Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is a global technology company renowned for its design, development and sale of consumer electronics, software and services. The company’s primary hardware offerings include the iPhone smartphone, the Mac family of personal computers, the iPad line of tablets and the Apple Watch wearable device. Apple’s software ecosystem features the iOS, macOS, iPadOS and watchOS operating systems, while its services division provides digital content through the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud storage and Apple TV+ streaming offerings.
In addition to hardware and software, Apple’s services business has grown to include payment and financial services via Apple Pay, subscription-based content bundles known as Apple One, and enterprise solutions through partnerships with major corporations and educational institutions. The company also maintains a global retail footprint, operating hundreds of Apple Stores across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, alongside its e-commerce platform that serves customers in over 100 countries.
Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, Apple emerged from a Silicon Valley garage to become a leading innovator in personal computing with the launch of the Apple II in 1977 and the Macintosh in 1984. After overcoming financial challenges in the 1990s, the company was revitalized by Jobs’s return in 1997, leading to the introduction of iconic products such as the iPod in 2001 and the iPhone in 2007. This period of rapid innovation positioned Apple as a pioneer in mobile technology and digital media.
Under the leadership of CEO Tim Cook since 2011, Apple has expanded its focus on sustainability, supply chain responsibility and privacy-driven design. The company’s operations span the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Japan and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, supported by strategic partnerships with component suppliers and carriers worldwide. Looking ahead, Apple continues to invest in research and development in areas such as augmented reality, healthcare technologies and artificial intelligence, aiming to shape the next generation of consumer electronics and digital services.
