Apple Stock Marks a Solid Comeback. Is AAPL a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2026?

Apple (AAPL) stock has staged an impressive comeback after a sluggish start to 2025. Over the past six months, shares have surged 37.9%, recently reaching a record high of $288.62 on Dec. 3, and outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) roughly 14% gain. Surprisingly, Apple has also outpaced tech powerhouses like Meta (META), Amazon (AMZN), and Nvidia (NVDA) during the same period.

The upward swing began in late summer and has been driven by a series of favorable developments. One notable win came when Apple received temporary tariff relief on iPhones manufactured outside the U.S. The exemption allows the company to avoid price increases on affected models despite broader import duties, helping Apple protect demand during a crucial upgrade cycle.