AAPL
neutral $257.46 -7.3% (20d)Buffett sells $4.5B in Apple, keeps $60B stake
Berkshire Hathaway dumped $4.5 billion in Apple and Amazon shares in Q4 2025, but Apple remains the portfolio's largest equity holding at $60 billion (19% of total). Buffett trimmed more than 75% of his Apple position—purchased between 2016-2018 for $30+ billion—yet clearly still believes in the core holding. The signal is mixed: tactical selling into strength, not a strategic exit. Berkshire's $373 billion cash position provides optionality to re-deploy capital elsewhere, though the retiree's new 174-year-old position suggests a thematic shift toward less correlated assets.
Buffett's selective selling undermines the bull case for Apple as a transformative AI play while validating structural margin concerns flagged in recent earnings. If the world's best capital allocator is reducing exposure to a 19% portfolio weight, institutional confidence in Apple's near-term growth trajectory is eroding despite record iPhone and Services revenue. This is not capitulation—it's a rebalancing signal that Apple's risk-reward no longer justifies concentration above $60B.
Watch: Next institutional 13-F filings (mid-May) to see if other mega-cap investors are following Buffett's lead out of Apple, which would confirm a rotation away from premium valuations on tariff and margin headwinds.
Evidence
Recent signals
Apple announced a range of new product launches including a low-cost MacBook Neo, entry-level iPhone 17e smartphone, two new iPad Airs, and updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops powered by M5 chips. These product releases could strengthen Apple's position in the consumer technology market.
- Apple launched a new low-cost MacBook Neo.
- Apple released entry-level iPhone 17e smartphone.
- Apple introduced two new iPad Air models.
- Apple updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M5 chips.
Apple (AAPL) reported a milestone of over 2.5 billion active devices in fiscal Q1 2026. It unveiled three new low-price products: the iPhone 17e starting at $599, featuring MagSafe charging, the 3nm A19 processor, and a 48MP camera; the iPad Air with M4 processor starting at $599 (11-inch) and $799 (13-inch); and the 13-inch MacBook Neo powered by the A18 Pro processor at $599. These launches aim to expand Apple's consumer base and drive sales volume growth, supporting positive outlook for AAPL stock amid a sideways YTD performance.
- Apple's installed base of active devices surpassed 2.5 billion in Q1 fiscal 2026
- iPhone 17e starting price is $599 with MagSafe charging, A19 3nm processor, and 48MP Fusion camera
- iPad Air available in 11-inch ($599) and 13-inch ($799) models powered by M4 processor
- 13-inch MacBook Neo weighs less than three pounds, powered by A18 Pro processor, starts at $599
Warren Buffett, before retiring as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA, BRKB), sold $4.5 billion worth of Apple (AAPL) and Amazon (AMZN) shares in the last quarter of 2025. Despite these sales, Apple remains Berkshire's largest equity holding worth about $60 billion, constituting 19% of the portfolio. Buffett also established a new position in a 174-year-old company in early 2026. Berkshire's total cash pile reached $373 billion at the end of 2025 following substantial equity sell-offs.
- Berkshire Hathaway sold $4.5 billion worth of Apple and Amazon shares in the last quarter of 2025.
- Apple shares were originally purchased between 2016 and 2018 for over $30 billion and reached nearly $200 billion in value in 2023.
- After selling more than 75% of Apple shares, the position is worth about $60 billion or 19% of the portfolio as of early 2026.
- Berkshire Hathaway's cash position totaled $373 billion at the end of 2025.
Rosenblatt main AAPL: Neutral → Neutral
- Firm: Rosenblatt
- Action: main
- Rating: Neutral
- Previous: Neutral
Wedbush reit AAPL: Outperform → Outperform
- Firm: Wedbush
- Action: reit
- Rating: Outperform
- Previous: Outperform
Direction changes (30d)
No direction changes — steady neutral for 30 days.