Apple share price exceeds Google's as its market cap reaches $590 billion

While the two competing and collaborating tech companies now have nearly identical stock prices, Apple's has appreciated 160 percent over the last two years, compared to the roughly12 percent gain Google has realized over the same period.

Apple's market cap is now larger than the combined valuations of Google, HP, Dell, RIM, Microsoft, Nokia, AMD and Motorola Mobility, with a couple billion dollars to spare.

Five years ago, Apple's market cap was just $75.8 billion, illustrating the massive effect iPhone and other iOS devices have had on building the company's revenues, earnings and therefore market valuation.