Apple Inc. Overview

General Information:

• Founded: April 1, 1976
• Founders: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Ronald Wayne
• Headquarters: Apple Park, Cupertino, California
• Industry: Consumer electronics, software, and online services
• Products: iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, Apple Watch, Apple TV
• Revenue (2024): $391 billion

Historical Milestones:

1976-1980: Formation and Early Success

• 1976: Apple Computer Company founded in Los Altos, California.
• 1977: Apple Computer, Inc. incorporated.
• Apple I: First product, a computer designed by Wozniak.
• Apple II: Launched in 1977, became one of the first successful mass-produced microcomputers.

1980-1990: Macintosh and Growth

• 1984: Introduction of Macintosh, first mass-market PC with GUI and mouse.
• 1985: Steve Jobs leaves Apple due to internal tensions.
• 1989: Apple faces declining sales for the first time.

1990-1997: Challenge and Restructuring

• Key products during this period include PowerBook and the Macintosh LC.
• 1997: Apple buys NeXT, bringing back Steve Jobs.

1997-2007: Revival and Innovation

• 1998: Introduction of the iMac.
• 2001: Launch of the iPod and opening of the first Apple retail stores.
• 2007: Launch of the iPhone and rebranding to Apple Inc.

2007-2011: Expansion and Dominance

• Released the App Store, expanding software capabilities for iOS devices.
• 2010: Launch of the iPad.
• 2011: Steve Jobs steps down and Tim Cook becomes CEO.

2011-present: Continuation and Evolution

• 2014: Acquisition of Beats Electronics.
• 2015: Introduction of the Apple Watch.
• 2020: Transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon.

Products and Services:

• Hardware: iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBook, Mac Pro, Apple Watch, AirPods
• Software: iOS, macOS, iPadOS, tvOS
• Services: Apple Music, iCloud, App Store, Apple TV+, Apple Pay

Financial Overview:

• 2024 Revenue: $391 billion
• Net income: $94 billion

Market Presence:

• Global reach: Products sold worldwide
• Retail locations: 535 Apple Stores (as of 2025)

Criticism and Challenges:

• Criticized for labor practices, environmental impact, and business ethics.
• Engaged in various legal disputes, notably with Epic Games and Samsung.

Strategic Developments:

• Focus on renewable energy and sustainable practices.
• Expansion into original content with Apple TV+ and other media endeavors.

Key Takeaways:

• Apple is a leading player in technology with a strong global brand.
• Continuously evolving through innovation in products and services.
• Despite challenges, maintains a robust financial position and brand loyalty.