Apple introduced the first iPhone in 2007 and became one of the world's highest-valued companies by market capitalization.
Founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976, Apple began with personal computers, including the Apple II and Macintosh. Its later growth came from combining hardware, software, and digital services in a tightly integrated ecosystem.
The iPhone transformed Apple's business after its launch, while products such as the iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods broadened its consumer reach. Services including the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, and payments also became important revenue sources.
Apple is sometimes confused with the largest company by revenue or profit, but market capitalization measures the total market value of its publicly traded shares. Rankings change with share prices, while Apple's identity as the iPhone maker remains stable.