A compelling narrative is taking hold within the digital asset space, comparing XRP’s current market position to that of Apple Inc. just before the launch of its revolutionary iPhone. The analogy, championed by influencer John Squire, suggests that investors currently selling their XRP holdings may be foregoing a pivotal growth phase, much like those who sold Apple stock in early 2007.
The core of the argument rests on a historical parallel. Before the iPhone’s debut, Apple’s stock performance was respectable but not extraordinary. This new perspective frames XRP as an asset on the verge of its own “iPhone moment,” where its underlying utility and expanding ecosystem could trigger a significant revaluation.
The Apple Precedent: A Historical Snapshot
To understand the comparison, a look back at Apple’s (AAPL) stock history is essential. For years, the company’s stock traded in a relatively tight range.
• Pre-2007: The stock was valued at approximately $3 per share.
• The Catalyst: Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone in January 2007, fundamentally altering the technology landscape and creating a new ecosystem for apps and services.
• Post-Catalyst Growth: Following the launch, Apple’s stock began an astronomical ascent. By late 2024, it reached a peak of $260.
This represents a staggering increase of over 8.500% from its pre-iPhone valuation. For investors who held their positions through this transformation, the returns were life-changing.
| Metric | Pre-iPhone (Early 2007) | Peak Price (Dec 2024) | Today’s Price (July 2025) |
| Apple Stock Price | ~$3 | ~$260 | ~$210 |
| Growth to Peak | – | ~8.566% | – |
| Growth to Today | – | – | ~6.900% |
The Case for XRP’s “Launchpad” Phase
Proponents of this theory believe XRP is currently in a similar “pre-launchpad” stage. They point to several potential catalysts that could collectively serve as its iPhone moment:
1. Regulatory Clarity: A final, positive resolution to the long-standing lawsuit involving Ripple is widely seen as the primary hurdle to be cleared.
2. ETF Approvals: The potential introduction of one or more spot XRP Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) could open the floodgates for institutional and retail investment, similar to the impact seen with Bitcoin ETFs.
3. Corporate and Institutional Adoption: Increased use of XRP for cross-border payments and as a corporate treasury asset could dramatically boost its utility and demand.
4. Ecosystem Development: Continued innovation on the XRP Ledger, including smart contracts and other functionalities, expands its use cases beyond simple payments.
While some market observers have made bold predictions, with some targets reaching as high as $260 or even $10.000 per coin, these remain highly speculative. The narrative, however, is clear: the current price does not reflect the asset’s perceived future value.
This analogy serves as a powerful reminder for investors about the potential of conviction in assets with strong, long-term fundamentals. While history rarely repeats itself exactly, the parallel between a transformative technology company and a digital asset aiming to revolutionize finance offers a compelling framework for evaluating XRP’s future.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves significant risk. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own thorough research before making any investment decisions.
