The Journey of Apple: From Startup to the World’s Most Valuable Brand

Uzone.id — Apple has become one of the most successful technology companies in the world. Based in Cupertino, California, United States, Apple has become the most remembered dunia brand when one needs an electronic communication device. 

So, how does Apple become the most valuable company to date? First of all, you need to know the history of Apple.

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In 1976, two young hackers, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, founded Apple. Ronald Wayne initially joined Apple but left 12 days after its establishment, which is why his name is rarely mentioned as the founder of Apple.

Apple’s first product was a computer called the Apple I. The company’s lack of funds caused many shortcomings. It was only in its second product, the Apple II, that the company achieved success in the market. 

Nine years after Apple Inc. was founded, in 1985, the company’s board of directors decided to fire Steve Jobs due to a dispute related to poor sales of Macintosh computers (Mac), a computer that introduced a modern graphical user interface to the general public.

Although he was fired, Steve Jobs eventually returned to Apple when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy in 1997. Steve Jobs’s presence is truly a gift to Apple. 

At that time, Apple was in a difficult position. The company had many products to market but needed a clear sales strategy. Ultimately, Apple suffered losses of tens of millions of dollars every quarter.

When Steve returned, he immediately acted quickly and decisively. Steve canceled 70% of Apple’s shareholders and laid off over 3.000 workers. The first product Steve released upon his return to the company was the iMac, a computer with a colorful display sold at an affordable price. 

Then, under Steve Jobs’ leadership, Apple first introduced the iPod in 2001. The iPod was the most famous breakthrough of its time. Its presence manages to beat the design and low storage capacity of MP3 players.

Then, Apple again broke the electronics industry by releasing the iPhone in 2007. Steve calls his product an ‘internet communicator,’ the iPhone can make phone calls, transfer iTunes data, connect to the internet, receive emails, and listen to music on a 3.5-inch mobile phone.

Apple did not stop releasing various innovative products; it released the iPad in 2010. The first-generation iPad was launched with a 9.7-inch screen, an Apple A4 processor, and up to 64 GB of storage, but it did not have a camera. 

The launch of the iPad at the Apple Special Event held in San Francisco received a positive response. Time magazine named the iPad one of the 50 best inventions of 2010. The first-generation iPad has sold more than 15 million units. 

How did Apple become the most valuable company?

Apple has always focused on the user experience, enabling the company to survive and become one of the most successful. Apple is also famous for building parts of its products, starting with hardware, software, and online services. 

That’s why Apple has an ‘exclusive’ side that only they have. It is noted that more than as much of Apple’s revenue comes from the iPhone than the Mac and iPad. 

In addition, the foundation of Apple’s success is inseparable from Steve Jobs’s role. He is a brilian in marketing. He developed the Apple Store network and ensured Apple products were presented well. At the time, Steve Jobs was one of the most brilliant negotiators in Silicon Valley.

After Steve Jobs died in 2011, Apple was led by Tim Cook. One of the popular products it released was the Apple Watch in 2015. Long story short, from year to year, Apple continues to develop its products while prioritizing its users’ comfort. 

Surprisingly enough, last June, Apple surpassed Microsoft by becoming the most valuable company in the world after announcing their plans to integrate generative AI technology into their products.