On January 30, 2025, Fortune magazine recognized Apple as the world's most admired company for the 18th consecutive year. This streak began in 2006, prior to the launch of the iPhone, which has since propelled the company to significant market dominance.
The ranking is based on a survey of 3,380 business leaders from 30 countries. Fortune, in collaboration with Korn Ferry, evaluated 1,500 companies, focusing on criteria such as investment value, innovation, management quality, social responsibility, and talent attraction.
Technology firms continued to dominate the top rankings, with Microsoft and Amazon securing the second and third positions, respectively. Nvidia notably rose to fourth place, climbing six spots due to its pivotal role in the generative AI sector.
New entrants in the top 50 include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) at No. 45, ServiceNow at No. 42, and Novo Nordisk at No. 46. All top 10 companies are U.S.-based for the second year in a row, underscoring the ongoing influence of American corporations.
Apple's consistent performance is remarkable amid rapid changes in the business landscape, showcasing its strengths in social responsibility, financial stability, innovation, and global competitiveness.