50+ Fun Facts About Apple Inc.
- Did you know that in 2011, Apple had more cash than the U.S. Treasury?
- Apple almost didn’t make the iPhone—Microsoft saved them from bankruptcy in 1997.
- Smoking near your MacBook could void the warranty—yes, seriously. Read on for more fun facts.
Since its founding in 1976, Apple Inc. has transcended its roots to become more than just a tech company—it’s now a cultural icon, synonymous with innovation, design excellence, and an unwavering focus on user experience. What started in a humble garage in Los Altos has evolved into one of the most valuable companies in the world. With its extensive product range—from iPhones to MacBooks to wearables—Apple has consistently shaped the way we live, work, and play. But behind the sleek design and cutting-edge technology, there are plenty of quirky, surprising, and downright fascinating facts that most people don’t know about the company. This is Apple like you’ve never seen it before.
In this article, we’ll peel back the layers of Apple’s history, products, and its enigmatic leadership to uncover the most fascinating facts about the company. These aren’t your typical "Apple invented the iPhone" factoids—prepare to be wowed by the lesser-known nuggets of information that even die-hard fans may have missed. From mysterious Apple logo decisions to multi-billion-dollar deals, these fun facts about Apple will make you see the brand in a whole new light.
Ready to dive into the world of Apple’s fascinating trivia? Here are 50 mind-blowing facts about Apple Inc. that will surprise even the most tech-savvy among you.
The Top 50 Facts About Apple Inc.
1. Founded on April Fool’s Day
Apple was officially founded on April 1, 1976—a date many would consider a joke. But it was no prank. The company would go on to revolutionize the tech industry.
2. Steve Jobs’ Fruitarian Diet Inspired the Name
Steve Jobs named the company “Apple” because he was on a fruitarian diet at the time. He thought it sounded "fun, spirited, and not intimidating." But there's so much more to Apple's naming story.
3. Original Logo Featured Isaac Newton
Apple’s first logo wasn’t the sleek bitten apple we know today. It was an intricate illustration of Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree, designed by co-founder Ronald Wayne.
Photo via Lien Design // Here's how Apple's logo has developed over the years, since its founding in 1976.
4. Apple I Was Priced at $666.66
The Apple I computer was sold for $666.66 because Steve Wozniak liked repeating digits. No sinister intentions, despite the "mark of the beast" association!
5. Microsoft Saved Apple from Bankruptcy
In 1997, when Apple was on the brink of collapse, Microsoft invested $150 million to keep its rival afloat—a surprising lifeline from a competitor.
6. Apple’s First Digital Camera
Apple was ahead of the curve, releasing one of the first consumer digital cameras—the Apple QuickTake 100—in 1994, years before major camera brands embraced the technology.
Photo via Camera Labs // The Apple QuickTake 100, Apple's first and only digital camera.
7. Samsung Supplies iPhone Screens
Despite being fierce competitors in the smartphone space, Samsung manufactures the OLED displays used in iPhones, proving that even rivals can do business.
8. Smoking Near an Apple Product Can Void Your Warranty
Apple considers smoking near its products a health risk for its technicians, and it can actually void your warranty if the device shows evidence of exposure to smoke.
9. Apple's Cash Reserves Exceed Some Countries' GDP
Apple’s cash reserves are so large that at times they have been bigger than the gross domestic product of countries like New Zealand and Portugal.
10. The iPhone Was Almost Called “Telepod”
Before the iPhone was officially named, Apple toyed with calling it the "Telepod," a name that would emphasize the futuristic nature of the device.
11. Apple Owns the Patent for 'Slide to Unlock'
Apple was the first to introduce the "slide to unlock" feature, a now-patented interaction that became a staple in touch screen technology.
Photo via ZDNet // Apple owns the patent rights for "slide to unlock."
12. The Beatles Sued Apple Over the Name
Apple Corps, the Beatles' record company, sued Apple multiple times over the use of the name "Apple." They eventually settled after years of litigation.
13. The Time 9:41 AM Appears in Every iPhone Ad
In every iPhone advertisement, the time displayed is always 9:41 AM—the exact moment Steve Jobs introduced the original iPhone during his 2007 keynote.
14. Apple Stores Make More Money per Square Foot Than Any Other Retailer
Apple retail stores generate an astounding $5,500 per square foot, making them the most profitable retail spaces in the world.
15. Apple Launched a Clothing Line in 1986
In a rare and odd foray into fashion, Apple launched a clothing line called "The Apple Collection" in 1986. It included apparel and accessories, but it wasn’t exactly a hit.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Some pieces from Apple's clothing line from 1986.
16. Steve Jobs Earned Just $1 in Salary
Despite leading the company to astronomical success, Steve Jobs famously took a $1 salary during his tenure as CEO. Most of his wealth came from stock options.
17. Apple Was the First U.S. Company to Reach a $1 Trillion Valuation
Apple made history in 2018 by becoming the first U.S. company to reach a $1 trillion market cap, a milestone few thought possible for a tech company.
18. Apple’s M1 Chip Ended a 15-Year Partnership with Intel
In 2020, Apple introduced the M1 chip, marking the end of its 15-year reliance on Intel processors for its Mac computers.
Photo via IEEE // Apple's M1 chip changed the personal computer industry in 2020.
19. Apple Was Almost Called “Executek”
Before settling on "Apple," Steve Jobs considered the name "Executek." He ultimately felt it sounded too corporate and cold.
20. Apple Once Held More Cash Than the U.S. Treasury
At one point in 2011, Apple’s cash reserves were larger than the operating cash balance of the U.S. Treasury. Apple reported $76.4 billion in reserves, while the Treasury held $73.7 billion.
21. Apple Acquired Beats by Dr. Dre for $3 Billion
In 2014, Apple purchased Beats Electronics, the headphone and music streaming service founded by Dr. Dre, in a $3 billion deal—Apple’s largest acquisition to date.
22. The iPad Almost Wasn't Released by Apple
Tony Fadell, the mastermind behind the iPad, originally pitched the idea to RealNetworks and Philips, but both companies failed to see its potential and turned him down.
23. Steve Jobs Dropped the iPod Prototype in Water
To prove that the iPod prototype had wasted space inside, Steve Jobs dropped it into an aquarium and pointed out the air bubbles as evidence that it could be made smaller.
24. Apple Refused to Unlock an iPhone for the FBI
In a highly publicized case, Apple refused the FBI’s request to unlock an iPhone linked to a terrorist attack in San Bernardino, citing privacy concerns.
25. The iPhone Was Developed in a Secret Project Called “Project Purple”
Apple kept the development of the original iPhone under tight wraps, referring to it internally as "Project Purple."
26. Apple CEO Tim Cook Came Out as Gay in 2014
In 2014, Tim Cook became the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company, saying he was "proud to be gay" and saw it as one of the greatest gifts God had given him.
Photo via The New York Times // Apple CEO Tim Cook in 2014.
27. Apple Has a Team of Anthropologists
Apple employs anthropologists to understand how people use technology in their daily lives, helping the company design products that meet human needs.
28. The MacBook Pro Can Stop a Bullet
Believe it or not, a MacBook Pro has been known to stop a bullet, thanks to its robust aluminum casing, potentially saving the life of a U.S. soldier.
29. Apple’s Carbon Neutral Pledge
Apple has committed to making all of its operations, products, and supply chains 100% carbon neutral by 2030, aiming to lead the way in environmental responsibility.
30. Apple’s Vision Pro is a $3,499 VR Headset
In 2023, Apple introduced the Vision Pro, a groundbreaking virtual reality headset that integrates seamlessly with iPhones and other Apple devices. It’s priced at a staggering $3,499.
Photo via Ediiie // The Apple Vision Pro, Apple's $3,500 wearable computer.
31. The First iPhone Took Two and a Half Years to Develop
Apple invested two and a half years and a massive amount of resources into developing the original iPhone, forever changing the smartphone industry.
32. Apple’s Most Expensive Product Is the Mac Pro
The Mac Pro is Apple’s priciest product, with high-end models costing over $50,000 once fully customized with top-tier specs.
33. There’s an Apple Store in a Former Opera House
Apple’s retail locations are often architectural marvels. In Paris, one of their stores is located in a beautifully restored 19th-century opera house.
34. Steve Wozniak Sold His Calculator to Fund Apple
Steve Wozniak sold his HP-65 calculator to help fund Apple’s early development. The calculator was quite valuable at the time, costing around $500.
35. Apple Park Is Worth $5 Billion
Apple’s spaceship-like campus, Apple Park, located in Cupertino, California, is valued at approximately $5 billion and houses 12,000 employees.
Photo via Pexels // Apple Park, Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California.
36. The iPhone Makes Up More Than 50% of Apple’s Revenue
In 2023, more than half of Apple’s $383.2 billion revenue came from iPhone sales, showcasing the device’s critical role in the company’s financial success.
37. Apple Made a $50 Million Pandemic Relief Fund for Indie Labels
In 2020, Apple created a $50 million fund to help independent music labels during the COVID-19 pandemic, further solidifying its role as a key player in the music industry.
38. Apple Helped Snow Leopard Conservation Efforts
A portion of the sales from Apple’s Mac OS X Snow Leopard was donated to snow leopard conservation efforts, highlighting the company’s commitment to environmental causes.
39. Apple’s Acquisition of Xnor.ai for $200 Million
In 2020, Apple acquired Xnor.ai, a company specializing in low-power, edge-based AI technology, for $200 million. This acquisition plays a significant role in enhancing AI features in Apple devices.
40. Apple Was Developing a Self-Driving Car
Under the codename “Project Titan,” Apple has been secretly working on a self-driving electric vehicle, rumored to debut as early as 2025. However, recent rumors proclaim that Apple's self-driving car efforts have stalled.
Photo via InsideEVs // The Apple Car, Apple's long anticipated vehicle, has been rumored for over a decade now.
41. Apple’s Patent Arsenal
Apple holds over 75,000 patents worldwide, protecting its innovations in everything from smartphone designs to complex algorithms for AI and machine learning.
42. The iPod Changed the Music Industry Forever
When the iPod was released in 2001, it revolutionized how people consumed music, making it easy to carry thousands of songs in your pocket—long before streaming services like Spotify existed.
43. Apple Launched the First Retail Store in 2001
The first Apple retail store opened in Tysons Corner, Virginia, in 2001. Today, Apple operates over 500 stores worldwide, known for their sleek, glass-heavy design.
44. The Beatles’ Apple Corps Conflict Took Decades to Resolve
Apple and the Beatles’ record label, Apple Corps, clashed for decades over trademark issues, finally reaching an agreement in 2007.
45. Apple Watch Saves Lives
There have been countless reports of the Apple Watch saving lives by detecting heart irregularities and notifying emergency services through its fall detection feature.
46. Apple’s AirPower Charging Mat Was Canceled
Originally announced in 2017, Apple’s AirPower charging mat—intended to charge multiple devices simultaneously—was scrapped due to technical challenges.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple AirPower, a rare product-announced by Apple in 2017 but never released.
47. Apple’s 9:41 Timestamp: A Nod to History
The time “9:41” shown on iPhones in ads is a nostalgic reference to the original iPhone announcement, forever marking a pivotal moment in tech history.
Photo via Apple Inc. // The Apple iPhone 16 sporting the time '9:41', Apple's iconic marketing time.
48. Steve Jobs’ Extreme Design Control
Steve Jobs was known for his obsession with design. He once demanded that the inside of Apple devices be as beautiful as the outside, even though most users would never see it.
49. Apple’s App Store Launched in 2008
In 2008, Apple launched the App Store, forever changing the way software was distributed and creating a massive ecosystem of mobile applications.
50. Apple’s HomePod Line Expanded in 2023
In 2023, Apple released an updated version of its HomePod, featuring enhanced sound quality and deeper integration with Siri, aimed at competing with Amazon Echo and Google Nest.
Conclusion: A Company Like No Other
Apple’s history is full of surprises, quirks, and revolutionary moments that have shaped not just the tech industry, but global culture. The company’s success is a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation, design, and the user experience. From its founders’ visionary leadership to its current status as a tech giant, Apple has consistently defied expectations. Whether you’re a die-hard Apple fan or just curious, these 50 facts show that there’s always something new to learn about this iconic brand.
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