Apple reclaims world’s most valuable company title from Nvidia
10 verified1 unconfirmed1 contested
Apple overtook Nvidia on July 17, 2026, to become the world's most valuable company, reshuffling the top ranks of tech heavyweights. Apple's market capitalization was approximately $4.88‑$4.9 trillion, while Nvidia's stood at approximately $4.8‑$4.86 trillion after a 3.5% decline in its stock. Nvidia had become the first company to surpass a $5 trillion market valuation in October and had held the top spot since last June. Apple reclaimed the top position for the first time since April 2025. The shift reflects investors broadening their focus beyond companies at the center of the AI infrastructure buildout, with the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index falling nearly 19% from its all-time highs. Memory chipmaker Micron crossed $1 trillion in market value in May, indicating a wider rotation. Apple last month introduced a rebuilt version of its Siri assistant, and the company is undergoing a leadership transition with CEO Tim Cook preparing to cede his role to hardware chief John Ternus in September. "Apple was seen as a laggard in the AI race because it wasn't spending to develop models, but now sentiment has changed," said Toni Meadows, head of investment at BRI Wealth Management.
What’s verified
Apple overtook Nvidia on July 17, 2026, to become the world’s most valuable company.
Apple’s market capitalization was approximately $4.88‑$4.9 trillion, while Nvidia’s was approximately $4.8‑$4.86 trillion.
Nvidia’s stock fell about 3.5% on July 17 while Apple’s stock held steady.
Nvidia became the first company to surpass a $5 trillion market valuation in October 2025.
Apple reclaimed the top spot for the first time since April 2025.
The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index declined nearly 19% from its all-time highs.
Memory chipmaker Micron crossed $1 trillion in market value in May 2026.
Apple introduced a rebuilt version of its Siri assistant in June 2026.
Tim Cook is preparing to cede his CEO role to John Ternus in September 2026.
Toni Meadows of BRI Wealth Management stated that Apple was seen as a laggard in AI but that sentiment has changed.
Where accounts differ
Two sources differ on exact market cap figures: one reports Apple at $4.88 trillion and Nvidia at $4.86 trillion; the other reports Apple at $4.9 trillion and Nvidia at $4.8 trillion. Additionally, one source states Apple stock "held steady" while the other says it was "held steady to slightly higher."
Not yet confirmed
Single‑source details include: SK Hynix listing on the Nasdaq earlier this month; HSBC upgrading Apple stock to buy; Apple receiving government approval to roll out Apple Intelligence in China; Apple’s rebuilt Siri being powered by Google’s Gemini technology; Tim Cook moving into an executive chairman role after the leadership transition; and Apple’s stock rising roughly 22‑23% so far in 2026. It is not clear from the sources exactly when last month’s Siri overhaul was released or the precise price at which it was introduced.
Key figures
Apple Inc., Nvidia Corp., Tim Cook (CEO of Apple), John Ternus (hardware engineering chief, incoming CEO), Toni Meadows (head of investment at BRI Wealth Management), Micron Technology.
Sources: The Guardian, qz.com
