Apple is one of the world's most valuable public companies by market cap, and it was incorporated in California.
Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. The company began by selling the Apple I personal computer, then expanded through products including the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
Apple is headquartered in Cupertino, California, at Apple Park. Its incorporation in California is distinct from the state where many major corporations are legally registered; Delaware is a particularly common incorporation location for U.S. companies.
Market capitalization changes whenever a company's share price or number of outstanding shares changes. Apple has repeatedly ranked among the global leaders because investors value its hardware ecosystem, software platforms, services business, and enormous customer base.