Apple-Inc. - GROUP-2 2
Apple-Inc. - GROUP-2 2
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PAMINTUAN, ANJELO G. | SANTOS JR., MARK RAY G. | TAN, ALEX NICOLE
                                           Apple Inc.
        Apple Inc., a prominent American multinational technology company, is recognized for
its pioneering role in various sectors such as computer software, personal computers, mobile
tablets, smartphones, and consumer electronics (Levy & Montevirgen, 2024). Headquartered in
Cupertino, California, Apple remains a leader in technological innovation and design (Apple,
2024). This paper explores Apple's history, product evolution, financial performance, legal
challenges, and global impact, showcasing its ongoing significance in shaping the technology
industry and society at large. Through its seamless integration of design, usability, and
functionality, Apple has not only revolutionized the tech landscape but also influenced cultural
trends, economic structures, and consumer behavior.
        Founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple
Computer, Inc. began in Job's garage out of a desire to create accessible and affordable personal
computers, offering a stark contrast to the large, complex systems of the time (Terrell, 2023).
However, Ronald Wayne left Apple just 12 days after its founding due to personal and financial
concerns, feeling out of sync with the ambitious, risk-taking approach of Jobs and Wozniak.
Already burdened with debts, he sold his 10% stake for $800, a decision he later viewed with a
mix of regret and acceptance (Faukner, 2025). The company’s first product, the Apple I, was a
basic circuit board designed by Wozniak, with Jobs overseeing its assembly and sales. While
marketed as a do-it-yourself kit, the Apple I showcased the potential of personal computing
(Levy & Montevirgen, 2024). A year later, in 1977, Apple introduced the Apple II, one of the
first fully assembled personal computers. With its color graphics and open architecture, the
Apple II appealed to both hobbyists and business users, marking a significant advancement for
the company. This success led to Apple’s public offering in December 1980, raising over $100
million in its initial public offering (IPO) and cementing its place in the personal computing
industry (History Timelines, 2024).
        The next significant leap came on January 24, 1984, with the unveiling of the Macintosh,
the first personal computer featuring a graphical user interface (GUI), a 9-inch black-and-white
display, and a mouse. Wozniak led the project until 1981 when a plane crash forced him to take a
two-year break, during which Jobs took over. Although it did not immediately achieve
commercial success, the Macintosh had a lasting impact on the design and development of future
computers (History Timelines, 2024). Despite these innovations, Apple faced fierce competition
from IBM and Microsoft. The Macintosh’s limited software compatibility and lack of penetration
in the business market posed significant challenges. Additionally, the company found itself in
legal disputes with Microsoft, leading to the release of Windows, which directly competed with
the Macintosh operating system. Frustrated with the company's direction, Wozniak left Apple in
1985, after realizing that Jobs's impractical ideas had hindered success and that the design team
was never properly recognized. Subsequently, the internal struggles within the company
culminated in Steve Jobs’ departure in the same year, after which he founded NeXT and acquired
Pixar, a company that would later revolutionize the entertainment industry. However, the
acquisition of NeXT in 1996 brought Steve Jobs back to the company as CEO. Under his
leadership, Apple quickly shifted its strategy towards innovative and user-friendly designs. In
1998, the launch of the iMac, an all-in-one computer designed by Jonathan Ive, marked the
beginning of Apple’s resurgence (Levy & Montevirgen, 2024).
       The release of the iPod on October 23, 2001, further solidified Apple's dominance in the
tech industry. The iPod, a portable digital music player, transformed how people consumed
music. Combined with the iTunes software, which allowed users to manage and purchase music,
the iTunes Store, launched in 2003, revolutionized the music industry by popularizing digital
downloads (Levy & Montevirgen, 2024). By the mid-2000s, Apple had successfully expanded
from a computer company into a consumer electronics giant, setting the stage for the launch of
the iPhone.
        On June 29, 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone, a revolutionary device that combined a
mobile phone, iPod, and internet communicator into one. The iPhone’s sleek design, capacitive
touch screen, and advanced software capabilities made it an immediate success, marking the
beginning of the smartphone era. Its influence extended beyond hardware, particularly with the
introduction of the App Store in 2008, which reshaped the mobile app market and solidified
Apple’s dominance in consumer electronics. As a result of this shift, Apple dropped "Computer"
from its name, rebranding itself as "Apple Inc." to reflect its broader product and service
offerings (Terrell, 2023). Over the next decade, the iPhone continued to evolve, with features
such as Face ID, augmented reality, and wireless charging, further cementing its market
leadership (History Timelines, 2024).
        In 2010, Apple introduced the iPad, a device that bridged the gap between smartphones
and laptops. With its large touchscreen and portability, the iPad quickly became popular for
entertainment, productivity, and creativity. Following Steve Jobs' passing in 2011, Tim Cook
assumed the role of CEO and continued Apple’s expansion with the introduction of products
such as the Apple Watch (2015) and AirPods (2016), marking Apple’s entry into wearable
technology and the audio markets (Levy & Montevirgen, 2024).
        A major milestone in Apple’s development occurred in 2020 with the launch of the M1
chip, the company’s first custom silicon processor. The M1 chip significantly improved
performance and battery life across Apple’s Mac computers, signaling a major shift away from
Intel processors. The release of services like Apple Fitness+, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and
Apple One further solidified Apple’s digital services portfolio. Apple’s success continued,
reaching a historic market capitalization of $1 trillion in 2018, becoming the first publicly traded
company to do so. By 2020, the company achieved a $2 trillion market valuation, and by
December 2024, Apple’s market cap had grown to $3.68 trillion (Beattie, 2024).
       Currently, Apple has cultivated a comprehensive ecosystem of diverse products and
services, ensuring seamless integration across devices. The hardware lineup of Apple includes
the iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, Apple Watch, and Apple TV, while its software offerings, including
iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, iCloud, AppleCare, and Apple Pay, further enhance its
ecosystem. In addition, Apple’s services—such as the App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music,
Apple Fitness+, Apple TV+, and Apple Card—have expanded the brand’s appeal (Global Data,
2024).
       A key factor in Apple’s ongoing success is its global expansion strategy. Apple
Operations International (AOI), established in 1980, plays a critical role in managing the
company’s operations and optimizing tax liabilities across Europe and Asia. As Marrero (2019)
explains, Apple’s focus on emerging markets, particularly India, has allowed it to introduce more
affordable products to compete with Android devices. Strategic partnerships with companies like
Microsoft, HTC, and Warner Music Group have been essential in strengthening Apple’s
competitive edge across various sectors, including software, technology, and music streaming.
Furthermore, Apple’s aesthetic appeal, intuitive interfaces, and seamless integration of hardware
and software have attracted diverse consumer markets (Persson, 2024).
        Apple’s global presence extends across multiple regions, including the Asia-Pacific, the
Middle East, Europe, North America, and Latin America. In the Asia-Pacific region, Apple
operates in countries such as Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New
Zealand, the Philippines, and Singapore. In the Middle East and Africa, its presence includes
countries such as Bahrain, India, Kuwait, Nigeria, and South Africa. In Europe, Apple maintains
a strong foothold in nations like Germany, Armenia, Spain, Georgia, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, in Latin America and the Caribbean,
Apple has expanded into countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay,
and Mexico. In North America, Apple operates in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico,
with retail locations spanning 22 countries worldwide. Over the years, Apple has grown into a
truly global entity, reinforcing its leadership position in the technology sector (Apple, 2019).
        Apple's brand and logo also have undergone significant transformations over time,
reflecting the company’s evolving values and design trends. Initially, the name "Apple" was
chosen by Steve Jobs during a period when he was following a fruitarian diet, emphasizing the
simplicity and freshness of fruits—qualities that have remained integral to the Apple brand. This
name also marked a departure from the technical, impersonal names that were common in the
tech industry, helping Apple stand out (Tanwar, 2025).
Figure 1
Apple Logo Through the Years
        The first Apple logo, created by co-founder Ronald Wayne in 1976, symbolized the law
of gravity, inspired by the famous apple that led Isaac Newton to his groundbreaking discoveries
(The Logo Creative, 2019). However, as the company grew, a new direction was needed, leading
to graphic designer Rob Janoff being tasked with designing a new logo in 1977. Janoff’s design,
which featured a bitten apple, soon became an iconic symbol for the company. His design
process involved creating several versions, including one with a bite and one without, thus
providing Steve Jobs with a range of options to choose from (Tanwar, 2025). The rainbow stripes
in the logo were specifically designed to highlight the color-display technology of the Apple II.
Over time, the bite in the Apple logo has been the subject of various speculations. For instance,
Sweeney (2024) suggests that the bite may reference the old tagline, "Byte into an Apple." On
the other hand, Tanwar (2025) argues that the bite mark serves a more practical purpose: it
distinguishes the apple from other fruits, such as a cherry, and gives the logo scale, making it
more easily recognizable.
       In 1998, with the release of the iMac G3, Apple transitioned to a more streamlined black
apple logo, moving away from the rainbow colors to complement the sleek, new design of the
computer (Sweeney, 2024). This transition marked a significant change in Apple’s design
language, with the iMac G3 introducing vibrant color options and translucent plastic casing.
Notably, this was one of the first instances of skeuomorphism in Apple’s software interface,
adding depth and realism to the user experience. Later, in 2001, Apple's Mac OS X Cheetah
featured a slightly raised aqua Apple logo, a design that remained in use until 2007, when Apple
switched to a chrome-textured logo. This shift signaled a move toward aluminum-based devices
and chrome-based interface (Jansen, 2021). More recently, since 2017, Apple has embraced a flat
logo design, aligning with broader trends in minimalism. This updated logo was created to be
more adaptable and modern, making it suitable for various platforms and media (Tanwar, 2025).
        Apple has experienced substantial financial growth over the last decade, primarily driven
by its robust product lineup and its expansion into digital services such as the App Store, iCloud,
and Apple Music. However, increased competition and market saturation have led to a recent
decline in iPhone sales, particularly in key markets like China. On the other hand, Apple's
services division has continued to bolster the company’s revenue balance, demonstrating its
flexibility in adapting to shifting market conditions. As a result, Apple has shifted its focus from
hardware sales to recurring service revenue, underscoring its resilience in the face of ongoing
challenges (Stock Analysis, 2025; Liedtke, 2025).
Figure 2
Apple Quarterly Revenue (March 2020 to December 2024)
        Apple's quarterly revenue data from March 2020 to December 2024 highlights the
company's strong financial performance, characterized by seasonal trends. Typically, revenue
peaks in Q4 of each year, coinciding with the holiday season and major product launches. The
highest revenue recorded during this period was $124.30 billion in Q4 2024, surpassing previous
holiday quarter peaks. Notably, Apple's revenue grew from $58.31 billion in Q1 2020 to nearly
$90 billion or more in most first quarters thereafter, reflecting overall business expansion. Mid-
year quarters, such as Q2 and Q3, generally exhibit slightly lower revenues. For instance, Q2
2021 and Q3 2023 saw revenues of $81.43 billion and $81.80 billion, respectively, although
these figures still represent strong sales. Despite occasional fluctuations, Apple has consistently
demonstrated steady revenue growth, with its annual peaks consistently increasing, reflecting
strong market demand and a resilient business model (Stock Analysis, 2024a).
Figure 3
Apple Revenue – Annual (2020-2024)
        When examining Apple’s annual revenue from 2020 to 2024, a pattern of significant
growth emerges, albeit with some fluctuations. In 2020, Apple reported $274.5 billion in
revenue, which surged to $365.8 billion in 2021, reflecting strong demand for its products and
services. This upward trajectory continued, peaking at $394.3 billion in 2022. However, in 2023,
revenue slightly declined to $383.3 billion, possibly due to economic factors or market
saturation. Nonetheless, in 2024, Apple rebounded to $391.0 billion, demonstrating resilience
and sustained market dominance (Stock Analysis, 2024b). Despite this growth, net income fell
by 3.4% to $93.7 billion, largely due to a large tax expense of €14 billion related to a European
ruling on Apple's tax arrangements in Ireland (Statista, 2024b; Cinco Días, 2024). Nevertheless,
the company’s robust demand for services and high-end hardware products has contributed to
consistent revenue growth, further underscoring Apple’s market strength (Yahoo Finance, 2024).
Figure 4
Apple’s Revenue Growth and Notable Product Releases since 1977 (fiscal years)
        From 2004 to 2024, Apple’s revenue followed a steep upward trend, reflecting the
company’s expanding product ecosystem. In 2004, revenue stood at a modest $8.2 billion, but
with the success of the iPod, iPhone, and Mac computers, it rose to $65.2 billion by 2010. The
company continued to break financial records, surpassing $100 billion in 2011 and reaching
$233.72 billion in 2015. Between 2016 and 2020, revenue grew steadily, climbing from $215.64
billion in 2016 to $274.52 billion in 2020, despite global economic challenges. The most
dramatic increases occurred in 2021 and 2022, with revenue surging to $365.82 billion and
$394.33 billion, respectively, driven by robust iPhone sales, Mac demand, and the expansion of
Apple’s services segment. In 2023, revenue slightly dipped to $383.3 billion before recovering to
$391.04 billion in 2024, underscoring Apple’s ability to maintain strong financial performance
and adapt to evolving market conditions (Statista, 2024b).
       Apple’s financial success is further reflected in its impressive gross profit margin of
approximately 43.88% in 2024. This margin highlights the company’s effective pricing strategies
and cost-control measures, which support its financial stability (Statista, 2024b). Additionally,
Apple’s premium pricing strategy and efficient supply chain management have been key
contributors to maintaining high margins, further strengthening its financial position (Yahoo
Finance, 2024).
        Apple’s presence in the global market also has had a profound impact on worldwide
society, playing a pivotal role in shaping technology, communication, and consumer culture.
According to Aksu (2024), Apple is not merely a technological business; it has evolved into a
cultural icon associated with innovation, simplicity, and elegance. The company’s products,
including the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, have revolutionized personal computing, mobile
communication, and entertainment. Through its emphasis on design, user experience, and
cutting-edge innovation, Apple has set industry standards, leaving a lasting imprint on the
technology ecosystem. The company's products have not only influenced global work habits,
social relationships, and access to information but have also sparked discussions on sustainability
and corporate responsibility.
        In addition to its cultural impact, Apple has a significant economic influence. Over a
recent three-year period, the company contributed more than $35 billion in corporate income
taxes, underscoring its vital role in global economic structures (Angelou Economics, 2024).
Moreover, Apple generates millions of jobs worldwide, both directly through its corporate and
retail operations and indirectly through its extensive supply chain. Manufacturers, software
developers, and third-party sellers benefit from Apple’s presence, stimulating economic activity
across various sectors. Furthermore, Apple’s investment in research and development drives
technological advancements, contributing to broader economic growth and influencing industries
beyond consumer electronics (Ondoy, 2024).
        At the local level, Apple has also had considerable implications. One noticeable effect is
the widespread imitation of Apple products, particularly iPhones and other electronics, resulting
in the sale of counterfeit versions with inferior quality and security features. Markets such as
Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, Manila, are notorious for selling counterfeit Apple
products (Bureau of Customs, n.d.-b). Additionally, due to the high cost of Apple products, many
consumers turn to used marketplaces, where pre-owned or refurbished iPhones and MacBooks
are more affordable. The premium pricing of Apple products creates a financial barrier, making
them inaccessible to many individuals and limiting access to the brand's latest innovations.
Despite these challenges, Apple has had a significant influence on local technology trends and
consumer behavior. Furthermore, Apple’s technological advancements have pushed both local
businesses and consumers to embrace new trends, such as faster processors, improved software,
and environmentally friendly materials. Its focus on security has also heightened awareness of
data protection, prompting consumers to prioritize gadgets with robust privacy features.
       Moreover, Apple has contributed significantly to the Philippine education system. Since
2016, Xavier School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, a designation that
honors the institution’s proficiency in integrating technology into education. This recognition
reflects the school's commitment to fostering creative teaching practices and using Apple devices
to enhance learning experiences (Chopitea, 2024).
        Apple Inc. has also encountered several high-profile lawsuits, which have significantly
impacted the company and its operations. The first major lawsuit Apple faced occurred in 1987
when Apple Corps, the company founded by the iconic music group The Beatles, sued Apple Inc.
for trademark infringement. The dispute centered on Apple Inc.'s use of the name "Apple" and its
logo, which Apple Corps argued violated its established trademark rights. This lawsuit was
finally resolved in 2007 when Apple Inc. acquired all trademarks related to the "Apple" name
(Kerner, 2025). In the same article, Apple found itself embroiled in an antitrust lawsuit filed by
the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2024. Although the case remains ongoing, many
analysts believe that a potential loss for Apple could have far-reaching consequences for the
smartphone market.
        One of the most notable legal battles in Apple’s history was the 2011 lawsuit against
Samsung, in which Apple accused the South Korean company of patent infringement concerning
the design of its smartphones and tablets. This case has been widely regarded as one of the most
impactful legal disputes in the technology industry. According to Zhang (2023), the lawsuit
concluded in August 2012 with a U.S. jury awarding Apple $1.05 billion in damages. However,
the legal saga did not end there. Samsung appealed, and in 2018, the two companies reached a
final settlement, with Samsung agreeing to pay Apple $548 million (Zhang, 2023).
        Beyond legal disputes, Apple has also faced labor-related challenges. Vigliarolo (2024)
reports that employees at Apple’s factories in Maryland and China have threatened or engaged in
strikes over various labor disputes. In 2022, employees in Towson, Maryland, voted to join the
Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (Apple CORE) and authorized a strike after failing to
reach an agreement with Apple management. Additionally, workers at an Apple supplier factory
in Shanghai went on strike after a management transition in 2022, claiming their rights were
inadequately protected during the change (Vigliarolo, 2024). Despite these labor-related
challenges, Apple Inc. remains an independent company, with ownership largely divided among
individual shareholders, institutional investors, and company executives (Reiff, 2024).
        In conclusion, Apple Inc. has transformed from a small computer company into a global
tech giant. The company’s global presence, strong financial performance, and cultural
significance have cemented its status as a major player in the technology landscape. However,
this growth has not been without controversy, with scrutiny over its tax policies, labor practices,
and the environmental impact of its products. Nonetheless, Apple continues to set new standards
in the tech industry, influencing future innovations and shaping consumer expectations. With a
history marked by groundbreaking products and strategic pivots, Apple’s legacy is defined by its
enduring commitment to creating seamless, user-centric experiences that have shaped modern
society and will likely continue to do so in the future.
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