Apple's court victory over Samsung Electronics may provide another milestone for share outperformance relative to its South Korean rival.
The chart of the week shows the market capitalisation of the Cupertino, California-based company compared with weekly totals for Samsung since 2001. Apple surpassed Samsung after unveiling the iPhone in 2007, and overtook Google and Microsoft separately in 2010, when the iPad tablet was released. Apple extended its lead since January after posting record profit, with its value about US$480 billion higher than Samsung, US$414 billion above Google and US$376 billion more than Microsoft.
Samsung was ordered to pay Apple about US$1 billion after a jury found the Suwon, South Korea-based company infringed six of seven patents at stake in the trial. Apple, which may release its newest iPhone this month, is seeking a US sales ban on eight models of Samsung smartphones.
"Apple is expected to make all-out efforts to stop sales of Samsung's smartphones and tablets," says Shin Hyun Joon, an analyst at Dongbu Securities. "Samsung's stock will likely continue struggling."
Apple will unveil the iPhone 5 on September 12, two people with knowledge of the company's plans said last month. Apple also intends to introduce a smaller, cheaper iPad this year, people familiar with the plans said in July.
The iPhone and iPad contributed more than 60 per cent of revenue in the latest financial year, compared with 7 per cent from the iPod music player.