Apple vs. Microsoft: Key Differences For Investors to Consider

Apple and Microsoft are two of the largest technology companies in the world and each have built loyal customer bases. But regardless of whether you identity with Team Apple or Team Windows as a consumer, it's important as an investor to lay aside your personal preferences and opinions.

Things that you may hate most about Apple (like the fact that its dedicated fanbase is rarely swayed by competitors that offer better “specs” or lower prices) could be the same things that make it a great company to invest in. And the fact that Microsoft is used by over 1 million businesses is a major strategic advantage that investors should bear in mind, even those who exclusively use iPhones and Macs at home.

As would be expected for two technology companies, Apple and Microsoft have a few things in common. But they also have some key differences, especially when it comes to their business models. Keep reading to see a head-to-head comparison of Apple vs. Microsoft to help you decide which is better to invest in today.

The Apple Business Model

Apple has a business model that's centered on innovation. In the early 2000s, the company took the technology world by storm, first releasing the iPod and then the iPhone.

Apple's youthful and innovative reputation originally made it a popular choice with young consumers. But now many people see it as the industry standard across generations. Nearly half of consumers use an iPhone as their smartphone of choice, and the popular product makes up more than half of Apple's revenue. Its other products, including desktop computers, laptop computers, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods, also make up a significant portion.

The other major portion of Apple's business model is services. The company seems to be constantly growing its suite of services, including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple Fitness, and more. While most of the company's revenue does come from its iPhone, an increasing amount of business comes from digital services and wearable technology.

It's been a long time since Apple has come out with anything as innovative as the iPhone, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the most popular technology companies. It's regularly beating the market on products like its Apple Watch and AirPods, and people are willing to pay more for Apple products than for comparable products from other brands.

The Microsoft Business Model

Despite their similarities, the companies have very different business models. Microsoft was the leader in the computer industry for a long time before Apple made its comeback in the early 2000s, and its business model still relies on many of the revenue streams from that time.

A significant portion of Microsoft's revenue comes from its productivity and business processes. These include the company's Microsoft Office suite, which the company now sells as a subscription model. It's also expanded its business processes to include LinkedIn and Dynamics.

Another essential part of Microsoft's revenue is its intelligent cloud services. Making up nearly one-third of the company's revenue, this part of the business includes its server products and cloud services and its enterprise services for businesses.

The final part of Microsoft's business model, which has long been an important part, is its personal computing products. This includes its Windows licensing in other company's computing devices. Its personal computing business also includes its own computing devices, gaming devices, and search engine.

Comparison Between Apple vs. Microsoft

We've talked about the different business models of Apple and Microsoft, so now we'll dive a bit further into the similarities and differences between the two companies.

Similarities Between Apple and Microsoft

Apple and Microsoft have some key similarities. First, as we've established, both are giants in the technology sector and the stock market in general. Another similarity is that both have been very founder-centric. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were the face of Microsoft and Apple, respectively, and were responsible for much of the company's public image.

The two companies also overlap in some of the products they create. Both create laptops and tablets: Microsoft has the Surface laptops and tablets, while Apple has the Macbook and iPad. Both also have their smartphones — Apple has the iPhone, while Microsoft has the Windows phone.

Differences Between Apple and Microsoft

As you can probably tell from their business models, a major difference between Apple and Microsoft is their product focus. For Apple, physical products are their most important revenue stream, especially the iPhone. It also manufactures, markets, and distributes its own standalone products, which aren't intertwined with any other company's products. On the other hand, Microsoft prioritizes its business and productivity tools and creates licensing relationships with other brands. Its computing products aren't its central focus.

Another difference between the two companies is their approach to marketing their products. Apple uses a consumer-centric approach; its products are designed for consumers rather than businesses. With its many Apple stores, it aims to get its products directly into the hands of consumers.

Microsoft's strategy has more to do with getting its software into other companies, where it becomes the default option for consumers who use those products. In a sense, Apple has a bottom-up approach, while Microsoft has a top-down approach.

Pros and Cons of Investing in Tech Stocks Like APL and MSFT

Before investing in Apple, Microsoft, or any other tech stock, it's essential to understand some of the pros and cons.

Which Stock Is Better to Buy: APL or MSFT?

If you're considering investing in a technology stock, Apple and Microsoft are probably both near the top of your list. But which stock is better to buy?

As we mentioned, Apple and Microsoft are regularly competing for the title as the most valuable company in the U.S. stock market. Right now Apple is slightly ahead with a market capitalization of $2.6 trillion compared to Microsoft's $2.1 trillion.

Both Apple and Microsoft and technology stocks, in general, have faced some volatility in recent months. While this is certainly a factor to consider, it doesn't mean you shouldn't invest in these companies. Volatility in the stock market is normal, and both companies are likely to see their stock prices increase over the long term, just as they've done in the past. Additionally, both companies have faced the same volatility, meaning it won't necessarily help you decide between the two.

If you want to compare Apple and Microsoft's financials to decide which to invest in, you can research their financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There you can learn about each company's revenue, earnings per share, return on equity, and other numbers. Not sure what to look for? Check out our Stock Market Research Guide.

Finally, remember that you don't have to choose between these two companies. You can include both in your portfolio, and there's a strong argument for doing so. One of the key principles of investing is diversification. Rather than investing in just one major technology stock, you can enhance your returns and reduce your risk by investing in several. Additionally, if you take an index investing approach, you can easily add both Apple and Microsoft to your portfolio simply by investing in an S&P 500 or total stock market index fund. Find out more in our Index Fund Guide.

Ultimately, though they have some similarities, Apple and Microsoft have different business models, strengths, and weaknesses. It's what makes each of them an excellent possible investment, and is why it may be worth adding both to your portfolio.

Find out more >>> How to Invest in Tech Companies

The Bottom Line

Apple and Microsoft are two of the most popular technology stocks. And when you're deciding which to invest in, it can be difficult to pick one over the other.

The good news is that you don't have to choose. Adding both Apple and Microsoft to your portfolio can help you benefit from the success of both companies while creating a bit more diversification in your portfolio.

If you're ready to start investing in Apple, Microsoft, or both, you'll first need to open an account with a stock broker. You can compare the features and fees of our favorite brokers here.