Apple Inc. returned to the triple-digit zone, hitting $100 for the first time since its seven-for-one stock split in June.

The move also gave the iPad and iPhone maker a market capitalization that topped $600 billion.

The rally in Apple's stock was the single biggest force lifting the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 index on Tuesday.

At midday, Apple was up 1.3 percent at $100.49.