Why Apple is the most successful company in history

Computerworld ^ | Feb 14, 2015 4:00 AM PT | By Mike Elgan

[Swordmaker]

Everyone knows that Apple had a great fourth quarter and that its most successful product line, the iPhone, is doing better than ever, too.

But it's difficult to grasp what a mind-blowingly successful company Apple is until you take the time to gather and digest news about the company that has emerged in the past week or two.

I've done it. And it has become obvious to me that Apple is not only successful, not only the most successful company in technology, not only the most successful company in the world but the most successful company in the history of companies.

Is that an extreme statement? Maybe. But let me make my case, and we'll see if you disagree.

Here are the 11 ways that Apple is the most successful company in history.

• 1. Apple is the world's most valuable company

• 2. Apple is the world's most valuable brand

• 3. Apple makes more money than any company ever

• 4. Apple's cash flow problem is that it doesn't spend enough

• 5. Apple has crushed (or co-opted) all rivals

• 6. Apple is building the world's coolest headquarters

• 7. Apple has mostly solved the phone theft problem

• 8. Apple has mostly solved the app discovery problem

• 9. Apple has mostly solved the China problem

• 10. Apple has mostly solved the wearables problem

• 11. Apple's biggest business opportunity has barely started

All of these successes add up to Apple clearly being the most successful company in history. No other company has ever made this much money, won on so many fronts or positioned itself to keep on winning.

[Swordmaker]

My Nexus gives me GPS without using cellular. My Nexus has wi-fi only. That's all I want or need in my tablet. The wi-fi only Apple tablets do NOT include GPS. I have no desire to spend an extra $130 for cellular capability on an Apple device. The Nexus meets my needs. The wi-fi only Apple tablets do not meet my GPS requirements.

the iPad doesn't need cellular for GPS, but you are right about the extra cost. Thanks for the conversation.

[ConstantSkeptic]

Thank you too.

My brother is a phenomenal photographer (not his job) and has been a long time Apple user. It’s a perfect operating system for him and his family, as it is for many other families.

I think I made a good move by owning Apple stock.

[Drew68]

Might be the huge cult following...

Yes. A cult following of people who like computing devices that work.