Buffett’s Apple Exit: A Costly Mistake Acknowledged

In a rare admission, legendary investor Warren Buffett conceded to a significant error in judgment regarding his stake in Apple Inc. The Berkshire Hathaway chairman made the statement on March 31, 2026, acknowledging he sold the technology giant’s shares too early. His timing was thrown into sharp relief by the company’s subsequent quarterly earnings report, which delivered a powerful counterpoint to his decision.

Stellar Quarterly Performance Underscores Value

Apple’s financial results for the first quarter of its 2026 fiscal year were nothing short of spectacular. The company posted total revenue of $143.76 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 15.65%. The iPhone segment was a standout performer, generating $85.27 billion in sales. This figure marks an all-time high for the product line and a substantial 23.3% growth. Revenue from Services contributed another $30.01 billion.

A critical metric for long-term investors is the size of Apple’s installed base. The company now reports over 2.5 billion active devices globally. This massive, loyal user ecosystem is considered the primary engine for driving future growth in its high-margin Services division.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Apple?

The Price of Premature Selling

Berkshire Hathaway significantly reduced its position in Apple between 2023 and 2024, cutting its holdings by approximately two-thirds. By the end of 2024, the value of the remaining stake stood at around $40 billion. This contrasts starkly with a peak valuation exceeding $170 billion for Berkshire’s Apple investment. Despite his decision to sell, Buffett maintained that Apple remains a superior business to many of the companies Berkshire owns outright. It continues to be the conglomerate’s largest single stock holding.

Developer Momentum and Future Catalysts

Further data from the quarter highlighted robust developer activity. In early 2026, the number of new iOS app submissions surged by 54.8%. Industry observers attribute this jump to the adoption of AI-powered development tools. Apple also stated that, despite occasional review delays, it processes 90% of all submissions within a 48-hour window.

Looking ahead, market analysts have established a consensus price target of $295.31 for Apple shares. The next major event on the calendar is the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), scheduled for June 8-12, which is anticipated to serve as a key catalyst for the stock.