Overview

Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California. The campus commonly known as Apple Park sits at coordinates referenced here: Apple Park coordinates. Founded in 1976, Apple designs consumer electronics, develops operating systems and offers a range of online services. It is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker AAPL and is widely recognised for combining hardware, software and services into a single product ecosystem.

Products and software

Apple’s product lines include personal computers marketed as the Macintosh or Mac (Macintosh), a family of laptops commonly called MacBooks, mobile devices such as the iPhone smartphone, the iPad tablet, and media players historically sold as the iPod. The company also produces wearable and media devices including the Apple Watch and Apple TV. On the software side Apple develops operating systems and platform software such as macOS, iOS (and the related iPadOS), watchOS and tvOS, together with developer tools and a large app marketplace.

History and development

Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in 1976 as a producer of early personal computers. The company originally traded as Apple Computer, Inc. and later shortened its public name to Apple Inc. to reflect a broader focus on consumer electronics following the introduction of the iPhone. Over time Apple expanded from hardware into software, services and retail, opening a global network of branded stores and growing a platform business around the App Store, digital content and cloud services.

Business model and significance

Apple’s model emphasises tight integration between hardware, software and services, a strong emphasis on design and user experience, and a curated distribution channel through its own stores and online platforms. Services such as iCloud, Apple Music, Apple Pay and subscription offerings have become important complements to device sales. The company’s business practices, market position and ecosystem strategy have generated significant influence on the consumer electronics industry and prompted public discussion on topics such as privacy, competition and supply chain responsibility.

Notable facts and public standing

Apple is a high-profile public company that has been included in major market indices and lists; it trades on NASDAQ (exchange) under the symbol AAPL and was added to the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 2015 (DJIA membership). The company is often noted for its strong brand, influential product launches and polished marketing. Apple has also been subject to regulatory and competitive scrutiny worldwide as its services and platform arrangements intersect with broader industry practices.

Further reading and resources