According to Reuters:

"Apple has overtaken Google as the world's most valuable brand, ending a four-year reign by the Internet search leader, according to a new study by global brands agency Millward Brown."

Apple's extreme success in brand managment has pushed it to the top of the pile. It has finally overtaken Google as the brand to covet. 

The brand is worth $153 billion representing around half of the company's market cap. It passed Microsoft last year and now Google.

Apple has bucked the trend and stood firm on pricing and quality, even in light of stiff competition from strong brands. They have a set an interesting standard in premium products.