Apple Stock Heads Toward Longest Losing Streak Since 1991

Apple Inc. shares are under mounting pressure, putting the company on the verge of matching its longest losing streak in more than 30 years. The prolonged slide marks a rare and notable moment for one of the world’s most closely followed stocks, drawing attention from investors who are accustomed to Apple’s long-term resilience.

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The iPhone maker dropped as much as 1.1% on Friday, leaving the stock poised for an eighth consecutive day of declines. While Apple has experienced losing streaks of similar length in recent history including episodes in 2025, 2022, 2016, and as far back as 1998 the company has not endured a nine-day downturn since 1991, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That historical comparison underscores how unusual the current run has been.

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The pullback comes during a broader period of reassessment for large-cap technology stocks. After years of outsized gains, investors have become more selective, particularly when it comes to valuation, earnings growth, and longer-term innovation prospects. Apple, despite its dominant market position and massive cash flows, has not been immune to this recalibration.

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Recent trading suggests that some investors are taking profits or reducing exposure amid concerns about slowing growth in key product lines. The iPhone remains Apple’s largest revenue driver, but smartphone demand globally has shown signs of saturation. Incremental hardware upgrades, while steady, have struggled to generate the same level of excitement that once powered strong upgrade cycles.

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At the same time, questions around Apple’s services business have grown louder. While services revenue continues to expand and offers higher margins than hardware, growth has moderated compared with earlier years. Investors are increasingly focused on whether services can meaningfully offset slower hardware sales and support Apple’s premium valuation.

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Macroeconomic factors have also played a role in the stock’s recent weakness. Higher interest rates have pressured equity valuations, particularly for mega-cap stocks with large index weightings. Even modest changes in investor sentiment can lead to outsized price moves, especially when positioning becomes crowded. Apple’s size makes it especially sensitive to these broader market shifts.

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Another factor weighing on shares has been regulatory scrutiny. Apple continues to face antitrust pressure in multiple regions, including ongoing debates around App Store policies, fees, and competition rules. While these issues are unlikely to materially disrupt the business in the near term, they add another layer of uncertainty that investors must factor into long-term forecasts.

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Despite the losing streak, many analysts remain cautious about reading too much into short-term price action. Apple’s balance sheet remains among the strongest in corporate America, with substantial cash reserves and consistent free cash flow generation. The company also continues to return capital to shareholders through dividends and aggressive share buybacks, which have historically helped support the stock during periods of weakness.

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From a technical perspective, extended losing streaks can sometimes attract bargain hunters, particularly among long-term investors who view Apple as a core holding. Others, however, may wait for clearer signs of stabilization before stepping back in, especially given the broader uncertainty surrounding technology valuations and global growth.

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It’s also worth noting that Apple’s long-term track record includes multiple periods of drawdowns that ultimately proved temporary. Over the decades, the stock has weathered product-cycle concerns, economic downturns, and shifting competitive landscapes, often emerging stronger. That history provides some reassurance to investors focused on multi-year horizons rather than near-term volatility.

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Looking ahead, attention will likely turn to upcoming earnings reports, product announcements, and guidance from management. Any signs that demand is improving, margins are stabilizing, or new growth drivers are emerging could help reset sentiment. Conversely, cautious commentary could extend the pressure on the stock.

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For now, Apple’s potential to tie its longest losing streak in over three decades serves as a reminder that even market leaders are not immune to periods of sustained selling. While the current slide is notable from a historical standpoint, investors will be watching closely to see whether it marks a temporary pullback or a more meaningful shift in market perception.

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