Earn Your Leisure Podcast Summary

Episode Title: The Harsh Truth: Is It Time to Sell Apple Stock in 2025?
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Hosts: Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings

Introduction to the Topic

In this compelling episode of Earn Your Leisure, hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings delve into a provocative question poised at the heart of modern investing: Is it time to sell Apple stock in 2025? The discussion centers on Apple's performance, particularly its strides—or lack thereof—in artificial intelligence (AI) development, and the broader implications for investors.

Troy Millings' Bold Stance on Apple’s AI Development

The episode kicks off with Troy Millings expressing a strong stance on Apple's future in the AI landscape:

Troy Millings [01:20]: "Microsoft versus Apple okay, so can we just be honest? We won't even need to lead up most disappointing WWDC I've seen in the last Let me be hyperbolic and sensational. Last 15 years AI got kicked down the road to 2026. This is my announcement. If Apple does not deliver a significant AI development in 2026, I'm going to tell everybody to sell all of the Apple."

His assertive declaration underscores his skepticism about Apple's commitment and pace in AI advancements, setting the stage for a critical analysis of the tech giant's strategy.

Analyzing Apple's Recent Performance and Missed Opportunities

Rashad Bilal joins the conversation to dissect the current state of Apple’s stock and strategic movements:

Troy Millings [01:54]: "They are three months in the negative with no prospect for doing better. [...] They've just missed the ball at every turn."

The hosts highlight several areas where Apple has seemingly faltered:

1. Missed AI Investments: Despite partnerships with entities like Anthropic, Apple has not made substantial inroads into AI comparable to competitors.

2. Product Development Missteps: Innovations such as Liquid Glass and the emoji con have not resonated with consumers, indicating a disconnect between product offerings and market demand.

3. Leadership and Strategic Direction: Concerns are raised about Apple's leadership under Tim Cook, suggesting that insular decision-making may be hindering proactive innovation.

Potential for New Product Lines and Technological Advancements

In a pivot from criticism, Rashad Bilal acknowledges the work of individuals like Pavel and Sinata who are exploring future technologies:

Rashad Bilal [02:57]: "But that might be a hint as something that they are developing, which could be eyewear. Right. Because the, the technology of the glass is to see transparently."

This segment speculates whether Apple's advancements in Liquid Glass signal a foray into augmented reality (AR) eyewear, positioning Apple to compete with products like Meta Ray Bans:

Troy Millings [03:44]: "Would they be better than the Meta Ray Bans?"

The discussion suggests that while Apple may have missed current AI opportunities, there remains potential in emerging tech sectors if leveraged correctly.

Competitive Landscape and Strategic Investments

The hosts examine the broader AI and tech ecosystem, comparing Apple's positioning against other industry players:

Troy Millings [04:51]: "Google has made significant headwinds. The partnership with Microsoft and OpenAI. It doesn't get talked about that Apple could have bought into that same partnership structure with OpenAI."

Key points include:

• OpenAI and Microsoft Partnership: Highlighting how collaborations have propelled competitors ahead in AI advancements.

• Canva and Other Innovators: Mentioning companies like Canva that have made notable progress in AI, outpacing Apple's initiatives.

• Leadership Issues: The need for Tim Cook to possibly step down or for Apple to seek new leadership to foster innovation.

Apple’s Financial Position and Investment Potential

Rashad Bilal brings attention to Apple’s substantial financial reserves:

Rashad Bilal [05:22]: "Everybody agrees that AIs in its infancy stages are still in the first, maybe second inning. That treasure chest that they have, that 100, whatever 30 billion that they have."

However, Troy Millings counters this by suggesting that Apple's cautious investment strategy may be inhibiting immediate innovation:

Troy Millings [05:40]: "They’re parking in Treasuries like a hedge fund."

The conversation debates whether Apple's financial strategy allows for rapid deployment into emerging technologies or if it's holding back potential breakthroughs.

The Urgency of Proactive Innovation

As the discussion progresses, the necessity for Apple to adopt a more proactive approach becomes evident:

Troy Millings [07:33]: "It's too far ahead for that."

The hosts emphasize that reliance on other companies to lead in AI could leave Apple trailing, highlighting the urgency for internal innovation:

Rashad Bilal [07:20]: "Well, so, okay, well, there's a consistent reactive versus a proactive in terms of innovation, you're right."

This delineation underscores the critical balance between responding to market trends and pioneering new technologies.

Conclusion: Is It Time to Sell Apple Stock?

Throughout the episode, Troy Millings maintains a cautious outlook on Apple’s future, primarily hinging on the company's ability to make significant strides in AI by 2026. The hosts collectively suggest that while Apple remains a powerhouse with robust financials, its leadership decisions and strategic investments in AI and other emerging technologies could be pivotal in determining its stock's trajectory.

The episode encourages investors to closely monitor Apple's innovation pipeline and strategic moves, advocating for a proactive assessment of the company's direction in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Troy Millings [01:20]: "If Apple does not deliver a significant AI development in 2026, I'm going to tell everybody to sell all of the Apple."

• Troy Millings [04:51]: "Google has made significant headwinds. The partnership with Microsoft and OpenAI. It doesn't get talked about that Apple could have bought into that same partnership structure with OpenAI."

• Rashad Bilal [05:22]: "Everybody agrees that AIs in its infancy stages are still in the first, maybe second inning. That treasure chest that they have, that 100, whatever 30 billion that they have."

• Troy Millings [07:33]: "It's too far ahead for that."

This episode of Earn Your Leisure serves as a critical examination of Apple's current standing and future potential within the AI domain, providing valuable insights for investors and enthusiasts keen on understanding the intersection of technology and finance.