User:ComputerUserUser/sandbox
Apple Inc. (formerly Apple Computer, Inc.) is a multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. It is known for its products such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple is also the creator of the iOS and macOS operating systems, as well as various software applications and services like iTunes, iCloud, and Apple Music. The company was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.
As of March 2023[update], Apple is the world's largest company by market capitalization.[1] As of 2022, it was the largest technology company by revenue, with US$394.3 billion.[2] As of June 2022[update], Apple is the fourth-largest personal computer vendor by unit sales, the largest manufacturing company by revenue, and the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, alongside Alphabet (the parent company of Google), Amazon, Meta (the parent company of Facebook), and Microsoft.
Apple's second computer, the Apple II, became a best seller and was one of the first mass-produced microcomputers.
The company developed computers featuring innovative graphical user interfaces, including the original Macintosh in 1984, announced in a critically acclaimed advertisement called "1984".
By 1985, the high cost of its products, and power struggles between executives, caused problems. Wozniak stepped back from Apple and pursued other ventures. Apple's board relieved Steve Jobs from his operational duties, so he resigned and founded NeXT, taking some Apple employees with him.
In 1997, Apple was failing, so they bought NeXT to resolve Apple's unsuccessful operating system strategy and entice Steve Jobs back to the company. Over the next decade, Jobs guided Apple back to profitability through a number of tactics including introducing the iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad to critical acclaim, launching the "Think different" campaign and other memorable advertising campaigns, opening the Apple Store retail chain, and acquiring numerous companies to broaden the company's product portfolio. When Jobs resigned in 2011 for health reasons, and died two months later, he was succeeded as CEO by Tim Cook.
Apple became the first publicly traded U.S. company to be valued at over $1 trillion in August 2018, then at $2 trillion in August 2020, and at $3 trillion in January 2022. In June 2023, it was valued at just over $3 trillion.[3]
The company has received criticism regarding its contractors' labor practices, its environmental practices, and its business ethics, including anti-competitive practices and materials sourcing. Nevertheless, the company has a large following and enjoys a high level of brand loyalty. It has also been consistently ranked as one of the world's most valuable brands.
- ^ "Companies ranked by Market Cap - CompaniesMarketCap.com". companiesmarketcap.com. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
- ^ "Apple Reports Fourth Quarter Results". Apple Newsroom. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
- ^ "Apple's market value ends above $3 trillion for first time". Reuters. Retrieved June 30, 2023.