Apple Could Ditch Caution, Hold XRP Reserve

Apple stands poised at a crossroads between historical reserve prudence and speculative momentum. The tech giant has not confirmed any acquisition of Ripple’s XRP, where whispers of a US$1.5 billion purchase—originating from a vocal analyst on X—have ignited markets. XRP has surged past the US$3 psychological threshold amid this buzz, yet Apple remains silent. Apple could ditch caution, hold XRP reserve remains the most striking characterisation of the unfolding scenario.

Whispers of an enormous XRP buy have generated fervent interest, but no official confirmation has emerged. Apple’s investment filings and earnings updates remain focused on antitrust developments and hardware performance. Analysts emphasise Apple’s historically conservative approach to digital assets, noting its earlier move to lift in-app crypto purchase restrictions did not signal any intent to hold crypto reserves.

XRP’s price movements reflect a mix of optimism and volatility. On 10 September 2025, prices approached US$2.98 after climbing past the US$3 mark—a key technical level—spurred by speculative interest. Momentum indicators remain bullish, but absence of verified fundamentals keeps analysts cautious. Where price targets extend up to US$3.53 or even US$4 if rumours hold, a flutter of profit-taking and speculative sentiment makes the path ahead uncertain.

Separately, Ripple’s progress in institutional adoption paints a more grounded picture of XRP’s appeal. The company has forged custody partnerships across Europe—with BBVA, DekaBank and BDACS—under the EU’s MiCA regulatory framework, which has catalysed institutional demand. XRP climbed over 4% to US$3.02 on 9 September, backed by on-chain whale accumulation and positive technical breakout indicators. Ripple’s enhanced infrastructure, legal clarity following SEC litigation, and anticipated inclusion in multi-crypto ETFs bolster the token’s strategic outlook beyond speculative narratives.

Apple’s potential decision to hold a multi-billion-dollar XRP reserve would mark a profound departure from its traditionally measured financial strategy. Historically, the company has favoured well-established assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum in theoretical institutional conversations, making XRP an unlikely—but not impossible—candidate. Analysts remain deeply skeptical absent any official signal.

Similar corporate moves offer context. Tesla’s US$1.5 billion Bitcoin purchase in 2021 triggered a sharp price rally and redefined institutional attitudes toward crypto. An equivalent move by Apple could reverberate even more significantly, given its vast market influence and user base.