50 Most Surprising Facts About Apple

Apple Inc. is one of the world’s most influential and recognizable companies. With its groundbreaking technology, iconic products, and innovative approach, it has shaped the tech industry and popular culture for decades.

If you are an Apple user or you are intrigued by the company, its products, and its backstories, knowing the unique and surprising facts about Apple should give you a look into the company’s history and how it has evolved over time.

We will explore some of the most surprising facts about Apple that you might not know.

Facts About the Company

1. Apple Inc. was named after the fruit because Steve Jobs was fond of apples. The name sounded “fun, spirited, and not intimidating.”
2. In its early days, Apple was not a huge success. It struggled financially and was almost bankrupt in the late 1990s before the release of the Apple II.
3. The original Apple logo, designed by Ronald Wayne, depicted Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree. The iconic apple replaced it with a bite taken out.
4. Apple went public on December 12, 1980, for $22 per share. It was one of the largest IPOs of its time, raising $101.6 million.
5. Apple is the first company to launch a color digital camera named Apple QuickTake 100.
6. Apple has acquired several companies to improve their innovations further. Some companies include Stamplay, Salesforce, etc.
7. Reports suggest that Apple has around $150 billion in excess capital, which it could use to buy various companies, such as Netflix, Tesla, Facebook, etc.
8. As of 2024, Apple is the first company to achieve a $3 trillion market capitalization, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.
9. Apple’s headquarters, Apple Park, is in Cupertino, California. The campus is often called the “Spaceship” due to its circular design and is designed to be environmentally sustainable.
10. Apple has made the commitment to be entirely carbon neutral across its entire supply chain and product lifecycle by 2030.
11. Apple’s retail stores are known for their sleek design and layout. The first Apple Store opened in Tysons Corner, Virginia, on May 19, 2001.
12. One of Apple’s most unique patents is the “Slide to Unlock” feature.
13. CISCO initially owned the iOS trademark that Apple uses. For smooth functioning, Apple licensed it from CISCO.
14. In 2023, Apple generated a massive revenue of $383.2 billion, around 52% coming from their iPhone sales.
15. Apple’s customer retention rate is around 92%, the highest among mobile phone and tech companies.

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Facts About the Founders and Co-Founders of Apple

16. Steve Jobs was adopted shortly after birth. His biological parents were Syrian-American Abdul Fattah Jandali and Joanne Schieble.
17. Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, is a self-taught engineer who was instrumental in designing the Apple I and II computers. His engineering skills were pivotal in the company’s early success.
18. Ronald Wayne, the third co-founder, sold his shares in Apple for about $800 just 12 days after its founding. His shares would have been worth billions today.
19. Before starting Apple, Jobs and Wozniak worked on a device called the “Blue Box,” which allowed people to make free long-distance phone calls.
20. Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple in 1985 after a power struggle with the board of directors, which was a turning point for both Jobs and the company.
21. Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 after purchasing NeXT, a company he had founded. His return marked the beginning of Apple’s major turnaround.
22. Tim Cook, who became CEO in 2011, was instrumental in expanding Apple’s product lines and increasing its global market presence.
23. With his innovation and time at Apple, Steve Jobs became a millionaire at 25.
24. Jony Ive, Apple’s Chief Design Officer, played a crucial role in designing many of Apple’s iconic products, including the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.
25. When Apple created the prototype for their iPod, Steve Jobs took it and plunged it into an aquarium. This was to prove that there was space inside the iPod, which made the design even smaller.
26. Steve Jobs got a fixed salary of $1 during his time at Apple. However, since he had shares in the company, Steve Jobs has an estimated net worth of around $10.2 billion.
27. Following Elon Musk, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook is the highest-paid CEO, wherein he earned around $770.5 million in 2021 alone.

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Facts About Products

28. The Apple I, released in 1976, was Apple’s first product. It was a single-board computer designed by Steve Wozniak and sold as a kit for $666.66.
29. The Apple II, which was released in 1977, standed out to be one of the first successful personal computers and helped establish Apple as a major player in the tech industry. Steve Wozniak designed the product.
30. The Macintosh, introduced in 1984, was the world’s first computer that featured a graphical user interface (GUI), setting a new standard for computer usability.
31. The original iPod, introduced on October 23, 2001, revolutionized the music industry and significantly influenced Apple’s growth.
32. The iTunes Store, launched on April 28, 2003, transformed the music industry by offering digital downloads and became a significant revenue source for Apple.
33. The iPad, introduced in 2010, created a new category of portable computing devices and contributed significantly to Apple’s revenue.
34. Initially, Siri was supposed to be launched on Android and Blackberry. However, Apple bought the software in 2010, which led to its usage on Apple devices.
35. We currently deal with storage in terms of GB and TB. However, the first hard disc of the Apple II had a storage capacity of five megabytes (MBs).
36. Apple launches its new products by releasing a video every time. In that video, you will notice that Jonathon Ive, Apple’s lead designer, has worn the same T-shirt over the years.
37. Due to the rise in competition from Samsung, Google, and Amazon, Apple’s home and wearables sales reduced by 3.6% in 2023.
38. One of Apple’s most revolutionary devices is Vision Pro, which was launched in June 2023. It is a virtual reality headset that seamlessly integrates with iPhones and other Apple products.
39. There are rumors that Apple is working on launching its self-driven car project, Titan. Reports suggest that the launch could happen in 2025.

Unique Trivia about Apple

40. The Apple I computer, in pristine condition, sold at auction for over $500,000 in 2014. A complete working unit with original documentation could be worth over $1 million today.
41. Apple has a secretive campus known as “Apple Campus 2” or “Apple Park,” which includes a private fitness center and underground parking.
42. Apple’s famous “1984” Super Bowl commercial, directed by Ridley Scott, is considered one of the most excellent advertisements ever and helped establish the Macintosh.
43. In Apple’s early years, there was a famous incident where a moth was found in the computer, leading to the term “computer bug.”
44. Apple has included hidden messages in its products and software, such as the names of famous scientists and engineers in the code.
45. Under the Apple iTunes End User License Agreement, iTunes is prevented from creating missiles.
46. Samsung manufactures the Retina and OLED displays used in Apple products.
47. In 2022, Apple sold 232 million iPhones, 61 million iPads, and 26 million Mac and MacBooks.
48. Apple is currently developing a wireless charging mat called AirPower that can charge multiple devices at once.
49. The iPad with apps installed weighs “more” than when no apps are installed.
50. When you look at the iPhone ad from Apple, it displays the time 9:41 AM. It is the time Steve Jobs released the original iPhone in 2007.

Also Read: Why You Should Consider Buying A Refurbished iPhone

Conclusion

Apple’s journey has been extraordinary, from a garage startup to a global tech behemoth. With its consistent innovation and drive to make the most out of its products, Apple has transformed how people work with technology.