Apple was the first company to reach a $1 trillion market capitalization after its shares began trading on the Nasdaq.
Apple’s shares began trading publicly in 1980, and the company later became the first to pass a $1 trillion market-capitalization threshold on August 2, 2018. Its listing helped make Apple accessible to public investors, whose buying and selling continually established the company’s market value.
The Nasdaq is a major U.S. stock exchange known for its large concentration of technology companies. Apple’s market-cap milestone was reached on that exchange, although the company’s customers, employees, suppliers, and investors are spread across the world.
Apple’s valuation had expanded through multiple product eras, including the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and services. The company’s share count and stock price have also been affected by stock splits, so historical per-share prices must be adjusted when making long-term comparisons.