Warning: SPOILERS for Loki episode 6, "For All Time. Always.”
The Loki finale features a reference to Doctor Strange's (Benedict Cumberbatch) first Time Stone lesson - with an apple, no less. After WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Marvel Studios explored the multiverse with its third series. Spearheaded by Tom Hiddleston, Loki sets the stage for what's to come in the MCU with the introduction of He Who Remains (Jonathan Majors).
Following a grueling journey to unmask the being behind the Time Variance Authority/TVA, Loki and Sylvie (Sophia di Martino) found themselves at the Citadel at the End of Time where they met He Who Remains. A version of Kang the Conqueror, Loki's iteration of the character created the organization in an effort to protect the Sacred Timeline and prevent another multiversal war brought about by his other variants. While the God of Mischief was inclined to believe the story, Sylvie was skeptical. She was convinced that He Who Remains was bluffing, so she was interested in killing him more than anything. In the end, she successfully carried out her mission, but without anyone to safeguard the Sacred Timeline, multiple branches of time are now at the risk of colliding with each other.
During his introduction, He Who Remains was noticeably carrying an apple. As he went on with his explanation as to why he created the TVA in the first place, he casually started eating the fruit. This could be a reference to Doctor Strange's own experience in Scott Derrickson's original Doctor Strange film. After quickly sifting through the necessary readings in Kamar-Taj, Stange's curiosity got the better of him and he decided to try using the Eye of Agamotto with a magic spell from the Book of Cagliostro. He manipulated time on an apple, taking it backward and forward with him, breaking multiple rules in the process. He was then reprimanded by Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) as temporal manipulations can create branches in time, not to mention unstable dimension openings. Since Kang the Conqueror is known to be a time-traveler, the inclusion of an apple in his MCU debut is a reminder that the concept of time is a common denominator between him and Doctor Strange.
Coincidentally, the ending of Loki effectively sets up the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. With the countless branches of time created, some of them are bound to overlap with each other. Since Doctor Strange and the Masters of the Mystic Arts' primary responsibility is to protect Earth from interdimensional threats like Dormammu, they have their work cut out for them now that the multiverse is in disarray. There's no word on whether or not Kang the Conqueror or any version of the villain will appear in the Sam Raimi-directed sequel, although it's also worth noting that the main antagonist of the sequel is still unknown. In any case, considering the events of the Loki finale, it makes sense that the God of Mischief will also be in the movie as recently reported.
It's only a matter of time before Doctor Strange will encounter Kang the Conqueror. The villain's next appearance may be very well saved for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania so as not to reveal much about him. But since it's getting increasingly clear that he's the next MCU big bad, the future Sorcerer Supreme will eventually have to face him sooner or later.
Loki will return for season 2 on Disney+.
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