Apple has officially been named the most valuable brand in the world at a gargantuan $US71 billion ($A66 billion)– overtaking its Android rival Google, which is valued at $47.5 billion.
The report by Brand Finance Inc shows that Apple's valuation is its highest ever to date, shooting it up from 8th place in last year's rankings straight to first place this year.
The company yesterday launched its third-generation iPad tablet, and is expected to release its iPhone 5 smartphone around September this year.