Apple is the most valuable brand in the world: Brand Finance Global 2025
In 2025, Apple, the company founded by Steve Jobs, once again crowns itself as the most valuable brand in the world according to the Brand Finance Global 500 ranking, one of the world’s leading brand valuation consultancies. With a brand value of $574.5 billion—11% higher than in 2024—Apple leads a top 10 list that is […]
In 2025, Apple, the company founded by Steve Jobs, once again crowns itself as the most valuable brand in the world according to the Brand Finance Global 500 ranking, one of the world’s leading brand valuation consultancies.
With a brand value of $574.5 billion—11% higher than in 2024—Apple leads a top 10 list that is mostly dominated by tech brands.
Regarding the report, which was presented at the Davos summit in Switzerland, David Haigh, founder and CEO of Brand Finance, stated that the report “reveals that tech companies do not hold a monopoly on sustained brand growth. It also highlights another global trend: how Chinese brands like TikTok, Pinduoduo, and BYD are leading the charge in creating value and challenging established brand leaders.”
Apple, the most valuable brand in the world
Apple has managed to maintain its global leadership thanks to a combination of decisive factors. On the one hand, its marketing strategy is closely aligned with the company’s financial goals, driving sustained growth in its brand value. On the other hand, Apple’s international recognition stands out: according to Brand Finance, on average, more than 80% of consumers in the markets surveyed are familiar with the brand, and 45% consider using its products and services.
In the “Brand Finance Global 500 2025,” Apple boasts a reputation score of 7.7 (on a scale of 10) across various evaluated countries, ranking as the consumer electronics brand with the highest reputation score among those studied in multiple markets.
According to Brand Finance’s report, “Apple is the world’s most valuable brand for 2025, demonstrating its mastery of balancing global reach with investment in a master brand,” a position reinforced by its loyal user base and its high ability to generate revenue through its ecosystem of products and services.
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What other brands make up the top 10 in the Brand Finance 2025 ranking?
Alongside Apple, which tops the list with $574.5 billion, the top 5 most valuable brands according to Brand Finance are as follows:
- Apple: $574.5 billion, 11% more than in 2024.
- Microsoft: $461.1 billion, 35% more.
- Google: $413 billion, 24% more.
- Amazon: $356.4 billion, 15% more.
- Walmart: $137.2 billion, 42% more.
The increase in Microsoft stands out, as it has experienced a 35% growth to reach a value of $461.1 billion.
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How do global politics and economics influence brand growth?
According to the study, the total value of the world’s 500 most valuable brands for 2025 amounts to $9.5 trillion, representing an average growth of 10%.
This increase is well above the global economic growth average (3%). However, Brand Finance analysts point out that companies must operate in an environment marked by political and economic uncertainty on a global scale.
Regulatory restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and changing market conditions can hinder the growth of many brands, especially tech brands, which are subject to intense government scrutiny. Even so, Brand Finance highlights that “this shift also creates opportunities for brands with the vision and agility to capitalize on it.”
Which brands have shown the most growth since 2020?
Although technology remains a rising sector, Brand Finance’s analysis of the brands that have grown the most since 2020 shows that growth is not exclusively limited to tech companies. In fact, various sectors are represented in this category, such as online gambling, automotive, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Among the brands that have increased their value the most since 2020 are:
- TikTok/Douyin: records 79% growth in four years (from $59 billion in 2022 to $105.8 billion).
- DraftKings: $5.1 billion compared to $18 million in 2020.
- FanDuel: $7 billion compared to $56 million in 2020.
- NVIDIA: grew from $4.7 billion in 2020 to $87.9 billion in 2025, a 98% increase.
- AMD: jumped from $1.4 billion to $11 billion.
- Pinduoduo: rose from $2.5 billion to $13 billion.
- BYD: grew from $3.1 billion to $14 billion.
- Apple: increased from $140.5 billion to $574.5 billion.
- TSMC: from $8.6 billion to $34.2 billion.
- Microsoft: grew from $117.1 billion to $461.1 billion.
- Lilly: from $2.1 billion to $8 billion.
A common factor in the success stories of DraftKings and FanDuel is the legalization of online sports betting in several U.S. states, giving them “first-mover advantages in a rapidly evolving market.”
Meanwhile, semiconductor brands like NVIDIA, AMD, and TSMC drive technologies related to artificial intelligence and advanced chips, a key sector for global digital transformation.
Which is the fastest-growing brand in 2025?
Although NVIDIA maintains a 98% growth compared to its previous value, the brand that holds the title of the “fastest-growing brand in the world” this year is e& (formerly known as Etisalat). This company multiplies its brand value by eight to reach $15.3 billion, completing an ambitious rebranding process aimed at consolidating the brand in international markets.
This transition from the “Etisalat” brand to the new “e&” identity has involved strategic brand management, aimed at expanding its presence in different geographies and sectors. While strengthening its presence in telecommunications, e& positions itself as a platform for global growth.
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2025 Media Brands Overview
Contrary to what might be expected, none of the ten fastest-growing brands since 2020 formally belong to this category, but the media sector as a whole has added the most value over the past five years. This is largely due to the transition from traditional media to digital platforms, social networks, and even hybrid subscription and advertising models.
The British network returned to Brand Finance’s “Global 500” (for the first time since 2020). The BBC’s Brand Strength Index (BSI) has improved, and the network reported record revenues of £5.7 billion (about $7.2 billion) in fiscal year 2022/23. The increase in commercial revenues from BBC Studios, which reached £2 billion in sales for the first time, contributed to this rebound. It also highlights good performance in Familiarity and Choice metrics, despite a relatively low “Price Premium” score.
What is brand strength, and why is it key to companies’ value?
The strength of a brand goes beyond purely financial value; it also encompasses intangible factors such as reputation, consumer loyalty, and the ease of expanding the brand into new products, services, or markets.
Brand Finance emphasizes that “strong brands are not only influential cultural and commercial assets but also fundamental drivers of long-term growth and shareholder value.”
A brand with high reputation and strong consumer acceptance can better withstand economic and political crises and more effectively face the rapid changes in technology. Brand valuation is positively impacted by a high Brand Strength Index (BSI), as this indicator combines variables such as marketing investment, stakeholder perception, and financial performance.
Which is the strongest brand in the world?
For the second consecutive year, WeChat tops the “strongest brands” ranking with a BSI score of 95.2 out of 100 and the highest AAA+ rating. This recognition is mainly due to its comprehensive ecosystem encompassing messaging, mobile payments, online shopping, and social networks, all within a single platform.
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How did Nike regain ground and become the second strongest brand?
Among the strongest brands, Nike stands out, regaining its position as the second strongest brand in the world with a rating of 94.7/100 and an AAA+ score. Until 2024, Nike had experienced a progressive decline in its BSI, and Adidas even surpassed it in brand strength thanks to sponsorships of elite soccer teams and the renewed popularity of iconic sneakers like the Samba.
However, Nike “counterattacked” with the largest investment in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, according to Heidi O’Neill, President of Consumer, Product, and Brand at Nike, in an interview with Reuters. This massive sponsorship and other strategic moves allowed the brand to rise several points in Familiarity, Choice, and Advocacy metrics, especially in the UK and China.
How does Google maintain its brand strength?
With a BSI score of 94.3 out of 100 and the same AAA+ rating, Google ranks third among the strongest brands. Google’s global reach is undeniable, as the consultancy investigated the brand in 20 different markets, obtaining high scores in Familiarity, “Brand I Know Well” (9.9), and top-of-mind awareness among most consumers.
Google’s robust performance in services like cloud computing (Google Cloud), digital advertising, and online search suggests that its brand value will remain strong in the coming years. Furthermore, the company is significantly investing in artificial intelligence and machine learning, a field that has already proven its relevance in other companies like NVIDIA.
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