Theater owners want to see more from Apple at a time when they’re often struggling with a lack of compelling material, especially for grown-ups. With 'F1,' they saw a glimpse of hope.

Apple has its first box-office hit. According to studio estimates Sunday, “F1 The Movie” debuted with $55.6 million in North American theaters and $144 million globally over the weekend, handing the tech company easily its biggest opening yet.

Champagne showers, a staple of Formula One races, may be reserved for the racetrack, but the mood at Apple was certainly celebratory over the weekend, as the big-budget “F1” delivered the studio its first box office hit.