United Kingdom, Dec. 9 -- Apple's slow AI strategy is seemingly paying off as investors grow weary of Big Tech's massive AI spending spree.

For much of early 2025, Apple was hammered for lagging behind rivals on artificial intelligence, with Wall Street frustrated by the absence of an ambitious roadmap.

Its stock sank 18 per cent through June, making it one of the weakest performers in the Magnificent Seven.

But as scrutiny intensifies over the sustainability of AI-driven capital expenditure - and as Meta, Microsoft and even Nvidia stumble - Apple has emerged as an unlikely haven.

Since July, Apple shares have surged 35 per cent, outpacing the S+P 500 and Nasdaq 100 and vaulting the company to a $4.1 trillion valuation.

That leap has...