AAPL · 10-K · 2025A · Full report

R&D Investment

Apple Inc. · 2025-10-31 · Importance 57 · Surprise 46

Research and development expense increased to $34,550 million in fiscal 2025 from $31,370 million in 2024, a year-over-year rise of 10.1%, primarily driven by increases in headcount-related expenses and infrastructure-related costs. The filing attributes the R&D increase to staffing and infrastructure investment, consistent with continued investment in new hardware, OS releases (iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, etc.), and expanded Services. Higher R&D spend may support product differentiation (Pro models, new watch/visionOS features) and future services/AI initiatives described elsewhere. The increase exceeds the >10% YoY threshold and is material to operating expense trends.

Key facts