Shares of Apple rose to their highest price in more than three years on Friday in heavy volume trading. The stock climbed US$1.58, or more than 6 percent, to close at $26.74. Analysts attributed the jump to news on the early success of the iPod mini, and unsubstantiated rumors of a takeover by Sony. Apple rose $1.24, or more than 5 percent, to close at $25.16 on Thursday. This was the first time Apple’s stock closed above $25 since May 2002.