Apple vs. Microsoft: The TG盗号系统VIP免杀技术battle for the world’s most valuable company amid Trump’s tariffs

April 10, 2025  12:53

In April 2025, the high-tech arena witnessed a gripping showdown between Apple and Microsoft for the title of the world’s most valuable company. President Donald Trump’s trade tariff policies triggered wild swings in both corporations’ market caps, turning their rivalry into an economic thriller. Here’s how Apple lost its crown, reclaimed it, and what it all means for consumers.

Apple’s Dark Days: A Tariff-Driven Plunge

On April 8, MacRumorsreported that Apple ceded its top spot to Microsoft after a devastating stock plunge. Over four trading sessions, its shares cratered 23%, slashing its market cap from $3.34 trillion to $2.59 trillion—a staggering $700 billion loss. That same day, Microsoft, with a $2.64 trillion valuation, took the lead.

The culprit? Trump’s trade war with China, where most iPhones are assembled. New tariffs hammered Apple’s supply chain, sparking a investor sell-off. UBS analysts estimated that these duties could jack up the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s U.S. price by $350—from $1,199 to $1,549. This raised a burning question: would consumers stick with the brand at such a premium?

Apple’s vulnerability stood out among tech giants. Unlike Nvidia or Google, which lean less on physical production, Apple relies heavily on China. Bloomberg notes that about 90% of its devices are built by Foxconn and Pegatron, making it a prime target in the tariff escalation.

Back on Top: A Rally and a Reprieve

Microsoft’s reign was short-lived. Per RIA Novosti, Apple soon snatched back the title. Its stock surged 15.3%, lifting its market cap to $2.99 trillion—just shy of the $3 trillion mark. Shares hit $198.85. Microsoft, despite a 10.1% stock rise, ended at $2.9 trillion, falling behind.

This rebound rode a broader U.S. market rally. Trump announced a 90-day tariff pause for 75 countries, soothing jittery investors. The Nasdaq Composite soared 12.16%, and tech stocks breathed easier. For Apple, this breather was a golden opportunity to regain market trust.

Why the Rollercoaster?

The seesaw battle reflects both internal dynamics and external pressures. Early April saw Apple’s stock drop 22% from its March peak ($3.34 trillion), with a 10.5% loss month-to-date, fueled by tariff uncertainty and talk of shifting production to India and Vietnam—a costly, years-long pivot.

Microsoft, meanwhile, thrived on its hardware-light model. Its growth in Azure cloud services and AI, less exposed to tariffs, gave it an edge. Yet Apple’s post-pause surge showed its enduring investor appeal and long-term potential.

What’s in Store for Consumers?

If tariffs resume, Apple gear could get pricier. Analysts predict a $300–$400 hike per device if Trump doubles down on China. That could dent U.S. sales, where buyers already balk at flagship prices. But Apple’s diversifying: by 2026, up to 20% of iPhones might roll out of India, cushioning the blow.

Microsoft faces no such peril. Its core offerings—Windows, Office, and cloud solutions—sidestep tariff woes, cementing its stability in investors’ eyes.

The Scorecard

April 2025’s clash between Apple and Microsoft mirrored global economic tremors. Apple stumbled under Trump’s tariffs but bounced back with a tariff truce and market optimism. As of the latest trading, its $2.99 trillion edges out Microsoft’s $2.9 trillion—but this isn’t the finish line, just another lap. The big question lingers: can Apple hold the throne if the trade war reignites?

Note: Stock prices and market caps reflect real-time data as of April 10, 2025. Apple’s current price is $194.4, with a market cap of $2.987 trillion, while Microsoft’s is $385.805, with a market cap of $2.903 trillion—Apple remains ahead, but the race is tight.