Apple Regains Crown as Most Valuable Company with Shares Climbing Back Up

Today Apple returned to the top with a $821.59 billion market cap and shares rising to $174.24 at trading end

Beating out tech rivals Amazon at $805.70 billion and Microsoft at $813.48 billion, respectively, Apple returned to the status of the world’s most valuable company on Wednesday. Apple shares had dropped down to $142.19 on January 3rd after the company announced that it was going to have a lowered end of 2018 quarter earnings, off by initial estimates of $5 billion or more. When Apple did release its quarterly earnings, they came in at $84.3 billion in global revenue.

The global economy today is increasingly dependent upon and affected by the entrepreneurial activity, profitability and employment offered by tech giants. Apple’s stock rebounded quickly. Apple had prepared investors for the worst, admitting to a drop in iPhone sales mostly due to lower sales in China. More iPhone customers are holding on to their smartphones longer with more expensive models. In China, local vendors like Xiaomi and Huawei have dominated the Chinese market, selling their cheaper smartphones. China’s economy has also weakened in recent months. Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have also affected Apple product sales.

Apple shares rallied by end of January, but were still significantly lower than the $232.07 trading price back in October of 2018.

Apple Will Be Part of the Breakdown of the Cable Bundle, Says Tim Cook

Tim Cook, Apple CEO, announced that Apple plans to participate in changes disrupting the cable bundle with Airplay 2, Original Content, Apps and More.

On Tuesday January 29th, Tim Cook shared some of Apple’s approach to television and original content without offering specific details. Apple’s CEO said that Apple has noticed "huge changes" in customer behavior, which Apple believes will "accelerate as the year goes by." Cook pointed out that Apple expects an accelerated breakdown of the cable bundle.

Apple intends to be part of this change, including the Apple TV that offers app support so that customers can watch television using apps as they wish and with AirPlay2 that will be offering support to third-party television sets, which will make for a “better” living room experience, according to Cook. He also explained that third-party video subscriptions available on the App Store offer Apple a way to "accelerate in the future" and help customers who wish to buy multiple services. Apple is working on its own original content, with some content available for free and other content available via streaming services and its TV app. Apple has also numerous television shows in the works currently and been signing deals with well-known industry talent such as Jason Katims and Justin Lin.

“Finally, original content, where we will participate. We’ve signed a multi-year partnership with Oprah. Today I’m not really ready to extend that conversation beyond that point. We’ve hired some people we have a super amount of confidence in, and they’re working really hard. We’ll have more to say on that later.”

— Tim Cook, Apple CEO

Apple is expected to have its streaming television service available for launch by the middle of April this year.

Apple Music Offers 50 Million Songs on American Airlines

Apple Music subscribers can benefit from access to over 50 million songs, playlists and music videos on domestic American Airline flights equipped with Viasat satellite WiFI without Wi-Fi purchase.

“Our guests want to make the most of their time when flying us. That’s why we’re investing in faster Wi-Fi, a variety of entertainment options, and why we’re so excited to introduce Apple Music to more of our customers. Providing customers with more ways to stay connected throughout each flight is one way to show we value their business and the time they spend with us.”

— Janelle Anderson, VP Global Marketing, American Airlines

American Airlines is the first commercial airline to offer exclusive access to Apple Music through complimentary inflight Wi-Fi. To connect, just open the complimentary inflight Wi-Fi and open Apple Music. Listen to your library, the Beats 1 Global Livestream or curated playlists. Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight. applemusic.com/americanairlines

““For most travelers, having music to listen to on the plane is just as important as anything they pack in their suitcases. With the addition of Apple Music on American flights, we are excited that customers can now enjoy their music in even more places. Subscribers can stream all their favorite songs and artists in the air, and continue to listen to their personal library offline, giving them everything they need to truly sit back, relax and enjoy their flight.”

— Oliver Schusser, VP, Apple Music

Apple Music subscribers can enjoy exclusive content access such as in-depth artist interviews and live music via Beats 1 global airstream. Apple continues to grow Apple Music with new acquisitions such as Platoon in London. Customers who do not have Apple Music subscriptions, can sign up during the flight and receive free access for three months. Apple Music is now available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple TV, PC, Android, CarPlay, HomePod, Sonos and Amazon Echo.