Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. It is one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, alongside Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms.
Founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple initially started as a computer company. The first product, the Apple I, was hand-built by Wozniak and was sold as a motherboard with CPU, RAM, and basic textual-video chips. The company was incorporated as Apple Computer, Inc. in January 1977, and its first successful mass-produced microcomputer, the Apple II, was introduced that same year.
The launch of the Macintosh in 1984 marked Apple's significant entry into the personal computer market. After experiencing fluctuating success through the 1980s and 1990s, Apple returned to profitability with the introduction of the iMac in 1998, followed by the iPod in 2001, which revolutionized the music industry.
The iPhone was introduced in 2007, transforming the smartphone industry and making Apple one of the leading companies in consumer technology. Apple's subsequent releases, including the iPad in 2010, further cemented its position in the tech market.
Since 2011, Tim Cook has been the CEO of Apple, taking over from Steve Jobs. Under Cook's leadership, Apple has continued to innovate, expand its product lines, and enter new markets, such as digital services and wearables. Apple's business practices, particularly regarding labor conditions, tax strategies, and environmental impact, have often been subjects of public and regulatory scrutiny.
Apple has made commitments to reduce its environmental footprint. The company has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030. They are working towards this by using renewable energy sources, recycling materials, and reducing waste in production processes.