Microsoft surpassed Apple to become the world’s most valuable company in January 2024.
Microsoft briefly moved ahead of Apple in global market capitalization on January 12, 2024. Investors were encouraged by Microsoft’s cloud-computing growth and its broad investment in artificial intelligence, including its partnership with OpenAI.
Microsoft’s main businesses include Azure cloud services, Windows, Microsoft 365, gaming, enterprise software, and professional networking through LinkedIn. Its recurring software and cloud revenue helped make it one of the world’s most valuable companies.
The lead over Apple was not permanent. Market capitalization rankings change as share prices move, and both companies continued to trade near the top of global valuation tables. The comparison concerns equity value, not total economic output or annual revenue.