Will the Collaboration With Google Push Up Apple Stock in 2026?

Core Insights - Apple has entered a multi-year collaboration with Alphabet to utilize Google's Gemini models and cloud technology for its AI initiatives, particularly enhancing Apple Intelligence features like Siri [1][7] - The partnership aims to address Apple's challenges in AI execution and timeliness, which have hindered its competitive position against companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon [2][4] Group 1: AI Collaboration and Impact - The collaboration with Alphabet is expected to resolve Apple's issues related to the timing and execution of its AI features, which have been lagging behind competitors [4][7] - Apple Intelligence is projected to significantly contribute to the growth of Apple's Services segment, which currently accounts for approximately 26% of net sales [4][7] Group 2: Services Business Growth - Apple's Services segment, which includes advertising, AppleCare, Cloud Services, and digital content, is benefiting from an expanding base of installed devices and a growing user base [5][6] - In 2025, the App Store recorded over 850 million average weekly users globally, with developers earning over $550 billion since 2008, indicating strong engagement on Apple's platform [6] Group 3: Market Performance and Valuation - Apple shares have increased by 11.3% over the past 12 months, underperforming the Zacks Computer and Technology sector, which saw a return of 29.9% [7][8] - The current valuation of Apple stock is considered stretched, with a forward price/sales ratio of 8.27X compared to the sector's 7.47X and Amazon's 3.3X [11]