Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and markets consumer electronics, software, and services. The company was founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in Cupertino, California, USA. Initially, Apple started as a partnership to sell the Apple I personal computer kit, which was hand-built by Steve Wozniak. Later, Wayne sold his shares to Jobs and Wozniak, and the company was incorporated as Apple Computer, Inc. on January 3, 1977.
Apple Inc. is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol "AAPL." It is one of the world's most valuable and widely recognized companies, with a market capitalization that has consistently ranked among the highest in the world.
Apple is best known for its innovative products, including the Macintosh computer, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The company's focus on user-friendly designs, sleek aesthetics, and cutting-edge technology has earned it a devoted global customer base.
Apple operates in various business segments, including:
Consumer Electronics: This segment includes products like iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
Services: Apple offers various services such as the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud, and AppleCare, generating recurring revenue from subscriptions and digital content sales.
Wearables, Home, and Accessories: This category includes products like Apple Watch, AirPods, and accessories for Apple devices.
Other Products: This segment includes sales of Apple-branded and third-party accessories, Apple-branded and third-party services, and digital content.
Apple's products are sold worldwide through its online and physical retail stores, authorized resellers, and direct sales force. The company has a strong global presence, with a significant market share in various regions, including North America, Europe, Greater China, Japan, and the rest of Asia-Pacific.
Apple's success has been driven by its ability to create a seamless ecosystem of hardware, software, and services, which fosters customer loyalty and retention. The company continues to be a major player in the technology industry, with a strong focus on innovation and product development.