Apple stock rises 28% in 2026 as AI stocks wobble: Why investors are betting on the iPhone maker

Apple shares have reportedly risen 28% year to date in 2026 while a broader wobble in AI-linked equities has unfolded, with investors reportedly favoring the iPhone maker. The rotation points to a risk-appetite and sector-rotation channel, where capital moves out of richly valued AI and semiconductor names toward mega-cap companies with steadier consumer-hardware and services revenue. AAPL is the most directly exposed asset, while the broader AI complex, including high-multiple semiconductor and software names, faces pressure from the shift in positioning. Traders will want to watch the next major Apple product and services revenue disclosures, along with upcoming hyperscaler capital expenditure commentary, since any change in AI spending expectations would test whether this rotation persists.

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