Apple has overtaken Google as the world’s most valuable brand, ending Google’s four-year rule as the leaders of internet browsing, according to a study by global research agency Millward Brown.
Apple’s brand value has leapt 84% to $153.3 billion, and a substantial portion of their success is based off of how well the iPad and iPhone 4 have been selling. Apple’s portfolio of desired consumer goods has pushed past Microsoft in becoming the world’s most valuable technology company, as well.
Google’s brand declined 2% to $111.5 billion, dropping to the number two spot. Microsoft was up 2% to 78.2 billion, rounding out the top five spots among the most valuable global brands.
Some of the most notable brands that have taken great leaps toward the top 100 are Facebook and Baidu, the leading search engine in China. Facebook recorded the greatest jump with a 246% increase to $19.1 billion, making its first debut on the top 100 chart at number 35. Baidu was the second fastest climber at 141%, putting it at number 29 on the chart.
Other surprising findings include that Amazon has made the number 14 ranking, overtaking Walmart at number 15, to become the most valuable retail brand in the world with $37.6 billion. Also, Toyota has reclaimed its position as the world’s most valuable car brand, recovering from the 2010 product recall. Nineteen of the top 100 brands came from emerging markets, and 12 of the top 100 came from China.
The brands’ values were based off of a mix of factors, including future earnings (discounted to their present-day values) and in-depth consumer surveys, according to Millward Brown. If you’re interested in more information, check out the full report.