Here’s some background information about Apple, Inc, home of tech products like the Mac computer, iPhone, iPad and iPod.
Facts:
The corporate headquarters are in Cupertino, California.
As of July 2016, the company reported that it employs approximately 100,000 people.
Timeline:
April 1, 1976 – Apple Computers, Inc. is founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Their first product is the Apple I personal computer.
June 1977 – The Apple II is released.
December 1980 – Apple conducts an initial public offering of 4.6 million shares at $22 per share.
January 1983 – Apple introduces the Lisa, a new brand of personal computer.
January 22, 1984 – The Macintosh computer is introduced with a futuristic commercial that airs during the Super Bowl.
1985 – Apple discontinues the Lisa after a disappointing run, and Steve Jobs leaves the company.
December 1996 – Apple buys Steve Jobs’ company, NeXT Software.
1997 – In the wake of corporate shakeups and a sales slump, Apple welcomes Jobs back as interim CEO.
August 15, 1998 – The iMac, a streamlined personal computer, debuts.
January 2000 – Jobs becomes permanent CEO.
January 9, 2001 – iTunes is introduced.
October 23, 2001 – The iPod MP3 player makes its debut.
January 2003 – Apple releases the Safari web browser.
April 28, 2003 – Apple introduces the iTunes Music Store.
January 2006 – Apple rolls out its first Intel-based computers, the iMac and the MacBook Pro.
January 9, 2007 – The iPhone is unveiled.
March 2007 – Apple TV hits stores.
January 27, 2010 – The iPad is announced.
June 6, 2011 – Apple announces iCloud, an online media storage system.
August 24, 2011 – Steve Jobs resigns as CEO. Tim Cook takes his place.
October 5, 2011 – Steve Jobs dies.
February 6, 2013 – Apple announces that iTunes has reached a milestone of 25 billion songs sold.
May 28, 2014 – Apple announces deal to buy Beats for $3 billion.
June 9, 2014 – Apple conducts a stock split, bringing the price down from $647.50 to $92.44.
September 9, 2014 – Apple unveils the Apple Watch, a wearable device. When the watches hit the marketplace in 2015, sales are slow.
December 16, 2014 – Apple wins an antitrust lawsuit brought by eight million iPod owners who alleged that Apple abused its monopoly power in the music industry to force out competition.
June 8, 2015 – Apple unveils Apple Music, a streaming music service, live radio station and social network.
February 3, 2016 – A jury orders Apple to pay $626 million in damages after finding that iMessage, FaceTime and other Apple software infringed on another company’s patents. The lawsuit, originally filed in 2010 by the company VirnetX, accuses Apple of violating four patents, which mostly involve methods for real-time communications over the Internet.
February 16, 2016 – Apple refuses to comply with a California judge’s order to assist the FBI in hacking the phone of the San Bernardino gunman. A public letter signed by Cook states why the company is refusing to abide by the government’s demands.
March 28, 2016 – The Department of Justice says the FBI has “successfully retrieved the data stored on the San Bernardino terrorist’s iPhone,” and is dropping the case against Apple, since it no longer needs the company’s help.
August 30, 2016 – The European Union rules that Apple must pay Ireland $14.5 billion in back taxes. According to the EU, Ireland had been giving the tech company a break on taxes for more than two decades. Ireland’s finance minister issues a statement criticizing the EU’s ruling and declares that the country does not play favorites with a lower tax rate for certain companies. In a letter, Cook says he anticipates the EU’s tax ruling will be reversed on appeal.
September 12, 2017 – Apple unveiled the iPhone X, alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus — all of which support wireless charging. The iPhone X will also feature facial detection technology, no home button, a 3D camera and an edge-to-edge screen. The newest, premium iPhone is expected to cost about $1,000.