Apple was the first American technology firm to reach a $1 trillion market capitalization in 2018.
Apple crossed the milestone on August 2, 2018, becoming the first U.S. company to attain that valuation. Its success was built around the iPhone, which had launched in 2007, as well as the Mac, iPad, services, and a worldwide network of retail and distribution partners.
The phrase “American technology firm” matters because other companies in other industries and countries are sometimes included in lists of trillion-dollar businesses. Apple’s achievement is generally described using its U.S. listing and its corporate headquarters in Cupertino, California.
A company reaches a market-capitalization milestone when its share price multiplied by its shares outstanding reaches the stated amount. The figure can change with trading, so the milestone does not mean Apple had exactly $1 trillion in assets or revenue.