Berkshire Hathaway first bought shares of Apple in 2016.
The initial purchase came in the first quarter of 2016, when Berkshire acquired about 9.8 million Apple shares worth roughly $1 billion. The investment was notable because Warren Buffett had long been associated with businesses that were easier to understand than rapidly changing technology companies. Berkshire’s later reasoning emphasized Apple’s consumer brand, ecosystem and customer loyalty.
Berkshire increased the position during 2016. By the end of that year, it held about 57.4 million shares, representing approximately 1.1% of Apple before later stock splits and changes in the holding. The position subsequently became one of Berkshire’s largest equity investments.
The year can be confused with 2018 because Berkshire bought another 75 million Apple shares early that year, significantly expanding its stake. But those purchases were additions, not the beginning of the relationship. Berkshire’s first Apple investment was made in 2016, initially associated with investment managers Todd Combs and Ted Weschler as well as Buffett’s broader investment operation.