Apple Inc. has emerged as one of the most reliable trades in the stock market as sentiment towards artificial intelligence (AI) swings wildly. While AI stocks face volatility amid concerns over rising infrastructure spending, the iPhone maker’s shares have continued to climb, making it a preferred choice for investors seeking exposure to Big Tech without taking on the same level of risk.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple’s stock has risen 28% in 2026, making it the biggest contributor to the S&P 500 Index’s 12% climb. It is also the best performer among the Magnificent Seven technology giants this year, marking a sharp reversal from 2025, when its 8% gain placed it near the bottom of the group.
The report said that the divergence is largely driven by Apple’s strategy of avoiding the massive AI infrastructure spending undertaken by its mega-cap technology peers. While companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta Platforms are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, Apple is focusing on its core strength of developing consumer products that generate excitement, including its new foldable iPhone Duo.
With Wall Street’s view of AI capital expenditure constantly shifting, Apple’s shares have become a way for investors to maintain exposure to Big Tech while avoiding some of the volatility affecting the broader AI trade.
According to the Bloomberg report, the divergence has become more pronounced as investors reassess whether the hundreds of billions of dollars being invested in AI infrastructure will generate sufficient returns. Concerns over debt at cloud computing provider CoreWeave recently triggered widespread selling in AI stocks.