Shares of Apple (AAPL) closed down sharply by around 5% on Thursday, February 12, 2026, on the exchange Nasdaq, at Nova York. The decline represented the company’s worst daily performance since April of the previous year and eliminated the gains accumulated in the year, leaving the shares with a devaluation of close to 4% in 2026.
The movement was mainly triggered by reports of new obstacles in the development of the improved version of the Siri virtual assistant, combined with general market fears about high spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure. The session reflected a broader profit-taking mood in the technology sector.
The technology-heavy Nasdaq index also posted significant losses on the day. Outras giants in the segment followed the downward movement, increasing the pressure on megacapitalized companies.
Delays in the development of Siri
Reports indicate that Apple faces additional difficulties in launching the revamped version of Siri with advanced artificial intelligence features. The company planned to introduce substantial improvements to the virtual assistant in 2026, but industry sources point to delays that could extend the timeline beyond expectations.
These technical obstacles directly affect investors’ perception of Apple’s ability to compete in the generative AI segment. The company has invested heavily to integrate more sophisticated tools into its devices, but internal deadlines have undergone repeated adjustments.
The market reacted immediately to the news, intensifying sales of shares. The decline accelerated throughout the session, with the share price hitting lows not seen in weeks.
Concerns about high spending on AI
Investors are showing increasing caution regarding the billion-dollar investments that large technology companies direct into artificial intelligence. Apple, although it maintains a solid financial position, is not immune to rigorous analysis regarding the return on these expenses in the short term.
Analysts note that the high cost of developing data centers and specialized chips puts pressure on profit margins across the industry. In the case of Apple, the lack of significant immediate revenue from generative AI products contributes to market discomfort.
- High disbursements on computing infrastructure
- Demand for advanced chips without sufficient supply
- Need for external partnerships to accelerate projects
- Intense competition from companies focused exclusively on AI
These combined elements fuel portfolio rotation to sectors with more attractive valuations.
Technology market context
Thursday’s session was part of a broader correction movement in the American technology sector. The S&P 500 index also ended lower, influenced by profit-taking in large-cap names.
Other major companies, such as chipmakers and cloud providers, recorded similar declines. The mood reflects a reassessment of the prospects for accelerated growth driven solely by AI.
Apple, despite maintaining a robust ecosystem and an installed base of billions of devices, faces questions about its speed of innovation in artificial intelligence. The company prioritizes native integration of resources into iPhones and other products, a strategy that requires additional development time.
Institutional investors adjusted positions, reducing exposure concentrated in technology. Esse repositioning favored traditional sectors, such as industry and energy, which showed better relative performance.
Competitive position of Apple
Apple continues to be a leader in mobile devices and digital services, with recurring revenue that offers stability even during periods of volatility. The services business, including App Store and subscriptions, grows consistently and helps offset weaker hardware cycles.
However, the company is still seeking a clear positioning in the generative artificial intelligence segment. Diferentemente of competitors that sell models directly, Apple focuses on integrated experiences for the end user.
The installed base of more than two billion active devices represents a unique opportunity for distributing AI capabilities. The company has already implemented basic tools in its operating systems, but the advanced version of Siri is seen as a central piece of the strategy.
Company executives maintain a long-term speech, highlighting investments in research and development. The approach prioritizes privacy and local processing, differences that can win over users concerned about data security.
Immediate reaction from investors
Trading volume for Apple shares surpassed the recent average on Thursday. Mais of 80 million shares changed hands, signaling high institutional participation in the movement.
The closing price was close to US$261, with an intraday low below US$260. The company’s market capitalization was reduced by tens of billions of dollars in a single session.
Analysts maintain mostly positive recommendations for the long term, but have adjusted target prices in the short term. Expectations focus on the next results report, which may provide more details on the launch schedule.
Outlook for the sector
The technology market is going through a phase of maturing expectations around artificial intelligence. Após years of euphoria, investors demand concrete evidence of investment monetization.
Companies that demonstrate a tangible return on AI spending tend to regain trust more quickly. Apple has robust financial reserves to support its strategy without compromising dividends or buybacks.
The stabilization of interest rates and eventual improvement in risk sentiment may favor the return of flows to growth stocks. Até there, volatility remains high in the segment.
The performance of Apple serves as a thermometer for risk appetite in technology. Similar Movimentos occurred in previous cycles, followed by recoveries as new products gained traction.
Closing data
- Closing price: US$261.73
- Daily variation: -5.00%
- Trading volume: approximately 80.8 million shares
- Market capitalization: around US$4 trillion
- Accumulated variation in the year: -3.8%
These numbers consolidate the session as one of the most negative for the company in 2026 to date.
Apple continues to monitor the development of its artificial intelligence projects with maximum attention. The company has not officially commented on the most recent reports about Siri, maintaining a policy of silence until formal announcements.
