Apple's Biggest Risk Isn't Competition--It's The Consumer

  • Apple Inc.'s core business model is vulnerable in a high-rate, low-confidence macro environment as its products are discretionary and heavily reliant on consumer financing. Despite record earnings and strong cash flow, cracks are emerging for AAPL: falling product margins, slowing hardware growth, and increased reliance on services and financial engineering. Rising interest rates, deteriorating consumer sentiment, and tariff risks threaten both demand and Apple's supply chain, especially with China's exposure and shifting global trade policies.