Apple makes Forbes' Veterans List for 2025

Apple is among the best employers for veterans in the United States in 2025. The company ranks 18th on Forbes' latest list of "Best Employers for Veterans"—a significant improvement over previous years. This new ranking demonstrates Apple's intensified efforts to integrate veterans into the civilian workforce and offer them long-term career prospects.

Every year, Forbes and the market research company Statista compile a list of the best employers for veterans in the USA. Nearly 20,000 veterans employed by large US companies are surveyed for this purpose. They rate their employers based on criteria including job security, professional development opportunities, health benefits, and company culture.

Forbes emphasizes that veterans are among the strongest and most adaptable workers in the United States. They are characterized by leadership qualities, resilience, and creative problem-solving skills. Nevertheless, the transition from military service to civilian employment can be challenging. Veterans must reconcile their military-acquired skills with the demands of civilian employers, and often face the added stigma of service-related injuries or disabilities.

That makes employers who specifically support veterans all the more important. For six years, Forbes and Statista have been studying companies that do exactly that – through skills development programs, health benefits, housing assistance, and other initiatives that make it easier for veterans to enter the job market.

Apple's rise to 18th place

Apple has steadily improved its ranking in recent years. In 2022, the company was ranked 68th in the Forbes list, and in 2023 it jumped to 36th place. In the 2025 list, Apple now ranks 18th – significantly ahead of other major technology companies such as IBM (27th), Meta (28th), and Amazon (82nd). Only Google (2nd) and Microsoft (5th) perform better in the tech industry.

The steady rise demonstrates that Apple has successfully expanded its programs and initiatives for veterans. The company is known not only for its products but also increasingly for its human resources policies, which emphasize diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities.

Support for veterans

Apple has implemented several initiatives to specifically support veterans. One example is the Veterans and Military Personnel Purchase Program. It offers active and former members of the U.S. military, National Guard, and Reserves, as well as their immediate family members, a $10 discount on Apple products. The program is designed to express appreciation while also providing a practical benefit.

Furthermore, Apple fosters exchange among veterans within the company, supports their professional reintegration, and emphasizes continuing education opportunities. The focus is on effectively transferring skills acquired in the military—such as leadership, teamwork, and crisis management—to the civilian work environment.

The significance of the Forbes list

The annual "America's Best Employers for Veterans" list is compiled by Forbes and Statista and is based on extensive surveys. Companies are evaluated on aspects such as work environment, career opportunities, health benefits, support programs, and social commitment to veterans. The collected data results in a ranking of the 150 companies with the highest scores.

Being ranked on this list is seen as recognition for companies that go beyond simply providing employment and create an environment where veterans can thrive in the long term. For Apple, ranking 18th is a clear indication that the company is on the right track in this area.

Apple combines progress with social awareness

Apple proves in 2025 that technological innovation and social responsibility can go hand in hand. By ranking 18th on Forbes' list of best employers for veterans, the company demonstrates that it not only employs veterans but actively supports them.

Apple's programs and initiatives for former military personnel underscore its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and fair working conditions. Its continued rise in the Forbes rankings confirms the effectiveness of these measures—and that Apple is now among the most attractive employers for veterans in the United States. (Image: Shutterstock / onapalmtree)