Apple is an American multinational technology corporation that was formerly known as Apple Computer Company (1976–1977) and Apple Computer, Inc. (1977–2007)​​. Founded on April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the company is headquartered in Cupertino, California, within Silicon Valley​ As a public company traded under the ticker "AAPL", Apple operates in the consumer electronics, software services, and online services industries​​.

As of 2023, Apple is recognized as the world's largest technology company by revenue, with an impressive revenue of US$394.3 billion in 2022, and holds the title of the world's biggest company by market capitalization​ Apple's journey began with the development and sale of the Apple I personal computer, an invention of Wozniak. The company soon saw success with the launch of the Apple II, one of the first mass-produced microcomputers. In 1980, Apple went public, receiving instant financial success​​.

However, the company faced significant struggles in the late 1980s and 1990s. High product costs and executive power struggles led to Wozniak stepping back and Jobs resigning to found NeXT. The company's market share also dwindled with the rise of Microsoft Windows and Intel-powered PCs. But in a dramatic turnaround, Apple bought NeXT in 1997, bringing Jobs back to the company. Over the next decade, Jobs introduced a number of critically acclaimed products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, launched memorable advertising campaigns, and opened the Apple Store retail chain. Following Jobs' resignation in 2011 due to health reasons, Tim Cook took over as CEO​

In its journey, Apple has reached several significant milestones. It became the first publicly traded U.S. company to be valued at over $1 trillion in August 2018, and then $2 trillion in August 2020, and $3 trillion in January 2022. However, it has not been without controversy. Criticisms regarding labor practices, environmental impacts, and business ethics have been raised against the company. Despite this, Apple has a loyal customer base and is consistently ranked among the world's most valuable brands​