According to Interbrand's 2013 ranking of global brand valuations, Apple (AAPL 1.79%) has risen to the top spot, displacing Coca-Cola in the process. The Mac maker's brand is now valued at an estimated $98.3 billion, a notable 28% increase from last year. Considering Apple's rise in recent years, one Interbrand executive pronounced Apple's achieving the top spot just "a matter of time."
That brand value will further reinforce the business, which is extremely important for Apple since the company focuses heavily on the consumer market while relying on recurring hardware purchases to drive the business. Apple rose from No. 8 in 2011 to No. 2 in 2012, and claimed No. 1 this year.
As technology becomes a prominent aspect of people's lives, tech companies now dominate the most valuable brands. Mobile rival Google grabbed the No. 2 spot this year with an estimated brand value of $93.3 billion, while Microsoft ranked No. 5 with $59.5 billion. Other tech heavyweights like Samsung and Intel were also within the top 10.
In today's episode of Tech Teardown, Erin Kennedy discusses the relevance of brand value with Evan Niu, CFA.
