According to an analysis, Apple invested around $100 billion in research and development over the past five years to maintain its position at the forefront of technological innovation.
Apple spent $97.37 billion on research and development from 2018 to 2022. According to information from Finbold (an analytics firm), Apple’s spending in this area is expected to increase by 84.33% over the next five years, rising from $14.2 billion in 2018 to $26.25 billion in 2022. Despite the increasing competition in the electronics industry and a steady rise in R&D expenses in recent years, Apple continues to maintain its leadership by consistently delivering innovative products and services.
Currently, Apple is facing a significant challenge due to the Covid-related lockdowns impacting its supply chain from China, leading the company to consider relocating much of its manufacturing to India and Vietnam.
Despite the ongoing economic downturn and rising inflation in 2022, Apple continues to improve, releasing enhanced products through significant investments in research and development. This may also signal Apple’s readiness to pivot and focus on a different set of offerings. However, at present, the primary focus of R&D spending is on upgrading its most profitable products, such as the iPhone.
Nevertheless, analysts suggest that Apple is lagging behind its competitors, although it seems to be maintaining its investments in research and development.