Key Points
Having held the position of the world’s most valuable company for years, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) slipped to second and even third place behind Nvidia and Microsoft over the past two years.
Following a period of weak market performance last year, the stock has regained momentum. Investor confidence has improved amid strong iPhone sales and Apple’s efforts to maintain its competitive edge, leaving it on the verge of reclaiming the title of most valuable company worldwide. The shift could occur almost immediately.
Image source: Apple.
At the time of writing, Apple’s market capitalization stands at $4.89 trillion compared with Nvidia’s $4.91 trillion, a margin typically negligible after rounding. The difference has been shrinking, with Apple shares up 12% over the past month while Nvidia shares declined 4%. To regain the lead, Apple needs less than a 1% gain. If prevailing sentiment holds, the crossover may be swift.
Why Apple is up — and why Nvidia is down
Investors are currently favoring Apple’s stability and business model. The artificial intelligence (AI) sector is evolving rapidly, and markets have grown concerned about massive hyperscaler AI expenditures. Apple has largely avoided direct involvement, concentrating on its hardware and partnering with AI firms to deploy Apple Intelligence.
Meanwhile, questions surround Nvidia’s outlook as AI develops, particularly given that substantial growth is already reflected in its share price.
What happens next remains uncertain, but Apple has demonstrated resilience repeatedly over past decades and is doing so again.
Should you buy stock in Apple right now?
Before purchasing Apple shares, investors should weigh the broader picture.
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor team has highlighted what they consider the 10 best stocks to buy now, and Apple was not among them. The selected names could deliver significant returns in the years ahead.
Historical examples include Netflix, added on December 17, 2004; a $1,000 investment then would have grown to $371,842. Nvidia, added on April 15, 2005, would have turned $1,000 into $1,244,783.
Stock Advisor’s average return is 900% versus 207% for the S&P 500, reflecting notable outperformance.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 20, 2026.
Jennifer Saibil has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
