Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in April 1976, it was incorporated as Apple Computer, Inc. in January 1977, and was renamed as Apple Inc. in January 2007 to reflect its shifted focus towards consumer electronics. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue and one of the world's most valuable companies.
Date of Foundation | Industry | Country | Founder | Product/Business | Number of Employees | Location of Headquarters | Company Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 1976 | Tech | USA | Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Ronald Wayne | Consumer electronics, computer software, online services | 137,000 (2020) | Cupertino, California | apple.com |
Apple Inc. designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple's hardware products include the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, Apple TV, and iPod. Apple's software products include the macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS operating systems, the iTunes media player, the Safari web browser, and the iLife and iWork creativity and productivity suites, as well as professional applications like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Xcode. Apple's online services include the iTunes Store, the iOS App Store, Mac App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud, and Apple Pay.
Apple is also the world's largest technology company by revenue and one of the world's most valuable companies. It is the world's largest information technology company by revenue and the world's third-largest mobile phone manufacturer after Samsung and Huawei. Apple is the world's largest technology company by total assets and the world's most profitable technology company.
Apple Inc. was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in April 1976 to develop and sell personal computers. The Apple I, Apple's first product, was sold as an assembled circuit board and lacked basic features such as a keyboard, monitor, and case. The Apple II, introduced in 1977, was the first personal computer with color graphics and an open architecture. In the early 1980s, Apple introduced the Macintosh, the first personal computer to be sold without a programming language.
In the late 1980s, Apple faced a series of financial difficulties and a hostile takeover attempt. Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, becoming its interim CEO and regaining control of the company. Under Jobs' guidance, Apple introduced a series of successful products, including the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
Apple is known for its corporate culture, which emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Apple's corporate culture is based on four core values: respect, passion, commitment, and excellence. The company also promotes diversity and inclusion in its workplace, and has a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
Apple is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment for all its employees. The company provides a range of benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements. Apple also offers a variety of programs to support its employees, such as Apple University, which provides training and development opportunities, and AppleCareers, which helps employees find career opportunities.
Apple is committed to environmental sustainability. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and promote the use of renewable energy. Apple has achieved 100% renewable energy for its global operations, and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 75% by 2030.
Apple also has a strong commitment to social responsibility. The company has launched initiatives to support education, economic opportunity, and health and human rights. Apple also supports a range of charitable organizations and has donated millions of dollars to support communities in need.
Apple is best known for its hardware products, such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, Apple TV, and iPod. Apple's software products include the macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS operating systems, the iTunes media player, the Safari web browser, and the iLife and iWork creativity and productivity suites, as well as professional applications like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Xcode.
Apple's online services include the iTunes Store, the iOS App Store, Mac App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud, and Apple Pay.
Apple is known for its innovative use of technology. The company has developed a range of proprietary technologies, such as the A-series processors used in its mobile devices, the Metal graphics API used for gaming and augmented reality applications, and the Swift programming language used for developing apps. Apple also uses a range of open source technologies, such as the WebKit browser engine and the LLVM compiler.
Apple has a number of subsidiaries, including Beats Electronics, Braeburn Capital, and FileMaker, Inc. Apple also has a number of partnerships, including its partnership with IBM to develop enterprise solutions and its partnership with Intel to develop the Thunderbolt interface.
Apple has faced criticism and controversy over a number of issues, including its tax practices, labor practices, environmental practices, and its treatment of competitors. Apple has also faced criticism for its use of encryption technology, which has been used to protect user data from government surveillance.
Apple has a long history of innovation and has been credited with revolutionizing the personal computer, music, and mobile phone industries. The company has also been credited with helping to bring technology to the masses, with its products being used by millions of people around the world.