Apple’s R&D spending hits new record as AI investment ramps up
Apple's research and development spending reached a record $11.4 billion in its fiscal Q2 2026, reflecting increased investment in artificial intelligence. CEO Tim Cook acknowledged the rising expenditures during the company's earnings call, noting that R&D growth is outpacing overall operating expense increases. While Apple's R&D spending has surged, it still lags behind other major tech firms like Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft in absolute investment levels.
- ▪Apple's R&D spending reached $11.4 billion in Q2 2026, a 34% increase from the same quarter in 2025.
- ▪This marks the highest quarterly R&D expenditure in Apple's history, up from around $6 billion in 2022.
- ▪CEO Tim Cook highlighted the company's growing R&D investment during the earnings call, linking it to AI development.
- ▪Alphabet reported $17 billion and Meta $17.6 billion in recent R&D spending, surpassing Apple's current levels.
- ▪Apple reported $111.2 billion in revenue for Q2 2026, a 17% year-over-year increase.
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