Apple Computer, Inc. is an American multinational technology company that was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. The company's first product was the Apple I personal computer kit, hand‑built by Wozniak. The Apple II, introduced in 1977, became one of the first highly successful mass‑produced microcomputers, establishing Apple as a major player in the emerging personal computer industry.
In 1984, Apple launched the Macintosh, the first commercially successful personal computer to feature a graphical user interface and a mouse, which revolutionized human‑computer interaction. Despite early successes, the company faced challenges in the late 1980s and early 1990s, leading to Steve Jobs' departure in 1985. Apple's acquisition of NeXT in 1997 brought Jobs back, and he initiated a series of transformative products: the iMac (1998), iPod (2001), iPhone (2007), and iPad (2010).
Under Jobs' leadership, Apple expanded from a computer manufacturer into a consumer electronics and digital services powerhouse. The iPhone, in particular, redefined the smartphone industry and became the company's most important product. Apple's ecosystem, including the App Store, iTunes, iCloud, and Apple Music, created a loyal customer base and generated recurring services revenue.
Today, Apple Inc. is one of the world's most valuable companies, known for its design excellence, innovation, and strong brand. The company continues to develop hardware, software, and services, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and more. Its commitment to privacy, environmental sustainability, and user experience remains central to its mission.