Apple Inc. (AAPL) stands as an American technology giant, renowned for its innovation in consumer electronics, software, and digital services. Founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976, Apple has become a cornerstone of the tech industry. Boasting a market capitalisation that has surpassed the trillion-dollar mark, investing in Apple has become an enticing prospect for many. If you're considering entering the world of Apple stock investment, this guide offers a solid starting point.
Where Can I Invest in Apple?
Apple Inc. is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange in the United States.
For investors wanting to buy and sell Apple stock, you’ll need to use an investment platform that offers access to US-based stocks (also known as shares or equities). All of the providers listed on our stocks and shares investment platform comparison page, offer investors with the ability to buy and sell Apple shares. If you want to invest in Apple via an ETF (Exchange Traded Fund), instead of buying the stock individually, you can find a comparison of some of the best platforms for ETF investing here.
Does Apple Pay Dividends?
Yes, Apple is known for paying dividends to its shareholders, making it an attractive option for income-seeking investors.
Why is Apple Popular with Investors?
Investors are drawn to Apple for its consistent innovation, market dominance, and dividend payments. The company, known for revolutionary products like the iPhone and MacBook, has a history of robust financial performance and a vast ecosystem that extends to services and software.
What are the Risks of Investing in Apple?
Despite its prominence, Apple's stock is not without risks. Market fluctuations, intense competition, and dependence on product releases and consumer demand contribute to its market unpredictability. Additionally, concerns about potential antitrust regulations could impact Apple's future.
How to Buy Apple Shares
If you've decided to include Apple in your investment portfolio, the following steps outline a straightforward approach to investing in the stock.
How to buy Apple shares
If you’ve decided you want to add Apple to your portfolio, here’s a step-by-step overview of how to invest in the stock, in just a few steps.
Choose a provider
First, you’ll need to find an appropriate investment account to buy and sell AAPL. There are a range of apps, banks, and financial institutions that you can use to access Apple shares, and we’ve provided a helpful comparison table here to help you choose which provider might be best for you. You’ll be able to compare things like minimum investments and fees of providers that offer Apple share investing.
Open an account
Once you’ve found the right provider, you’ll be required to sign up and create an account. This process varies between providers and usually takes no more than 10 minutes for most providers. The process will almost certainly involve some form of KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures. KYC involves verifying your identity, assessing your financial situation, and understanding your investment goals. This is a completely normal part of the sign-up process and is required from a legal and regulatory perspective to safeguard both investors and the broader financial system.
Fund the account
Once your account is set up, the next step is adding money to your account to use to invest in Apple. Most providers offer several options to deposit and withdraw funds from your investment account, including linking a bank account, debit/credit card, or via Apple Pay or Google Pay. Some providers set a minimum to the amount you can deposit and may charge fees on particular methods, like credit cards so make sure to keep an eye out for this. Also, be aware that each method may take a different amount of time for the deposit to land in your investment account.
Place an order
Once your money has landed in your account, and providing the US market is open, you’re then ready to invest in Apple. You may use your provider’s search function to find Apple or its ticker symbol, AAPL. You’ll then be able to choose the number of shares you want to buy and place an order. Given Apple is a few hundred dollars per share, most providers will enable you to buy a fractional share in the stock, if you didn’t want to purchase a whole share.
What's the Bottom Line?
Investing in Apple demands a careful evaluation of risk and reward. While the company's innovation and market dominance are appealing, investors should be aware of market dynamics, potential regulatory changes, and the impact of global economic conditions. Thorough research and a well-informed approach are crucial when considering Apple as part of an investment strategy. Always remember, when you invest, capital is at risk.
Want to learn more?
Interested in investing but don’t know exactly where to start? Try the free Pluto app. Learn investing basics, and practise in a risk free environment with no real money. Find us on the Apple App Store.
