Apple became the world’s most valuable publicly traded company in 2018 after its market capitalization passed $1 trillion.
Apple reached the milestone in August 2018, when its shares traded at the level required for a market value of approximately $1 trillion. The achievement reflected the continuing financial power of the iPhone alongside rapid growth in services and a large installed base of customers.
The company’s history began with personal computers, but its business changed dramatically after the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Apple also developed a tightly integrated platform connecting hardware, operating systems, applications, and services.
Market-cap rankings are snapshots rather than permanent titles. Amazon, Microsoft, Saudi Aramco, and other companies have occupied the top position at different times. Apple’s specific 2018 distinction was crossing the trillion-dollar line before other U.S. public companies.