Apple Loses Title of World's Most Valuable Brand to Google

According to a report by Brand Finance, an independent economic consulting firm that measures the value of commercial brands, Apple has given up its position at the top of the list of the most valuable international brands to Google after five years. Apple's value has fallen by 27% since the beginning of 2016 to reach $107 billion, while Google's brand value is estimated at $109 billion. As reported by USA Today, the last time Google topped this list was in 2011. Google's advertising revenue increased by 20% in 2016, even as spending on internet advertising has decreased. Meanwhile, it seems that Apple's popularity among users is declining. The Apple Watch has not become the money-making machine its creators envisioned. Once popular for its unique and innovative ideas, the company has not introduced any unique products to the market in years. On the other hand, its list of competitors in the smartphone manufacturing sector is growing. Following Apple, Amazon, AT&T, and Microsoft occupy the third to fifth positions on the list of the most valuable commercial brands. After technology companies that dominate the top of this list, banks, telecommunications companies, retail chains, and the automotive industry follow in the rankings.