Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is a multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. The company designs, develops and sells consumer electronics, software and services. Over its history Apple has evolved from personal computers to a broad portfolio that spans mobile devices, wearables, home entertainment and digital services.
Apple’s principal hardware products include the iPhone smartphone, iPad tablet, Mac personal computers, Apple Watch wearable devices and a range of accessories such as AirPods and HomePod. The company develops the underlying operating systems and platform software—iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS—and offers a suite of services that complement its devices, including the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, Apple Pay, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and various support and extended warranty programs.
Apple distributes its products and services globally through multiple channels, including its direct-to-consumer Apple Stores, online storefronts and a network of third-party retailers and carriers. The company manages a complex global supply chain and relies on contract manufacturers and component suppliers to produce its hardware for markets worldwide. Its products and services are sold in many countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia and other regions.
Apple is led by Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, who succeeded Steve Jobs as CEO in 2011. The company emphasizes integrated hardware-software ecosystems, user experience and privacy as strategic differentiators, and continues to invest in product innovation and expansion of its services offerings.