AAPL · 10-Q · 2026Q2 · Full report
Operating Expense Trends
Apple Inc. · 2026-07-31 · Importance 84 · Surprise 74 · In source text
Total operating expenses were $19,075 million in Q3 2026 versus $15,516 million in Q3 2025, an increase driven primarily by Research and Development (R&D) expense rising to $11,729 million from $8,866 million. R&D increases are attributed to higher infrastructure-related costs, including investments in artificial intelligence, and higher headcount-related expenses. Selling, general and administrative expense increased to $7,346 million from $6,650 million in the prior-year quarter, with the company noting increases were driven by various factors, none individually significant. Year-to-date total operating expenses were $56,350 million versus $46,237 million YTD in 2025, indicating elevated operating leverage from increased investment.
Key facts
- Summary: nine-month R&D expense $34,035 million; SG&A expense $22,315 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2026. source
Impact estimates
| metric | direction | stage | expected | basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| operating_income | negative | realized | — | Summary: nine-month R&D expense $34,035 million; SG&A expense $22,315 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2026. |