Apple reports record sales on AI demand as CEO Tim Cook prepares to step down

Apple reported record sales and an upbeat forecast for the coming quarter, driven by extraordinary demand for its iPhones and new Mac products, even as CEO Tim Cook prepares to step down after 15 years at the helm. The company hailed surging interest in AI-powered computing, particularly for models like the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and the recently launched MacBook Neo, which have sold out rapidly and could face shortages for months. According to TechCrunch, Cook warned of looming supply-chain challenges from a severe global RAM shortage—dubbed "RAMageddon"—that threatens to hinder production across Apple's lineup.

This strong performance comes amid Cook's transition to successor John Ternus, as noted by the BBC, with Apple benefiting from March product launches including an updated iPad Air. Bloomberg reported that the third-quarter revenue outlook surprised analysts, signaling Apple's ability to navigate broader industry headwinds like chip constraints. Tim Cook emphasized during the earnings call that demand for iPhones remains "extraordinary," while Mac sales hit records by attracting new users, including schools like Kansas City Public Schools switching from Chromebooks to the affordable MacBook Neo.

A key driver behind the Mac boom is unexpected AI enthusiasm, with customers snapping up compact desktops for local AI workloads and "agentic tools" like OpenClaw. MacRumors and 9to5Mac detailed how Apple underestimated this trend, leading to shipping delays stretching into fall 2026 for many Mac mini and Mac Studio configurations—some with upgraded RAM are entirely unavailable, even pushing third-party prices higher on sites like eBay. Cook admitted the company "under-called the demand," attributing shortages not to production failures but to rapid customer adoption of Macs as platforms for enterprise AI, with firms like Perplexity favoring them for building advanced assistants.

These supply issues stem from industry-wide bottlenecks in advanced chip nodes and memory components, essential for Apple Silicon. AppleInsider highlighted that while sales are thriving—especially among newcomers to the Mac ecosystem—the constraints will persist for several months, affecting pro desktops and the low-cost MacBook Neo alike. Cook noted ongoing rises in memory pricing, prompting Apple to explore mitigation strategies, though no quick fixes were outlined.

For consumers and businesses, this means wait times of months for popular models, potentially inflating costs or forcing alternatives amid the AI rush. Apple's overall resilience shines through record user acquisition and product appeal, but the chip crunch underscores vulnerabilities in the global supply chain. Looking ahead, the company anticipates balancing supply with demand over time, while Cook's departure adds a layer of leadership change as Apple pushes deeper into AI-driven growth.