Apple passes Microsoft to become biggest Tech Company

[marriott0.01]

Apple has pushed past arch-rival Microsoft to become the world's biggest technology company.

Changes in the share price values of the two in Wednesday's choppy trading left the total value of Apple at $222bn (£154bn).

Microsoft is now valued by investors at $219bn.

The worth, known as market capitalisation, is calculated by multiplying the number of shares in a company by the current share price.

Although Apple shares closed down 0.4%, Microsoft fell by 4%.

Apple, which makes computers, iPods, iPhones and now iPads, almost went out of business in the 1990s.

Its growth is partly owing to the launch of the stylish iPod in 2001.

Its compatability with existing - but not mass-selling - Apple computers lead customers to engage with them, just as Microsoft's products looked set for long-term dominance.

Hey-day
Apple has to look back to late 1989 to see the last time it was ahead of Microsoft.

Microsoft, whose operating system runs on more than 90% of the world's personal computers, has not been able to match growth rates from its hey-day of the 1990s, although its last sales figures were still higher than Apple's.

This week sees the launch in Britain and eight other countries of Apple's iPad tablet computer.

Next month will see the unveiling of the next generation of the iPhone, something that has brought internet access on the move to the mass market, and led to an explosion in downloadable mobile "apps" - applications that enable a huge range of activities, from map reading to booking restaurants.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/10168684.stm


Woah not bad for 10 years work :|

[Flisker]

Good Job Apple :)

[Recursion]

Tbh, doesn't surprise me... I mean, if Microsoft did more hardware I bet they'd still be top.

It's probably all the iPods it sells, they are the best MP3 Players EVERRR.

[LMS16]

yeah, as someone said above, if they did more hardware stuff, they would overtake apple by miles.
Windows is the best known OS and the most used, MS have made all that money just from their OS, whereas apple, software, hardware and crappy iPads... :)

All apple do is invent something, figure what it is an stick an "i" infront of it... talk about being creative... lol

Lew.

[xxMATTGxx]

Tbh, doesn't surprise me... I mean, if Microsoft did more hardware I bet they'd still be top.

It's probably all the iPods it sells, they are the best MP3 Players EVERRR.

This for sure. Shame Apple are so silly at times, ah well. Nice one!

[Jahova]

I don't really beleive it from a Sofware point of view, etc.

[Shawnstra]

Congrats! I love although Apple has grown so much over the last few years, it's still really focused. It's product line has no more than 20 products. That's amazing.

[HotelUser]

When they have more competition from HP, Android based and Windows based tablets these statistics might change.

[Recursion]

Congrats! I love although Apple has grown so much over the last few years, it's still really focused. It's product line has no more than 20 products. That's amazing.

You mean like it's amazing to be the richest man in the world by selling one product? (Oil).

[MrPinkPanther]

All apple do is invent something, figure what it is an stick an "i" infront of it... talk about being creative... lol

This makes me laugh. It's the way you say "All apple do is invent something" like thats a really easy task. Thats the reason that they are so popular, they are often ahead of the curve. Granted the iPhone isn't revolutionary anymore but it sure was when it came out, as was the Appstore when it debuted.

[The Professor]

Its the natural flow of things. Microsoft passed IBM (I think it was them) to become the biggest tech company in the 90s, kept it for the 00s and have been caught by innovators in 2010. Next decade I'm sure the Twitter or someone like that will be the dominant tech company :P

Good job Apple, I don't like how locked down their products are but you can't deny their quality :)

[Shawnstra]

You mean like it's amazing to be the richest man in the world by selling one product? (Oil).

These are two completely different sectors of the industry. Compare Apple with companies like Microsoft, or Sony, or HP, Dell, etc. These tech companies have many many devices on their product line, with weird obscure names with many numbers behind them.

Yet, Apple's product line is so minimal, and it is still able to gain this kind of market cap.

Oil is a commodity, computers aren't.

[Barmi]

Apple are doing something right. Internet trolls everywhere sulked when the news broke.

[GommeInc]

Apple has pushed past arch-rival Microsoft to become the world's biggest technology company.

Changes in the share price values of the two in Wednesday's choppy trading left the total value of Apple at $222bn (£154bn).

Microsoft is now valued by investors at $219bn.

The worth, known as market capitalisation, is calculated by multiplying the number of shares in a company by the current share price.

Although Apple shares closed down 0.4%, Microsoft fell by 4%.

Apple, which makes computers, iPods, iPhones and now iPads, almost went out of business in the 1990s.

Its growth is partly owing to the launch of the stylish iPod in 2001.

Its compatability with existing - but not mass-selling - Apple computers lead customers to engage with them, just as Microsoft's products looked set for long-term dominance.

Hey-day
Apple has to look back to late 1989 to see the last time it was ahead of Microsoft.

Microsoft, whose operating system runs on more than 90% of the world's personal computers, has not been able to match growth rates from its hey-day of the 1990s, although its last sales figures were still higher than Apple's.

This week sees the launch in Britain and eight other countries of Apple's iPad tablet computer.

Next month will see the unveiling of the next generation of the iPhone, something that has brought internet access on the move to the mass market, and led to an explosion in downloadable mobile "apps" - applications that enable a huge range of activities, from map reading to booking restaurants.
*bangs head on table* It's not a computer!

It's not that surprising, they sell more products. Though compared to Microsoft, it's not that great a feat seeing as Microsoft do less, but maintain their position. If Microsoft made more products and peripherals, then maybe they'll be at the top again.

Hopefully they will finally open up their products to work with other companies, or make the basic features run openly like the competition. But until then, or whenever Jobs is kicked out, I still will not buy an Apple product.

[AgnesIO]

When they have more competition from HP, Android based and Windows based tablets these statistics might change.

Agreed David. In terms of business Apple have done a great job in getting the iPad out there, as let's be honest it's the only really well launched tablet at present times

[MrPinkPanther]

*bangs head on table* It's not a computer!
Yes it is. I think you perhaps need to look up the definition of a Computer, a microwave is a Computer albeit a single purpose one.

[Jonster]

MS have made all that money just from their OS

What about Microsoft Office? The keyboards, mice, headsets, webcams, XBox, ... They sells hundreds of hardware products, so what is this about them only making their money from their OS?


All apple do is invent something, figure what it is an stick an "i" infront of it... talk about being creative... lol

It's called a brand, and you've just proven it worked. You've immediately realised that the "i" infront of a word relates it to Apple, thats exactly what they want to achieve.

[Recursion]

Just like to point out Microsoft's profits are still 3x larger than Apple's.

[GommeInc]

Yes it is. I think you perhaps need to look up the definition of a Computer, a microwave is a Computer albeit a single purpose one.
If you have Heart radio near you, they keep suggesting it's some sort of personal computer, when really it's on the same wave length as an iPod or Creative Zen, albeit with WiFi. Many places are hinting towards it being an independent computer (like a laptop for instance) that doesn't rely on a real computer like a Mac or PC, when it does to some extent :P

Besides, the word 'computer' has many definitions.

[HotelUser]

Just like to point out Microsoft's profits are still 3x larger than Apple's.

For now. That will change if Microsoft continues to not do well with mobile software. Windows phone is going to seriously have to pack quite a punch to compete with android and the iPhone now, and don't even get me started on the lack of windows tablets!

[Adamm]

This for sure. Shame Apple are so silly at times, ah well. Nice one!
They can afford to be though.

[GommeInc]

For now. That will change if Microsoft continues to not do well with mobile software. Windows phone is going to seriously have to pack quite a punch to compete with android and the iPhone now, and don't even get me started on the lack of windows tablets!
It's so annoying they packed up the idea of making a tablet, or other comapnies making tablet computers with a decent Windows 7 OS modified to work with them :/ If they made one, I'd be tempted.

Especially if the creators of Swype make a keyboard for it, then typing on it won't take too long :P

[jam666]

One thing is really funny about this thread :P, apple may of surpassed microsoft. However microsoft makes about £8,000,000,000 (8 billion) more profit than apple :D

[danzooo]

Of course they have, every man and his dog has at least something Apple, whether it be a base model iPod from 4 years ago or a brand new imac... microsoft are falling pretty short these days.

[GommeInc]

Of course they have, every man and his dog has at least something Apple, whether it be a base model iPod from 4 years ago or a brand new imac... microsoft are falling pretty short these days.

I own nothing Apple related :P Not even their crappy software! There is an iPhone in the house that my brother owns, which he hates in some respects :/

Besides, it's share price, not profit. Huge difference :)

[HotelUser]

I own nothing Apple related :P Not even their crappy software! There is an iPhone in the house that my brother owns, which he hates in some respects :/

Besides, it's share price, not profit. Huge difference :)

I strongly disagree with you in the regard to apples software being crappy. It's going to take a lot of work on Microsoft's part to convince me to switch back to windows on my main rig after using my imac (which I Bought purely out of anger at vista one day :P)

[GommeInc]

They make you download iTunes when all you want is QuickTime (or they used to when it needed updating). I only want QuickTime, not iTunes which I will never use and is a waste of money to buy music from, especially when it's in some anti-competitive format. I just want cheap, simple wma or mp3s that can work on anything :P Thank God for QuickTime Alternative.

[marriott0.01]

They make you download iTunes when all you want is QuickTime (or they used to when it needed updating). I only want QuickTime, not iTunes which I will never use and is a waste of money to buy music from, especially when it's in some anti-competitive format. I just want cheap, simple wma or mp3s that can work on anything :P Thank God for QuickTime Alternative.

iTunes is just one piece of software Apple makes out of lots of pieces of software, why on earth would you call apple's software 'crappy' if A) You probably haven't used 80% of the software they make and B) Your only reason is iTunes. Seems pretty odd since you could criticise Microsoft for Windows Vista and call it all 'crappy software' but no Microsoft do make some 'good' software. I have nothing against Microsoft as a company and I'm a big fan of a lot of Microsoft's products although I will always take a preference over Apple's products because it's made my life so much easier. Also one of the best selling Microsoft Product, other than Windows, is Office and the funny thing is I had always been convinced Office, or even Office for Mac is the best Office Suite to get, until I decided to try out iWork and tbh I have to say it was well worth the price and the funny thing was it was actually cheaper than the alternative from Microsoft and there is a lot better features, effects and options you have with iWork over Office. So saying Apple Software is 'crappy software' is completely false until you use all their software. Also the ironic thing is iTunes isn't great on Windows yet runs seamlessly on MacOSX. Not only that but since when was iTunes solely a store, it's mainly just a music player, so if you want to download cheap, simple mp3s you can get them from anywhere with no DRM protection, just like iTunes, and just import it into iTunes. With NO problems..

[MrPinkPanther]

In the last quarter Apple made $3.1bn net profit and Microsoft made $2.6bn. This is in absence of any major hardware/software releases from either company. Microsoft may earn more in the year where they release a new operating system however Apple continue to perform year after year due to new hardware on a yearly basis. This year as a whole Apple will beat Microsoft by a significant margin I believe. I mean as I have said Q1 didn't hold any major releases for either company but since Q1 Apple had refreshed the MacBook, released the iPad and of course will release the iPhone 4G shortly. Microsoft simply doesn't have any major releases.

Please note: I am not an Apple fanboy, I do have a MacBook but I also run Windows 7 on it ;)

[xxMATTGxx]

Can I just say the two companies are different. Obviously Apple will have more major releases than Microsoft in a year, although I wouldn't call most of them major. They just add a "slightly" better CPU or something daft like that. :rolleyes:



@GommeInc They bundle Quicktime with iTunes as well!

[Recursion]

In the last quarter Apple made $3.1bn net profit and Microsoft made $2.6bn. This is in absence of any major hardware/software releases from either company. Microsoft may earn more in the year where they release a new operating system however Apple continue to perform year after year due to new hardware on a yearly basis. This year as a whole Apple will beat Microsoft by a significant margin I believe. I mean as I have said Q1 didn't hold any major releases for either company but since Q1 Apple had refreshed the MacBook, released the iPad and of course will release the iPhone 4G shortly. Microsoft simply doesn't have any major releases.

Please note: I am not an Apple fanboy, I do have a MacBook but I also run Windows 7 on it ;)

Nonono, even without the OS releases, MS still rape Apple in terms of profits yearly.

[GommeInc]

iTunes is just one piece of software Apple makes out of lots of pieces of software, why on earth would you call apple's software 'crappy' if A) You probably haven't used 80% of the software they make and B) Your only reason is iTunes. Seems pretty odd since you could criticise Microsoft for Windows Vista and call it all 'crappy software' but no Microsoft do make some 'good' software. I have nothing against Microsoft as a company and I'm a big fan of a lot of Microsoft's products although I will always take a preference over Apple's products because it's made my life so much easier. Also one of the best selling Microsoft Product, other than Windows, is Office and the funny thing is I had always been convinced Office, or even Office for Mac is the best Office Suite to get, until I decided to try out iWork and tbh I have to say it was well worth the price and the funny thing was it was actually cheaper than the alternative from Microsoft and there is a lot better features, effects and options you have with iWork over Office. So saying Apple Software is 'crappy software' is completely false until you use all their software. Also the ironic thing is iTunes isn't great on Windows yet runs seamlessly on MacOSX. Not only that but since when was iTunes solely a store, it's mainly just a music player, so if you want to download cheap, simple mp3s you can get them from anywhere with no DRM protection, just like iTunes, and just import it into iTunes. With NO problems..
I can only assume you're defending Apple software that is Mac/iPhone only as well, which is irrelevant. The software they release on all platforms is the crapware of which I speak about. Kinda obvious, seeing as I only own a PC which I make pretty obvious. And I know it doesn't just sell music and videos dear, I was just pointing out one small fact before bed time (probably should of written more, but didn't :P). The music player part of it is ordinary and unexciting. And how is it ironic that iTunes is crap on Windows? Kinda backs up my point, thanks for that or are you suggesting it's the OS' fault for not running software? If so, lol ;) If it was good, it would work well on all systems.

[marriott0.01]

I can only assume you're defending Apple software that is Mac/iPhone only as well, which is irrelevant. The software they release on all platforms is the crapware of which I speak about. Kinda obvious, seeing as I only own a PC which I make pretty obvious. And I know it doesn't just sell music and videos dear, I was just pointing out one small fact before bed time (probably should of written more, but didn't :P). The music player part of it is ordinary and unexciting. And how is it ironic that iTunes is crap on Windows? Kinda backs up my point, thanks for that or are you suggesting it's the OS' fault for not running software? If so, lol ;) If it was good, it would work well on all systems.

Microsoft's software on a Mac is crap? Why would a company who want you to buy there computers make an amazing application across all platforms, they need an incentive for you to go to a Mac. Microsoft does it and Apple does it.

[HotelUser]

@GommeInc and Jordan,

You're both right. iTunes on Windows is useless and Office on OS X is terrible. However, there's brilliant alternatives to both, and the amount of available software for both platforms is satisfying. GommeInc you said you never bought Apple software so I don't think you're in any position to compare OS X, or the software on OS X to Windows and software on Windows:P

[GommeInc]

@GommeInc and Jordan,

You're both right. iTunes on Windows is useless and Office on OS X is terrible. However, there's brilliant alternatives to both, and the amount of available software for both platforms is satisfying. GommeInc you said you never bought Apple software so I don't think you're in any position to compare OS X, or the software on OS X to Windows and software on Windows:P

I never did dear. I just said Apple software, rather than OS X software ;) Though I can compare the two as I've had to use a MacBook and the little amount of time I used it has proven they're not for me. No point wasting money on something that doesn't fit in my with lifestyle just to prove it doesn't ;) Not sure why you keep with the theory that you must buy something to like it or use it for a long time, when I can easily read what it can do or use it in seperate time frames to decide, which I have. I can also compare what it can or can't do e.g. most/all Apple products do not want to communicate with non-Apple products, so that means iPods/iPhones/iPod Touch XL (iPads) = not for me. I'd rather just plug an MP3 player and copy music over either through folders or via Windows Media Player/Company Suites (Creative Centrale)/SongBird and the billion other media suites that can transfer files to mp3 players :P

*plugs his Xperia X10 Android Phone into PC* Oh, it just works :P I also remember turning it on when I got it and adding a SIM card and it just worked :P None of this plug an iPhone into a computer, then install iTunes just to use a phone. Tis madness and unnecessary!

And mariott, you fail at reading.

[Youch]

Ouchh *****, I bet Bill Gates is well angry now! :D

[HotelUser]

I plug my android nexus one into my imac and sync it with my iTunes library in two clicks too. I use double twist :)


I never did dear. I just said Apple software, rather than OS X software ;) Though I can compare the two as I've had to use a MacBook and the little amount of time I used it has proven they're not for me. No point wasting money on something that doesn't fit in my with lifestyle just to prove it doesn't ;) Not sure why you keep with the theory that you must buy something to like it or use it for a long time, when I can easily read what it can do or use it in seperate time frames to decide, which I have. I can also compare what it can or can't do e.g. most/all Apple products do not want to communicate with non-Apple products, so that means iPods/iPhones/iPod Touch XL (iPads) = not for me. I'd rather just plug an MP3 player and copy music over either through folders or via Windows Media Player/Company Suites (Creative Centrale)/SongBird and the billion other media suites that can transfer files to mp3 players :P

*plugs his Xperia X10 Android Phone into PC* Oh, it just works :P I also remember turning it on when I got it and adding a SIM card and it just worked :P None of this plug an iPhone into a computer, then install iTunes just to use a phone. Tis madness and unnecessary!

And mariott, you fail at reading.

[GommeInc]

But the thing with Android is that it doesn't require that to begin with, or specialist equipment. You can use iTunes or just the simple folders. It's one of those little niggles I really do not like with Apple and the iPhone :P The future is meant to make life simpler, but Apple seem to be going backwards and prefer needless activity and difficulty with the simpliest of tasks. It's one of those companies that could do so much better if they just let me strangle Jobs with an annoying iPod/iPad/iPhone only USB cable. That's another thing, Apple and their need to make special cables for their products - just keep to DVI/VGA and mini-USB, don't complicate things with obvious anti-competitiveness :P

Do iPods still not let you move songs off the iPod onto the computer by default, or have they removed that now?

[HotelUser]

But the thing with Android is that it doesn't require that to begin with, or specialist equipment. You can use iTunes or just the simple folders. It's one of those little niggles I really do not like with Apple and the iPhone :P The future is meant to make life simpler, but Apple seem to be going backwards and prefer needless activity and difficulty with the simpliest of tasks. It's one of those companies that could do so much better if they just let me strangle Jobs with an annoying iPod/iPad/iPhone only USB cable. That's another thing, Apple and their need to make special cables for their products - just keep to DVI/VGA and mini-USB, don't complicate things with obvious anti-competitiveness :P

Do iPods still not let you move songs off the iPod onto the computer by default, or have they removed that now?

I do not use iPods, and I have used my iMac for a year and a half now. I have never encountered an Apple imposed limitation while trying to complete a task.

[GommeInc]

Why would you? :P An iMac is one of the least limited products by Apple. Their iPods/iPhones are the main offenders, and MacBooks can be if you considered the mini-DVI port a limitation (which to me it is, it's not like a normal DVI port is large anyway).

Just got bored and measured my laptop, which is 2.5cm height and has a normal DVI port. The MacBook is 2.75cm and has a mini-DVI port. You'd think they would just use a normal DVI port to save on unnecessary hassle, but that is of course gnit-picking :P

[HotelUser]

Why would you? :P An iMac is one of the least limited products by Apple. Their iPods/iPhones are the main offenders, and MacBooks can be if you considered the mini-DVI port a limitation (which to me it is, it's not like a normal DVI port is large anyway).

Just got bored and measured my laptop, which is 2.5cm height and has a normal DVI port. The MacBook is 2.75cm and has a mini-DVI port. You'd think they would just use a normal DVI port to save on unnecessary hassle, but that is of course gnit-picking :P

From my perspective if you're rich enough to spend 2 grand on a computer, you can fork over 30 smackers to get your DVI converter.

[GommeInc]

But it's so pointless and unethical, making you fork out for something that doesn't have any divine purpose :(

I feel we should be calling each other troll and being rude to each other, what happened? :P

[HotelUser]

But it's so pointless and unethical, making you fork out for something that doesn't have any divine purpose :(

I feel we should be calling each other troll and being rude to each other, what happened? :P

We matured, is what!

We can always avoid buying the adapter if we buy the 10x more expensive Apple monitors :)

[Recursion]

From my perspective if you're rich enough to spend 2 grand on a computer, you can fork over 30 smackers to get your DVI converter.

I bought a MacBook, it doesn't mean I then had the money to fork out for a VGA/DVI cable that should have come as standard, in fact, I have yet to buy the thing.

It also isn't very consumer friendly, I was at a conference once, and the woman had a Mac, when they tried to plug it into the projector, oh no, wrong type of connection, they had to bring out a WINDOWS computer because 98% of the world's projectors and monitors still use VGA and DVI, I don't know why Apple think they can change the way the world works so easily.

[Hardstylerz]

Ha, yeahh.. Microsoft still owns a significant amount of Apple due to the case for the right to use Windows. That case lead to Microsoft owning a solid 30% of Apple, yet apple getting granted the use of Windows and Windows programs in their computers and so forth.

As well as Microsoft having significant market ownership of 100's of different companies; Microsoft is worth more, in key economic terms.

LG, DELL, nVidia = Microsoft ;)
And think of the Xbox.. the biggest online community and the only system to have paid membership..

Microsoft > Apple

...and yes, I'm a PC fanboy; WHAT OF IT!

[Barmi]

Why would you? :P An iMac is one of the least limited products by Apple. Their iPods/iPhones are the main offenders, and MacBooks can be if you considered the mini-DVI port a limitation (which to me it is, it's not like a normal DVI port is large anyway).

Just got bored and measured my laptop, which is 2.5cm height and has a normal DVI port. The MacBook is 2.75cm and has a mini-DVI port. You'd think they would just use a normal DVI port to save on unnecessary hassle, but that is of course gnit-picking :P
Just want to point out that Apple doesn't use DVI, mini-DVI or micro-DVI. They instead use Mini DisplayPort, capable of providing much higher resolution. Both HP and Toshiba have begun adopting it in their notebooks.

[Recursion]

Just want to point out that Apple doesn't use DVI, mini-DVI or micro-DVI. They instead use Mini DisplayPort, capable of providing much higher resolution. Both HP and Toshiba have begun adopting it in their notebooks.

January 09 MacBooks use mini-DVI, I know that for sure.

[marriott0.01]

Ha, yeahh.. Microsoft still owns a significant amount of Apple due to the case for the right to use Windows. That case lead to Microsoft owning a solid 30% of Apple, yet apple getting granted the use of Windows and Windows programs in their computers and so forth.

As well as Microsoft having significant market ownership of 100's of different companies; Microsoft is worth more, in key economic terms.

LG, DELL, nVidia = Microsoft ;)
And think of the Xbox.. the biggest online community and the only system to have paid membership..

Microsoft > Apple

...and yes, I'm a PC fanboy; WHAT OF IT!

You're completely uninformed. Microsoft sold the stake it had in Apple, and it was only 0.04% of a stake of non-voting shares, which means they had no say. But they sold them on to make a profit, so now Microsoft owns NOTHING of Apple.

[Barmi]

January 09 MacBooks use mini-DVI, I know that for sure.
Are you sure you didn't buy a refurb? The unibody MacBooks (October 2008) were the start of the transition to mini DisplayPort.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpie/2948297072/

[MrPinkPanther]

Are you sure you didn't buy a refurb? The unibody MacBooks (October 2008) were the start of the transition to mini DisplayPort.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpie/2948297072/
He's right. But even if it was January 2009 it's still irrelevant because it's not like that now. It's like me judging Windows purely on the basis of Vista in 2008.

[Recursion]

He's right. But even if it was January 2009 it's still irrelevant because it's not like that now. It's like me judging Windows purely on the basis of Vista in 2008.

That's totally different though, because Mini DisplayPort and Mini-DVI are both rediculous ports to use right now when most monitors, TVs and Projectors use DVI/VGA, no way can you use the Vista and 7 analogy for this.

[HotelUser]

That's totally different though, because Mini DisplayPort and Mini-DVI are both rediculous ports to use right now when most monitors, TVs and Projectors use DVI/VGA, no way can you use the Vista and 7 analogy for this.

I guess you'll just have to suck it up and buy the adapter Tom!