Core Viewpoint - The technology sector, particularly stocks like Apple, is expected to sustain impressive growth in 2026, driven by strong demand for new products and advancements in artificial intelligence [1][3]. Group 1: Technology Sector Performance - The Nasdaq Composite index has seen a 21% increase in 2025, indicating resilience in technology stocks despite market stresses [1]. - Concerns over tariffs and potential AI spending bubbles have led to investor panic at times, but strong growth reports from tech companies have mitigated these fears [2]. Group 2: Apple Inc. Performance - Apple stock has risen 58% since reaching a 52-week low in early April, driven by healthy demand for new iPhones and growth in its services business [5]. - For fiscal year 2025, Apple reported revenue of $416.1 billion, a 6.4% increase year-over-year, with earnings per share rising 23% to $7.46 [6]. - Analysts project Apple's revenue growth to accelerate to over $453.1 billion in the current fiscal year, reflecting a nearly 9% increase [6]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Competitive Position - Apple holds an 18.2% share of the global smartphone market, providing it with significant scale and negotiating power with suppliers [9]. - The company is expected to maintain its market share despite potential price increases in smartphones due to a shortage of memory chips, as its lowest-priced iPhone is still above the average selling price of competitors [10]. - Apple is anticipated to benefit from a large number of users with older iPhones, with over 315 million devices being at least four years old, creating a substantial upgrade opportunity [11]. Group 4: Future Growth Catalysts - The foldable smartphone market is projected to grow by 30% next year, and Apple's entry into this segment could significantly boost its revenue [12]. - Current trading at 9.8 times sales is considered reasonable compared to the technology sector's average of 8.6, allowing Apple to sustain a slight valuation premium [13]. - If Apple's revenue grows by 10% to $458 billion next year, its market cap could reach $4.6 trillion, representing a 14% increase from its current valuation [14].

Apple is reported to be planning its first foldable smartphone in 2026 but Samsung has a more dramatic innovation in mind. ...