Apple has solidified its position as the most valuable brand in the world for 2025, with a brand value of $574.5 billion, reflecting an 11% increase from 2024, according to Brand Finance’s Global 500 rankings. The tech giant leads a roster of dominant technology brands that make up eight of the top ten most valuable brands globally.
The recently-released Brand Finance indicates that Apple has also achieved high global familiarity (80%) and consumer consideration (45%). NVIDIA, an AI leader, breaks into the top 10 for the first time, with a 98% increase in brand value, reaching $87.9 billion, a result driven by strong demand for AI-related technology.
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The combined value of the world’s 500 most valuable brands rose by 10% to $9.5 trillion, significantly outpacing global economic growth of 3%.
Seven out of the top ten brands are American, two are Chinese, and one - South Korean.
Technology's dominance amid uncertainty
The tech sector continues to dominate despite regulatory challenges and political scrutiny. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon rank second, third, and fourth, respectively, while Walmart surpasses Samsung to complete the top five.
Emerging technologies and international expansion remain key drivers of value growth across the industry.
Brand Finance’s analysis also highlights industries beyond tech with significant growth. Benefiting from the surge in short-form video consumption, TikTok grew 79% over the past four years, leveraging its platform for e-commerce through TikTok Shop.
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DraftKings and FanDuel, two U.S.-based gambling brands, have experienced rapid growth as online betting gained legal traction. And NVIDIA, AMD, TSMC, semiconductor brands, thrived on growing demand for AI and advanced technologies.
Other notable risers include Pinduoduo, which combines social media and e-commerce, and BYD, a Chinese carmaker, which capitalized on the global transition to electric vehicles.
Telecom brand e& (formerly Etisalat) posted an eightfold increase in brand value, reaching $15.3 billion – this makes it the fastest growing brand. This remarkable growth stems from a strategic rebrand and global expansion over three years.
Media brands reshaping the industry
While no media brands rank among the fastest-growing since 2020, the sector itself has added the most value over the past five years. The BBC rejoined the top 500 after a five-year absence, driven by improved revenue forecasts and record-breaking commercial results.
WeChat retains its title as the strongest brand globally, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 95.2, due to its robust ecosystem in China.
Nike rebounded to the second position in brand strength after its Paris 2024 Olympic campaign, achieving a BSI score of 94.7.
Google ranked third, driven by investments in AI and the growth of its cloud services.
Brand Finance’s research underscores the importance of aligning marketing strategies with financial objectives. While tech remains a dominant force, long-term success depends on adaptability to consumer expectations, geopolitical challenges, and rapid technological advancements. For the leading brands, innovation and agility are key to maintaining growth and global influence.
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