Apple's research and development spending surged 32% in fiscal 2026, reaching $45.77 billion from $34.55 billion in 2025. This $11.22 billion increase works out to roughly $125 million per day. Despite the annual jump, spending barely changed between the final two quarters, with the September quarter recording $11.730 billion, just $1 million more than the June quarter's $11.729 billion. Apple now spends close to one dollar on research and development for every ten dollars of annual revenue, which grew 15%. The company has linked this growing budget to AI investment, with CFO Kevan Parekh and former CEO Tim Cook highlighting the increase during earnings calls.
Apple's fiscal year ended September 26. The R&D figures come as the company prepares to launch five new products, including first-touchscreen MacBook Pro models and an iPad mini with OLED display. Apple's development focus remains on its product roadmap and artificial intelligence capabilities, with the budget representing a significant acceleration compared to revenue growth.
Source: MacRumors · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing