The Apple logo is pictured at a retail store in the Marina neighborhood in San Francisco, California
IN PHOTO: The Apple logo is pictured at a retail store in the Marina neighborhood in San Francisco, California April 23, 2014. REUTERS

Apple Inc (AAPL) stock is the most searched stock in 2014 based on search engine statistics. The past year has proven to be Apple's "biggest" with the launch of larger-screened iPhones and the introduction of the Apple Watch.

According to Yahoo, Apple CEO Tim Cook has finally put his own stamp on Apple's products with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Releasing phablet-sized iPhones was something former CEO and Apple founder Steve Jobs, analysts said.

Jeff Macke from Yahoo Finance said 2014 had been a "monster year" for Apple. Aside from launching new products, Apple had announced a 7-for-1 stock split that put the share price below $100. The company attracted more retail investors and managed to have a market capitalisation of more than $640 billion.

Market analysts expect Apple to do well again for this year beginning with the Apple Watch release. Apple's new smartwatch is the company's first attempt in the wearables market. The company is hoping that it will also become a big hit among consumers. Analysts have predicted that the Apple Watch will be made available in luxury watch retailers and jewelers.

Previous reports have indicated that Apple had hired key people from the retail industry including the TAG Heuer sales director and the former CEO of Burberry. Analysts view the new hires as part of the company's plans to brand Apple Watch as a high-end fashion product.

Meanwhile, Apple Pay, the company's mobile payments system, has been well-received despite initial hesitation from some major retailers. Tavis McCourt, Raymond James Financial managing director, told CNBC that Apple Pay can't drive up the company's stock alone. However, the new mobile payments system can help increase the iPhone's market share.

McCourt believes there is a natural ceiling for the iPhone market share but Apple is not close to reaching it. He said Apple is taking a high-price strategy that does have a limit but the company is not yet anywhere near that limit.

The analyst cited iPhone 6 holiday sales as the driver of Apple's "fantastic quarter" but the company faces stiff competition especially outside the U.S. because of its high price. Despite Android's fragmented ecosystem, it continues to do well in some regions around the world.

Contact email: r.su@ibtimes.com.au