Apple's R&D expenses surge 33%, on pace to top $4 billion this year

It’s a tad comical to me seeing and hearing people talking about Apple like they are dying. They are profitable, have a huge pile of cash in the bank, 48% of tablet sales and if you are being honest, the most user friendly interface in the smartphone and tablet market. Not that I don’t like Android. I have owned Android tablets and a Galaxy smartphone. Competition is good. And it’s going to get better.

We know Apple wants to retain that crown, and then some if possible and we expect to see big things from the upcoming (fall?) release of the iPhone 6 and iPad 5’s. Little information is guaranteed except for leaks with Apple but word is that they are up 33% on research and development meaning they may be on track to spend 4 billion (with a b) just on R&D according to Apple Insider:

R&D spending for the first six months of Apple's fiscal year 2013 is now up $530 million year over year, which is also a 33 percent increase from the first six months of fiscal 2012. At that pace, spending will grow by more than $1 billion this year alone.

In the SEC filing, Apple said the new expenses were "due to an increase in headcount and related expenses to support expanded R&D activities." It characterized such expenses as "critical to its future growth," and signaled that further investments in research and development will continue.