Down 6%, Should You Buy the Dip on Apple?

Core Viewpoint - The recent sell-off of Apple stock is primarily driven by concerns over AI feature delays and a warning letter from regulators, but long-term prospects remain strong with upcoming product launches and solid financial performance [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - Apple reported a 16% year-over-year increase in revenue for Q1 2026, totaling $143.8 billion, largely driven by strong iPhone sales [5]. - Diluted earnings per share increased by 19% during the same period [5]. - The company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share, reinforcing its appeal to investors [6]. Market Reaction - Apple stock is down nearly 6% year-to-date and experienced an 8% drop in the past week due to short-term concerns [1][2]. - The stock's current price is $263.88, with a market cap of $3.9 trillion [3]. Product Outlook - Apple is expected to launch several key products in 2026, including Siri 2.0 powered by Google Gemini, the iPhone 18, a cheaper MacBook, a smart home device, smart glasses, and the M5 chip [3][10]. - The company needs to demonstrate its leadership in design and technology to maintain consumer confidence [4]. Regulatory Concerns - The warning letter from federal regulators was related to perceived bias in Apple News and reflects potential fraying relations between Tim Cook and the Trump Administration [9]. - The letter is viewed as primarily criticism rather than a significant threat to the company's operations [9].