22%: The One Number That Matters Most for Apple (AAPL) Shareholders
Key Points
During the first three quarters of fiscal 2026, Apple’s iPhone sales soared by more than 22%.
Strong demand for this popular hardware device suggests that AI-native products coming to market from other businesses face an impossible task to gain adoption.
- These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires ›
Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) capital expenditures totaled just $6.8 billion through the first three quarters of fiscal 2026 (ended June 27). That pales in comparison to how much money other big tech companies are spending as they race to build data centers to power the artificial intelligence (AI) buildout.
But Apple isn't falling behind from a competitive point of view. Investors in this Magnificent Seven stock should focus on one number that matters most: 22%.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Image source: The Motley Fool.
During the first nine months of fiscal 2026, iPhone revenue increased by 22.4% on a year-over-year basis. Demand has been strong for the iPhone 17 family, which is extremely encouraging since it shows that Apple can still drive sales from its most critical product line. That product line is as relevant as ever even though in 2027, it'll be 20 years old.
That 22.4% growth metric showcases that Apple is currently in a strong position in the very early innings of the AI age. It owns the single most important hardware device out there, with the iPhone 18 and highly anticipated iPhone Duo, which has a foldable screen, recently introduced.
Other businesses are launching AI-native products. But it's hard to see a new consumer hardware device disrupting the iPhone anytime soon. This product is positioned to be the primary way people interact with AI, anchoring it as the dominant platform.
Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity
Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.
On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:
- Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $608,222!*
- Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $63,654!*
- Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $361,650!*
Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.
See the 3 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of October 6, 2026.
Neil Patel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Recommended Articles
