Apple Inc.

Apple Inc. is an American technology company based in Cupertino, California, in Silicon Valley. It was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. The company began by making personal computers.

Apple grew to become one of the world’s most important technology companies. It created popular devices like the iPhone and iPad.

Apple introduced new ideas in computing, such as the first widely used computers with a graphical user interface and a mouse. After facing hard times in the 1990s, the company was revived when Steve Jobs returned. Under his leadership, Apple made many successful products that changed how people use technology.

Today, Apple makes popular products including the Mac computer, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It also offers services like Apple Music and iCloud. Apple is now one of the most valuable companies in the world, known for its innovation and strong connection with customers.

History

Main article: History of Apple Inc.

Apple Computer Company started on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne as a partnership. Their first product was the Apple I, a computer made by Wozniak. Jobs sold his Volkswagen Bus, and Wozniak sold his HP-65 calculator to pay for it.

Apple Computer, Inc. became a company in Cupertino, California, on January 3, 1977. Mike Markkula helped with business skills and gave $250,000 to Jobs and Wozniak. In the first five years, Apple's money grew very fast.

The Apple II computer, also made by Wozniak, came out on April 16, 1977. It was different from other computers because it could show color pictures and had open architecture. The Apple I and early Apple II used cassette tapes to save information, but in 1978 they started using the 5+1⁄4‑inch floppy disk drive called the Disk II.

On December 12, 1980, Apple sold shares to the public for the first time on the Nasdaq stock market. They sold 4.6 million shares at $22 each, making over $100 million. This was more money than any new company had made since Ford Motor Company in 1956. By the end of that day, around 300 millionaires were made, including Jobs and Wozniak.

In 1979, Steve Jobs and some Apple workers visited Xerox PARC. They saw the Xerox Alto, which had a graphical user interface and a mouse. Jobs wanted to use this idea in Apple's products, starting with the Apple Lisa in 1983. The Lisa was expensive and did not sell well.

In 1981, Jobs joined the Macintosh team. The Macintosh was first shown in 1984. Its ad aired during Super Bowl XVIII and was very popular.

The Macintosh sold well at first, but sales fell after reviews came in. Jobs required more memory, which made the computer slow and expensive. In 1985, Jobs and the CEO John Sculley disagreed, and Jobs left Apple to start NeXT. Wozniak also left Apple that year.

After Jobs and Wozniak left, Apple made new products like the Macintosh 512K and the LaserWriter. They also made PageMaker, which helped create the desktop publishing market.

Apple made many new products in the 1990s, but some did not sell well. Microsoft grew stronger with Windows, and Apple lost many customers. In 1997, Apple brought back Steve Jobs. He made big changes, like canceling many products and bringing back profits.

In 1998, Apple launched the iMac, which sold very well. In 1999, they introduced the iBook laptop. Apple also bought software companies to make products like Final Cut Pro, iMovie, and iTunes.

In 2001, Apple released Mac OS X, a new operating system. They also opened Apple Store locations and launched the iPod.

Apple continued to make new products like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. They also expanded into services like the App Store, Apple Music, and original programming.

Apple has grown to become one of the world's most valuable companies, continuing to innovate with new products and services.

Products

See also: List of Apple products

Since Apple started, it has sold computers under the Macintosh name. Over time, Apple added many new products. It made the iPod in 2001, the iPhone in 2007, and the iPad in 2010. Today, Apple also sells wearables and accessories like the Apple Watch, Apple TV, AirPods, HomePod, and Apple Vision Pro.

Apple’s most famous products are the Mac computers, which use the macOS operating system. The iPhone, a smartphone that uses iOS, has been very popular. The iPad, a tablet that uses iPadOS, is also well liked. Apple also offers services like Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple Pay.

Marketing

Main article: Marketing of Apple Inc.

Apple, the famous technology company, began with a simple idea from co-founder Steve Jobs. He was inspired by an apple farm. The company’s first logo showed Sir Isaac Newton under an apple tree. But it was soon changed to the rainbow-colored apple logo we know today. Over the years, Apple has used catchy phrases like “Think different” and “Byte into an Apple” to make its products popular.

Apple is also known for its clever advertisements and unique store designs. The first Apple Store opened in 2001 and became very successful. Today, Apple has hundreds of stores around the world. These stores are known for their modern look and great customer service. The company has won many awards for its innovative approach to marketing and advertising.

Corporate affairs

See also: List of mergers and acquisitions by Apple, Braeburn Capital, FileMaker, and Criticism of Apple Inc.

Apple has had many important leaders helping it grow. As of March 2026, the company's top leader is Tim Cook, the chief executive officer. Other leaders help with areas like money, marketing, and technology.

Apple began with a small group and has become a big company with many workers around the world. The company is famous for its special office spaces, like its large round headquarters in Cupertino, California. Apple has also been part of many legal cases to protect its ideas and business ways.

Finances

See also: List of mergers and acquisitions by Apple

Apple is a big technology company. It makes computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Apple is one of the Big Tech companies.

In 2011, Apple made $108 billion in sales. By 2018, Apple became the first U.S. public company to reach a value of $1 trillion. As of 2025, its value is just over $4 trillion. Apple keeps working on new technologies and products.

Environment

Main article: Environmental impact of Apple Inc.

Apple works to use cleaner energy and safer materials in its products and factories. The company has built solar farms to create clean energy. Apple wants to use only renewable energy everywhere it operates.

Apple has also taken out harmful chemicals from its products, like some plastics and flame retardants, to keep the environment safe.

Apple tries to help the planet. It promises to use 100% renewable energy for its work and data centers. The company also uses recycled materials and sustainable paper in its packaging. Apple’s products are made to use less energy and meet strong environmental rules.

Supply chain

Main article: Apple supply chain

See also: List of Apple Inc. suppliers

Apple uses parts from many countries to make its products. In the past, Apple made products in the United States, but now most products are made in other countries. Companies in South Korea, Taiwan, and China help make parts for Apple products like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone.

Apple has workers all over the world. Some work in Apple stores, and others help make Apple products. Workers in different countries have talked together about their jobs and working conditions.