Apple is about to conclude one of the most important quarters in its corporate history. On January 29, 2026, Apple will release its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. Even before the release, exceptionally strong results are expected. Internal forecasts and analyst assessments suggest that this quarter could surpass all previous records. This is particularly noteworthy because Apple has recently faced considerable criticism and skepticism.
The holiday quarter is traditionally Apple's strongest of the year. Nevertheless, the current situation is anything but a given. Many experts considered 2025 a difficult year for Apple. Delays in key AI features related to Apple Intelligence, the controversial new Liquid Glass, and the departure of several executives raised doubts about the company's strategic direction. However, expectations for the first fiscal quarter of 2026 clearly show that these factors have had little impact on customer purchasing decisions.
Publication of business figures and telephone conference
The official figures for the first quarter of 2026 will be released on January 29, 2026. Immediately following this, the conference call to announce the financial results will take place. During this call, Apple's management will discuss the company's financial performance, provide forward-looking assessments, and answer questions from analysts. These calls are traditionally considered an important indicator of how Apple anticipates the coming months and what strategic priorities it will set.
Why the first quarter of 2026 is so strong
The first quarter is always the first full sales quarter for the new iPhone generation. In addition, several other key products were launched during this period, including the new Mac M5, the iPad Pro, and the Apple Vision Pro. This concentrated product lineup generated exceptionally high interest and contributed significantly to the positive expectations.
Throughout the quarter, analysts were predominantly optimistic. This was primarily due to the positive forward-looking statements Apple had already made in previous quarters.
Financial market reactions
Following the release of strong fourth-quarter results and a positive outlook, the financial world reacted quickly. JP Morgan raised its price target for Apple to $305, and Evercore followed suit, setting its target at $300. Notably, the stock continued to rise despite historical benchmarks. Historically, strong quarters have often been followed by price declines. This time, however, such a correction failed to materialize.
Financial burdens caused by tariffs
Despite the overall very positive starting position, not everything is running smoothly. Apple continues to be affected by tariffs, even though there are certain exemptions granted by the US president. In the fourth quarter, Apple had to bear $1.1 billion in tariff costs. For the first quarter of 2026, the company even expects charges of $1.4 billion. These additional costs remain a significant factor influencing profit development.
Challenges in the Mac business
Apple also faces a difficult comparison in the Mac segment. In the first quarter of 2025, almost the entire Mac product line was updated. In the first quarter of 2026, however, the update is essentially limited to the MacBook Pro with the M5 chip. As a result, year-over-year growth in this area could be lower, even if demand remains stable.
A pivotal year for Apple
All eyes are on Apple, as 2026 is considered by many observers to be one of the company's most critical years. It could be the last major opportunity to permanently establish Apple Intelligence as a relevant AI platform. At the same time, several new products are expected. These include a smart home hub and a foldable iPhone, often referred to as the iPhone Fold. Whether these products will actually be released and what role they will play remains to be seen.
The start of a pivotal year for Apple
The earnings report on January 29, 2026, marks far more than just the end of a strong quarter for Apple. It kicks off a year filled with high expectations, strategic decisions, and intense public interest. The earnings call will be crucial in determining how Apple interprets its record results, addresses existing challenges, and outlines its next steps. (Image: Shutterstock / Hodoimg)
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