Apple investors seek clarity on AI strategy as iPhone sales decline

Unlike rivals such as Samsung and Alphabet's Google, Apple has also been slow to roll out some important AI features it promised last year at its developer conference

- REUTERS

Apple is expected to face a string of questions over the delayed roll-out of key AI features and the impact of the Sino-U.S. tariff standoff on its business, when it reports results Thursday.

Even as Apple benefited from a rush of orders for its recently launched lower-priced iPhone 16e in the January-March period ahead of potential tariffs, Wall Street analysts still expect the company will report a small fall in iPhone sales. That would mark a second straight quarter of declines.

The Trump administration has so far spared electronics from tariffs, but Washington has signaled that some levies could come in the coming weeks. The uncertainty has sent shares of Apple, which makes 90% of its products in China, down more than 16% this year, and wiping off over $600 billion from its market value.