Apple was founded in 1976 by [[Steve Jobs]], Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in Cupertino, California [[United States of America (USA)]] (where it remains headquartered). Starting with personal computers, the company transformed the technology industry with revolutionary products like the iPod (2001), iPhone (2007), and iPad (2010). Key developments: - 1976: Founded, released Apple I computer - 1977: Incorporated, released Apple II - 1984: Introduced Macintosh - 1985: Jobs leaves - 1997: Jobs returns - 2011: Tim Cook becomes CEO - 2022: First company to reach $3 trillion market cap Ownership: - Publicly traded company - Major shareholders include: * Vanguard Group * BlackRock * State Street Corporation * Individual investors The company has evolved from a computer manufacturer to a global technology leader in consumer electronics, software, and services, known for its ecosystem of products, design innovation, and brand value.