Apple stock split history & will it split again?
Few companies have captivated investors quite like Apple. From its early Macintosh days to the iPhone era and beyond, Apple’s stock has become a staple in many portfolios. As the share price keeps climbing, many investors start to wonder: what happens next? One question that keeps popping up is about the stock split for Apple. Does Apple split its stock regularly? And if so, is another split coming soon?
A stock split doesn’t change the value of your investment, but it can make shares more affordable and attractive—especially to individual investors. Still, the idea of a stock split for Apple can raise several questions. What's the actual purpose behind it? How often do these splits occur? And what does Apple’s past behavior tell us about the future?
In this blog, we’ll take a clear, detailed look at Apple’s stock split history—every split since the company went public. You'll also learn why Apple has chosen to split its stock over the years, how often it tends to do so, and what price levels have triggered splits in the past. Most importantly, we’ll look ahead: is another stock split for Apple on the horizon?
If you’ve ever asked yourself whether it’s the right time to buy or just want to understand Apple’s approach to stock pricing, keep reading. A closer look at Apple’s split history could help you plan your next investing move more wisely.
Apple’s stock split timeline: a look back through history
Early stock splits: 1980s–2000s
Apple went public on December 12, 1980. Since then, the company has split its stock five times. The apple stock split history began in June 1987, when the company executed a 2-for-1 split—just seven years after its IPO. This meant each shareholder received an additional share for every one they owned, cutting the stock price in half while keeping the overall value intact.
Next came another 2-for-1 split in June 2000. This happened during the height of the dot-com boom, when Apple’s stock was gaining momentum. The company followed up with a third 2-for-1 split in February 2005, continuing its effort to bring the share price within easier reach of everyday investors.
These early splits came roughly every 5–7 years and coincided with strong periods of growth for Apple’s product lines and market position.
The post-iPhone boom and 2014 split
After the iPhone launch in 2007, Apple’s stock took off. But the company didn’t split its stock again until nearly a decade later—in June 2014. This time, it issued a 7-for-1 split. That was Apple’s most aggressive move yet.
By then, Apple shares were trading in the $600 range. A 7-for-1 split brought the price down to approximately $93 per share. This broadened ownership and made the stock more digestible for retail investors. It also followed strong iPhone sales and rapid global expansion.
The 2014 split is a milestone in apple computer stock splits—it signaled how dramatically the company had grown since its last split in 2005.
Most recent stock split in 2020
Apple’s most recent split came in August 2020, when the company issued a 4-for-1 stock split. Leading up to it, shares had surged to over $500. The split reduced the price to around $125, again improving affordability.
Announced during a pandemic-fueled tech rally, it came just after Apple’s Q3 earnings beat expectations. It also arrived as Apple became the first U.S. company to hit a $2 trillion market cap. This move reinforced Apple’s focus on widening access for long-term investors.
Taken together, apple historical stock splits mark important phases in the company’s growth. Each split created more investor access while maintaining Apple’s market momentum.
Now that you have a solid grasp of apple split history, let’s look closer at why Apple has made those decisions in the first place.
Why Apple has historically chosen to split its stock
Improving affordability and accessibility for retail investors
One of the biggest reasons Apple has issued a stock split is to make shares more affordable. In each case—from the 2-for-1 splits in the 1980s and 2000s to the 7-for-1 in 2014—the company aimed to ease entry for retail investors.
When a single Apple share climbs above several hundred dollars, it can scare off average investors. A stock split lowers the per-share price while keeping the company’s market cap untouched. For example, Apple’s 2014 split dropped the price from $645 to around $92.
More affordable shares help grow Apple’s investor base without changing ownership structure. It’s part of why so many investors follow the stock split for Apple—especially those unable or unwilling to buy fractional shares.
Market psychology and share price perception
There’s also a psychological side to stock prices. Many investors—especially less experienced ones—see lower prices as better deals. A $120 stock just “feels” more accessible than a $520 one, even if the market value is unchanged.
Apple’s past splits played into this psychology. When shares became expensive, splits helped reset expectations and ease mental barriers. It boosted market enthusiasm and often led to a short-term bump in buying activity.
Splits don’t increase a company’s value, but they can influence investor confidence. That’s especially important for companies like Apple, where public perception helps support long-term share strength.
Aligning with index entries and stock popularity
Apple’s presence in major indexes also factored into its stock-splitting decisions. The 2014 7-for-1 split, for instance, occurred just before Apple joined the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 2015.
The Dow is a price-weighted index. High-priced stocks carry more influence, which can unbalance the index. Apple’s split lowered its share price, making it better suited for inclusion and less volatile within the index makeup.
Apple inc. stock split moves have also helped maintain the company’s visibility among everyday investors. Cheaper shares draw attention, boost trading activity, and keep Apple relevant in platforms that filter by share price.
Next, we’ll explore whether there's a pattern in Apple’s split history—and how often these events really occur.
How often does Apple split its stock—and is there a pattern?
Examining intervals between past splits
If you look at the Apple inc. stock split history, you’ll notice there isn’t a fixed schedule—but there are some patterns. Apple first split its stock in 1987, then again in 2000 and 2005, roughly every 5 to 15 years. After that, there was a nine-year gap before the 7-for-1 split in 2014. The next split came six years later in 2020.
On average, Apple has split its stock every 6 to 10 years. While this isn’t a strict timeline, it hints that Apple revisits the idea periodically—usually when the share price climbs to a level that feels too high for many retail investors.
So while no one can predict exact timing, past behaviour shows Apple tends to act when its stock becomes less accessible or when broader strategic motives align.
Stock price thresholds that trigger splits
In each of Apple's stock splits, the share price had risen significantly before action was taken. For example:
- In 2005, Apple split after shares rose past $80
- In 2014, prices had reached over $600 before the 7-for-1 split
- In 2020, the 4-for-1 split came after shares passed $500
This shows Apple seems to split when prices approach or exceed the $500 range. That level likely serves as a practical ceiling, beyond which management reassesses affordability and accessibility for average investors.
It’s not a hard rule, but watching the price near these levels can offer hints about potential future splits.
Comparing Apple’s frequency to industry peers
Apple isn't the only tech giant with a pattern of stock splits. For comparison:
- Amazon split 3-for-1 in 1999 and again 20-for-1 in 2022—a 23-year gap
- Alphabet (Google) split 2-for-1 in 2014 and 20-for-1 in 2022
- Microsoft has done 9 splits, but none since 2003
Compared to these, Apple’s split activity sits somewhere in the middle—neither overly frequent nor unusual. It follows a measured pattern, typically driven by share price and investor accessibility. Up next, we’ll look at whether current conditions point to another split on the horizon.
Will Apple split its stock again soon?
Current stock price and investor demand
Apple’s stock has steadily climbed since its last split in August 2020, when shares traded around $500 and then split 4-for-1. Since then, its price has crossed $190 as of mid-2024. While that’s not quite at the previous $500+ range, the stock is again at a level where accessibility could become a concern for some retail investors.
As retail trading platforms grow and interest in partial share investing increases, Apple might not feel as much pressure to split again solely based on affordability. But that doesn’t mean demand for a lower share price isn’t there. A split could still attract new investors who prefer owning whole shares.
Historically, Apple has aimed to keep its shares in a range that encourages broader participation. So if the price continues to rise toward the $300–$400 zone, management may start evaluating options.
Speculation and analyst predictions
Market analysts often watch for hints from Apple’s earnings calls, SEC filings, or share price trends. While no official plans have been announced, some analysts speculate another stock split for Apple could be on the radar in late 2025 or 2026, based on past patterns.
There’s also the question of perception. A split often generates buzz, boosts shareholder morale, and signals confidence from the company. Apple might weigh these softer benefits along with any strategic motives or investor interest.
Ultimately, it’s not a matter of if Apple can split its stock—it’s a question of when management believes it aligns with their broader goals. Coming up next, we’ll answer some of your top questions about Apple’s stock split history and what it could mean for you.
Your next step involves keeping an eye on Apple's share price, analyst commentary, and corporate updates. Follow news on key earnings calls or product launches—these often influence investor sentiment and strategic decisions, including splits. If you're considering investing, fractional shares are a smart way to get started without waiting for a stock split.
This will help you stay invested in one of the world's most valuable companies while managing your capital efficiently. Understanding the timing and purpose behind every stock split for Apple puts you in a better position to act early and wisely.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or brokerage companies, and not of Winvesta. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
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Invest in 11,000+ US stocks & ETFs
Few companies have captivated investors quite like Apple. From its early Macintosh days to the iPhone era and beyond, Apple’s stock has become a staple in many portfolios. As the share price keeps climbing, many investors start to wonder: what happens next? One question that keeps popping up is about the stock split for Apple. Does Apple split its stock regularly? And if so, is another split coming soon?
A stock split doesn’t change the value of your investment, but it can make shares more affordable and attractive—especially to individual investors. Still, the idea of a stock split for Apple can raise several questions. What's the actual purpose behind it? How often do these splits occur? And what does Apple’s past behavior tell us about the future?
In this blog, we’ll take a clear, detailed look at Apple’s stock split history—every split since the company went public. You'll also learn why Apple has chosen to split its stock over the years, how often it tends to do so, and what price levels have triggered splits in the past. Most importantly, we’ll look ahead: is another stock split for Apple on the horizon?
If you’ve ever asked yourself whether it’s the right time to buy or just want to understand Apple’s approach to stock pricing, keep reading. A closer look at Apple’s split history could help you plan your next investing move more wisely.
Apple’s stock split timeline: a look back through history
Early stock splits: 1980s–2000s
Apple went public on December 12, 1980. Since then, the company has split its stock five times. The apple stock split history began in June 1987, when the company executed a 2-for-1 split—just seven years after its IPO. This meant each shareholder received an additional share for every one they owned, cutting the stock price in half while keeping the overall value intact.
Next came another 2-for-1 split in June 2000. This happened during the height of the dot-com boom, when Apple’s stock was gaining momentum. The company followed up with a third 2-for-1 split in February 2005, continuing its effort to bring the share price within easier reach of everyday investors.
These early splits came roughly every 5–7 years and coincided with strong periods of growth for Apple’s product lines and market position.
The post-iPhone boom and 2014 split
After the iPhone launch in 2007, Apple’s stock took off. But the company didn’t split its stock again until nearly a decade later—in June 2014. This time, it issued a 7-for-1 split. That was Apple’s most aggressive move yet.
By then, Apple shares were trading in the $600 range. A 7-for-1 split brought the price down to approximately $93 per share. This broadened ownership and made the stock more digestible for retail investors. It also followed strong iPhone sales and rapid global expansion.
The 2014 split is a milestone in apple computer stock splits—it signaled how dramatically the company had grown since its last split in 2005.
Most recent stock split in 2020
Apple’s most recent split came in August 2020, when the company issued a 4-for-1 stock split. Leading up to it, shares had surged to over $500. The split reduced the price to around $125, again improving affordability.
Announced during a pandemic-fueled tech rally, it came just after Apple’s Q3 earnings beat expectations. It also arrived as Apple became the first U.S. company to hit a $2 trillion market cap. This move reinforced Apple’s focus on widening access for long-term investors.
Taken together, apple historical stock splits mark important phases in the company’s growth. Each split created more investor access while maintaining Apple’s market momentum.
Now that you have a solid grasp of apple split history, let’s look closer at why Apple has made those decisions in the first place.
Why Apple has historically chosen to split its stock
Improving affordability and accessibility for retail investors
One of the biggest reasons Apple has issued a stock split is to make shares more affordable. In each case—from the 2-for-1 splits in the 1980s and 2000s to the 7-for-1 in 2014—the company aimed to ease entry for retail investors.
When a single Apple share climbs above several hundred dollars, it can scare off average investors. A stock split lowers the per-share price while keeping the company’s market cap untouched. For example, Apple’s 2014 split dropped the price from $645 to around $92.
More affordable shares help grow Apple’s investor base without changing ownership structure. It’s part of why so many investors follow the stock split for Apple—especially those unable or unwilling to buy fractional shares.
Market psychology and share price perception
There’s also a psychological side to stock prices. Many investors—especially less experienced ones—see lower prices as better deals. A $120 stock just “feels” more accessible than a $520 one, even if the market value is unchanged.
Apple’s past splits played into this psychology. When shares became expensive, splits helped reset expectations and ease mental barriers. It boosted market enthusiasm and often led to a short-term bump in buying activity.
Splits don’t increase a company’s value, but they can influence investor confidence. That’s especially important for companies like Apple, where public perception helps support long-term share strength.
Aligning with index entries and stock popularity
Apple’s presence in major indexes also factored into its stock-splitting decisions. The 2014 7-for-1 split, for instance, occurred just before Apple joined the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 2015.
The Dow is a price-weighted index. High-priced stocks carry more influence, which can unbalance the index. Apple’s split lowered its share price, making it better suited for inclusion and less volatile within the index makeup.
Apple inc. stock split moves have also helped maintain the company’s visibility among everyday investors. Cheaper shares draw attention, boost trading activity, and keep Apple relevant in platforms that filter by share price.
Next, we’ll explore whether there's a pattern in Apple’s split history—and how often these events really occur.
How often does Apple split its stock—and is there a pattern?
Examining intervals between past splits
If you look at the Apple inc. stock split history, you’ll notice there isn’t a fixed schedule—but there are some patterns. Apple first split its stock in 1987, then again in 2000 and 2005, roughly every 5 to 15 years. After that, there was a nine-year gap before the 7-for-1 split in 2014. The next split came six years later in 2020.
On average, Apple has split its stock every 6 to 10 years. While this isn’t a strict timeline, it hints that Apple revisits the idea periodically—usually when the share price climbs to a level that feels too high for many retail investors.
So while no one can predict exact timing, past behaviour shows Apple tends to act when its stock becomes less accessible or when broader strategic motives align.
Stock price thresholds that trigger splits
In each of Apple's stock splits, the share price had risen significantly before action was taken. For example:
- In 2005, Apple split after shares rose past $80
- In 2014, prices had reached over $600 before the 7-for-1 split
- In 2020, the 4-for-1 split came after shares passed $500
This shows Apple seems to split when prices approach or exceed the $500 range. That level likely serves as a practical ceiling, beyond which management reassesses affordability and accessibility for average investors.
It’s not a hard rule, but watching the price near these levels can offer hints about potential future splits.
Comparing Apple’s frequency to industry peers
Apple isn't the only tech giant with a pattern of stock splits. For comparison:
- Amazon split 3-for-1 in 1999 and again 20-for-1 in 2022—a 23-year gap
- Alphabet (Google) split 2-for-1 in 2014 and 20-for-1 in 2022
- Microsoft has done 9 splits, but none since 2003
Compared to these, Apple’s split activity sits somewhere in the middle—neither overly frequent nor unusual. It follows a measured pattern, typically driven by share price and investor accessibility. Up next, we’ll look at whether current conditions point to another split on the horizon.
Will Apple split its stock again soon?
Current stock price and investor demand
Apple’s stock has steadily climbed since its last split in August 2020, when shares traded around $500 and then split 4-for-1. Since then, its price has crossed $190 as of mid-2024. While that’s not quite at the previous $500+ range, the stock is again at a level where accessibility could become a concern for some retail investors.
As retail trading platforms grow and interest in partial share investing increases, Apple might not feel as much pressure to split again solely based on affordability. But that doesn’t mean demand for a lower share price isn’t there. A split could still attract new investors who prefer owning whole shares.
Historically, Apple has aimed to keep its shares in a range that encourages broader participation. So if the price continues to rise toward the $300–$400 zone, management may start evaluating options.
Speculation and analyst predictions
Market analysts often watch for hints from Apple’s earnings calls, SEC filings, or share price trends. While no official plans have been announced, some analysts speculate another stock split for Apple could be on the radar in late 2025 or 2026, based on past patterns.
There’s also the question of perception. A split often generates buzz, boosts shareholder morale, and signals confidence from the company. Apple might weigh these softer benefits along with any strategic motives or investor interest.
Ultimately, it’s not a matter of if Apple can split its stock—it’s a question of when management believes it aligns with their broader goals. Coming up next, we’ll answer some of your top questions about Apple’s stock split history and what it could mean for you.
Your next step involves keeping an eye on Apple's share price, analyst commentary, and corporate updates. Follow news on key earnings calls or product launches—these often influence investor sentiment and strategic decisions, including splits. If you're considering investing, fractional shares are a smart way to get started without waiting for a stock split.
This will help you stay invested in one of the world's most valuable companies while managing your capital efficiently. Understanding the timing and purpose behind every stock split for Apple puts you in a better position to act early and wisely.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or brokerage companies, and not of Winvesta. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
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Invest in 11,000+ US stocks & ETFs
