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ETF Comparison

AAPL vs APLY: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?

A head-to-head comparison of Apple Inc. and YieldMax AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.

Data updated May 24, 2026

ETFs62
Total AUM$9.2B

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks β€” the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

YieldMax specializes in options-based and income-focused ETFs, leveraging covered call and short option strategies to generate high distribution yields for investors seeking regular income. The firm operates a diverse lineup of 61 ETFs organized across nine fund families, including prominent strategies like 0DTE (zero days-to-expiration) options, covered calls, and target distribution approaches, alongside more traditional performance and portfolio-based offerings. YieldMax's holdings span major technology and financial namesβ€”including tickers like AMZY, APLY, BRKC, and FBYβ€”and the firm targets both individual investors and those seeking enhanced yield through systematic options strategies.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on APLY.

Side-by-side snapshot

AAPLAPLY
Full nameApple Inc.YieldMax AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF
Issuerβ€”YieldMax
Last Close$304.99 as of May 24, 2026$12.70 as of May 24, 2026
Distribution yield0.34%43.61%
Expense ratioβ€”1.04%
AUMβ€”$109M
Distribution frequencyQuarterlyWeekly
Underlying indexβ€”Apple (AAPL)
ObjectiveDesigns, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories. Also provides digital content, streaming, and cloud services.Covered Call
Asset classEquityEquity
Inception dateβ€”04/17/2023
Betaβ€”0.67
Last dividend$0.27$0.11
Ex-dividend date05/11/202605/21/2026

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Visual comparison

Key metrics

Projected income on $10K

Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.

Quick verdict

AAPL (Apple Inc.) and APLY (YieldMax AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.

APLY offers the higher yield at 43.61% vs 0.34% for AAPL. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.

AAPL is cheaper with an expense ratio of compared to 1.04%.

Deep dive

Yield & income

On a $10,000 investment, AAPL would generate roughly $2.83/month, while APLY would produce $363.42/month, at current distribution rates.

AAPL yield0.34%
APLY yield43.61%
Monthly diff on $10K$360.58

Cost & efficiency

Over 10 years on $10,000, AAPL would cost approximately $0 in fees vs $1,040 for APLY (simplified, not compounded). The $1,040.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.

AAPL ERβ€”
APLY ER1.04%

Strategy & risk

AAPL tracks β€” with a dividend approach, while APLY tracks Apple (AAPL) using a covered call strategy.

AAPL betaβ€”
APLY beta0.67

Fund details

AAPL is managed by β€” (launched β€”) with β€” in assets. APLY is managed by YieldMax (launched 04/17/2023) with $109M in assets.

AAPL AUMβ€”
APLY AUM$109M

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Frequently asked questions

Is AAPL or APLY better for dividend income?

It depends on your goals. APLY currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.

What is the difference between AAPL and APLY?

AAPL (Apple Inc.) tracks β€” with a dividend strategy, while APLY (YieldMax AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF) tracks Apple (AAPL) with a covered call approach. They are issued by β€” and YieldMax respectively.

Can I hold both AAPL and APLY?

Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.

Which has lower fees, AAPL or APLY?

AAPL has an expense ratio of β€” while APLY charges 1.04%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.

How much income does $10,000 in AAPL vs APLY generate?

At current rates, $10,000 in AAPL would generate roughly $2.83 per month ($34.00 annually). The same in APLY would produce about $363.42 per month ($4,361.00 annually).

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