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.