History of Apple: Company timeline and facts

Core Insights - Apple has evolved from a garage startup in 1976 to one of the world's most valuable companies, currently valued at nearly $4 trillion, showcasing its significant impact on the technology industry and consumer electronics [8][37]. Company History - Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, initially selling the Apple I board kits, which later evolved into the popular Apple II model [4][5]. - The introduction of the Macintosh in 1984 marked a pivotal moment, as it featured a graphical user interface and mouse, setting Apple apart from competitors [21][7]. - After a period of mismanagement in the 1990s, Steve Jobs returned in 1997, leading to a resurgence in innovation and product development, including the iMac and iPod [9][10][27]. - Under Tim Cook's leadership, Apple became the first trillion-dollar company by market value, launching successful products like the Apple Watch and AirPods [15][35]. Product Development and Innovation - The Macintosh was revolutionary for its time, integrating a monitor and CPU into a single unit, which made personal computing more accessible [3][21]. - The iPhone, released in 2007, became Apple's biggest revenue generator, surpassing sales of computers and iPods [30][13]. - Apple has consistently capitalized on consumer trends, leading the market with innovative products and a strong brand identity [11][7]. Financial Milestones - Apple's initial public offering in 1980 was the largest since Ford's IPO in 1956, and a $10,000 investment at that time would be valued at approximately $19 million by late 2025 [20]. - The company's market capitalization reached $10 billion in 1999, a significant increase from $2 billion the previous year, reflecting growing investor confidence [28]. - In 2025, Apple announced a commitment to invest $600 billion over four years to enhance domestic manufacturing, supporting over 450,000 jobs [17][37]. Strategic Decisions - Jobs' return to Apple involved halting licensing agreements for its OS, which had diluted the brand's value, and refocusing on core product development [26][9]. - The shift of manufacturing to China under Cook's leadership faced criticism, prompting Apple to invest in domestic production as part of the "American Manufacturing Program" [16][17]. - Apple's strategic focus on research and development, particularly in AI and machine learning, is expected to drive future growth and innovation [17].