Apple spent 2025 watching from the sidelines as rivals rushed to integrate generative AI into their products. But 2026 is shaping up to be the year Tim Cook finally goes all-in on artificial intelligence—with stakes that couldn't be higher.

The Cupertino giant is preparing a product offensive that includes a completely redesigned Siri, the company's first foldable iPhone, and what analysts at Evercore ISI call a "sizable catalyst" that could add up to $100 per share to Apple's valuation over the coming years.

The Siri Transformation

At the heart of Apple's 2026 strategy is the long-anticipated overhaul of Siri, expected to arrive this spring. The updated assistant represents Apple's most ambitious AI project ever undertaken—a complete reimagining of the voice assistant that launched in 2011.

The new Siri will be more conversational and capable of completing multi-step tasks, moving beyond the simple command-and-response model that has defined voice assistants for over a decade. To power this transformation, Apple is believed to be adopting Google's Gemini AI technology—a surprising partnership that underscores the urgency of Apple's AI ambitions.

"Apple's restrained artificial intelligence strategy may pay off in 2026. While others rushed to market with half-baked AI features, Apple has been building something more substantial."

— The Information

The timing is no accident. AI chief John Giannandrea is retiring and turning Apple's AI efforts over to Amar Subramanya, a veteran of AI initiatives at Google and Microsoft. This leadership transition signals a new chapter in Apple's approach to artificial intelligence.

The Foldable iPhone Arrives

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing some of the biggest changes in years to its iPhone lineup in 2026. The centerpiece: a foldable iPhone expected to launch in the latter half of the year.

Apple's entry into the foldable market comes years after Samsung and other competitors, but the company has a history of perfecting technologies that others pioneered. The foldable iPhone could represent the most significant iPhone redesign since the iPhone X introduced Face ID in 2017.

The Stock Market Implications

Despite setbacks in some areas—notably the Vision Pro headset, which saw sales plunge 95%—Apple's stock rose 35% in 2025, currently trading near $273.40. Analysts expect the momentum to continue.

The company expects 10%-12% revenue growth in its fiscal first quarter of 2026, with double-digit iPhone revenue growth during the crucial holiday period. Consensus estimates for the January 29 earnings call place revenue at $138.25 billion—an 11% year-over-year increase.

The Bull Case

Analysts at Evercore ISI have raised their price target on Apple, citing AI monetization potential of up to $100 per share. Their thesis: as Apple integrates AI more deeply into its ecosystem of 2 billion devices, new revenue streams will emerge from premium services and enhanced functionality.

The Bear Case

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has been quietly selling. The legendary investor has reduced exposure to Apple by roughly 73% since the end of 2023, raising questions about whether the AI boom can truly rejuvenate iPhone demand.

The Competitive Landscape

Apple's cautious approach to AI has given competitors time to establish positions:

  • Microsoft: Deep integration of Copilot AI across Office and Windows
  • Google: Gemini powering everything from Search to Workspace
  • Samsung: Galaxy AI features in its latest smartphones
  • Meta: Llama models integrated across Facebook and Instagram

But Apple has advantages that competitors can't easily replicate: control of both hardware and software, a massive installed base of loyal users, and a reputation for privacy that could prove decisive as AI applications become more personal.

The 2026 Product Timeline

Based on analyst reports and industry leaks, here's what Apple investors should watch for:

  • Spring 2026: Revamped Siri with conversational AI capabilities
  • June 2026: WWDC with expanded AI developer tools
  • Fall 2026: iPhone 18 with enhanced AI features
  • Late 2026: Foldable iPhone debut

"2026 will be Apple's AI coming-out party. The company has been building the foundation for years—now it's time to see what they can do with it."

— Gene Munster, Deepwater Asset Management

The Bottom Line

Apple's 2026 represents a pivotal year for the world's most valuable company. The success or failure of its AI initiatives will determine whether Apple can maintain its premium positioning in an increasingly AI-driven tech landscape.

For investors, the January 29 earnings call and spring Siri launch will provide the first real tests of Apple's AI strategy. If the company can deliver on its ambitions, the $100-per-share AI premium that some analysts envision could become reality. If not, questions about Apple's ability to compete in the age of AI will only grow louder.

One thing is certain: after years of watching from the wings, Apple is finally ready to take center stage in the AI revolution.