Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, renowned for its innovative consumer electronics, software, and online services, with a strong focus on user privacy. Founded on April 1, 1976, as Apple Computer Company by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, the company initially focused on personal computers like the Apple I and II. It went public in 1980 and expanded significantly under Jobs' leadership, surviving near-bankruptcy in the 1990s through diversification into mobile devices, music players, and digital services. Renamed Apple Inc. in 2007 to reflect its broader scope beyond computers, it has become one of the world's most valuable companies, emphasizing design, user experience, and privacy. Key products include the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and services like the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Under CEO Tim Cook since 2011, Apple has prioritized supply chain management, sustainability, and privacy advocacy, often clashing with governments over data access. The company operates a vast ecosystem integrating hardware, software, and services, generating immense revenue from device sales and app commissions. Apple is a leader in Big Tech, with a market capitalization exceeding $2 trillion at times, but faces ongoing scrutiny for monopolistic practices, labor conditions in supply chains, and tax strategies involving offshore entities. Its influence extends to cultural and economic spheres, shaping consumer technology trends globally. Apple's commitment to privacy has led to high-profile standoffs, such as refusing FBI requests to unlock iPhones, reinforcing its brand as a defender of user rights. However, it has been criticized for app store policies that limit competition and for environmental impacts from manufacturing. The company's financial success is bolstered by a loyal customer base and premium pricing, but it navigates complex geopolitical tensions, particularly in China where much production occurs.