Apple Inc.

Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne to sell the Apple I personal computer kit. The Apple II, introduced in 1977, became one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputers, establishing Apple in the nascent personal computer industry.² After a period of internal strife, Jobs was ousted in 1985, and the company struggled through the 1990s, nearly bankrupt by 1997. Jobs returned that year, leading a turnaround with the iMac, and later the iPod (2001), iPhone (2007), and iPad (2010), which redefined consumer electronics and propelled Apple to become the first U.S. company to reach a $1 trillion market capitalization in 2018.

Apple's product lineup includes the iPhone, Mac computers, iPad tablets, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple TV, along with software such as macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The company also operates services like the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, Apple Pay, and Apple TV+, which have become a growing revenue stream, reaching over $85 billion in fiscal 2023.³ Apple's ecosystem is designed for seamless integration across devices, a strategy that drives customer loyalty and repeat purchases. The company also emphasizes privacy and security, with features like end-to-end encryption and on-device processing, distinguishing it from competitors.⁴

Apple operates as a multinational corporation with a complex supply chain, primarily manufacturing through partners like Foxconn in China. The company has faced legal challenges, including antitrust lawsuits over its App Store practices and patent disputes with rivals like Samsung.⁵ In 2024, Apple was fined €1.8 billion by the European Commission for anti-steering provisions in its music streaming agreements, a decision it is appealing.⁶ Apple also engages in environmental initiatives, aiming to become carbon neutral across its entire business by 2030, and has made commitments to use recycled materials in its products.⁷

Apple's lesser-known history includes the Apple Lisa, a 1983 computer that pioneered the graphical user interface but failed commercially, and the Newton MessagePad, an early personal digital assistant that was discontinued in 1998. The company also had a brief foray into digital cameras with the QuickTake in 1994, and into gaming with the Pippin console in 1996, both of which were market failures. Apple's design studio, led by Jony Ive for decades, is famously secretive, and the company's retail stores, first opened in 2001, are known for their innovative architecture and customer service. Additionally, Apple's 'Think Different' campaign, launched in 1997, is credited with revitalizing the brand's image.²

iPhone

Apple's line of smartphones, first introduced in 2007, which revolutionized the mobile phone industry.

Mac

Apple's line of personal computers, including the MacBook, iMac, and Mac Pro.

iOS

Apple's mobile operating system for iPhone and iPod Touch.

App Store

Apple's digital distribution platform for mobile apps, launched in 2008.