Julie Chang, [00:38]: “The cancellations came after the company briefly suspended the ABC late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live over the comedian's comments related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.”
• On Tesla’s Proxy Battle:
  • Julie Chang, [01:15]: “Glass Lewis is joining Institutional Shareholder Services, which said last week it had concerns about the magnitude and design of Musk's stock award program.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:15 — Apple stock record and iPhone 17 sales
• 00:37 — Disney & Hulu cancellation jumps, fallout from Kimmel controversy
• 01:07 — Tesla proxy advisors oppose Musk pay package; shareholder meeting details

Additional Notes

• The episode teases a deeper dive into tech news in Tuesday’s full Tech News Briefing.
• The summary skips over SAP and custom content as these sections were advertisements and not core news content.

Tone and Delivery

Julie Chang keeps the delivery sharp and concise, with a focus on clear facts and market impact. The tone is straightforward and businesslike, reflecting The Wall Street Journal’s reporting style.

For anyone seeking a quick, authoritative update on tech's top stories—ranging from Apple’s record day, to streaming upheaval, to Tesla’s shareholder drama—this TNB Tech Minute is an essential listen.