Apple Inc. is one of the most recognizable and valuable companies in the world, with a legacy of innovation that has transformed industries and changed the way we live. While many people are familiar with the iPhone, MacBook, and the Apple ecosystem, there are some lesser-known facts about the company that may surprise even the most avid Apple enthusiasts. From quirky details about its products to fascinating company milestones, here are 20 intriguing facts about Apple that you may not have known.
1. Apple Has More Cash Than the U.S. Government
Apple holds a staggering amount of cash reserves, often surpassing the cash holdings of entire nations. At various points, Apple’s cash reserves have exceeded the total amount held by the U.S. government, making it one of the wealthiest entities on the planet.
2. Apple’s First Computer Sold for $666.66
The original Apple I, the company’s first computer, was sold for $666.66 when it was released in 1976. While this may seem like an oddly specific price, it was actually chosen by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak because they liked repeating numbers.
3. Apple’s First Logo Featured Isaac Newton
The first logo for Apple, designed by co-founder Ronald Wayne, depicted the legendary scientist Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree. The logo was quickly replaced by the now-iconic bitten apple design, but it remains a fascinating piece of Apple history.
4. Apple Launched a Clothing Line in 1986
Apple, known for its sleek designs and innovative products, briefly ventured into fashion in 1986 with a clothing line. The company launched a range of Apple-branded t-shirts, jackets, and hats, though it was discontinued shortly after.
5. Devices Are Almost Always Set to 9:41 in Apple’s Advertisements
If you’ve ever noticed the time displayed on Apple devices in advertisements, it’s almost always set to 9:41 AM. This is because that was the exact time Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone in 2007, marking a pivotal moment in tech history.
6. Samsung Manufactures the iPad’s Retina Display
Despite being a major competitor to Apple, Samsung manufactures the high-resolution Retina displays used in Apple’s iPads. Samsung also produces about 30% of the A8 chips used in Apple’s iPhone 6, highlighting the complex, interconnected world of tech manufacturing.
7. Apple’s Market Cap Is Larger Than All but Four Countries
Apple’s market capitalization—essentially the total value of all its shares—has at times been larger than the GDP of most countries. Only the United States, China, Japan, and Germany have larger economies than Apple’s market cap, a testament to the company’s incredible financial power.
8. The iPod Almost Didn’t Exist
Before the iPod became a cultural phenomenon, Apple almost scrapped the idea. Initially, executives were skeptical about whether a portable music player would succeed. It was only after a push from Steve Jobs and a determined development team that the iPod became one of Apple’s most successful products.
9. Carl Sagan Sued Apple Twice
The famous astronomer Carl Sagan, known for his work on the “Cosmos” series, sued Apple twice in the 1990s. Sagan claimed that Apple had used his name without permission in their advertisements and product descriptions, leading to two lawsuits that were eventually settled.
10. A MacBook Pro Can Stop a Bullet
A MacBook Pro has been credited with saving a life. In 2009, a soldier in Afghanistan was shot in the chest, but his MacBook Pro, which was in his backpack, took the bullet. The laptop’s thick metal casing and internal components absorbed the impact, potentially saving his life.
11. Apple’s Market Cap Is Bigger Than the GDP of 25 Countries
As of recent years, Apple’s market capitalization exceeds the GDP of over 25 countries. This underscores the immense economic power of the tech giant and its global influence.
12. Apple Had Over 140,000 Employees Worldwide in 2020
Apple’s workforce is vast and global. In 2020, the company employed over 140,000 people across various departments, from software development to retail and manufacturing. This makes Apple one of the largest employers in the tech industry.
13. Apple Sold 849,450 iPhones per Day in 2018
In 2018, Apple sold nearly 850,000 iPhones every single day, on average. This staggering number illustrates the immense demand for the iconic smartphone and its role as the cornerstone of Apple’s business.
14. Apple Earned $691,234.57 Per Minute in Q1 2021
In the first quarter of 2021, Apple earned over $691,000 per minute. With such astronomical revenues, it’s no wonder Apple is consistently ranked as one of the most valuable companies in the world.
15. The First Apple Logo Depicted Isaac Newton Under an Apple Tree
Before the famous bitten apple design, the first Apple logo was drawn by Ronald Wayne and featured a detailed depiction of Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree. This logo was quickly replaced with the simple, iconic apple we all recognize today.
16. Every Apple iPhone Ad Displays the Time as 9:41 AM
Apple’s iPhone advertisements consistently show the time as 9:41 AM, referencing the exact moment Steve Jobs revealed the first iPhone in 2007. This symbolic time has since become an iconic part of Apple’s branding.
17. The World’s Most Valuable Brands: Apple Leads the Pack
As of recent years, Apple has consistently ranked as the world’s most valuable brand, surpassing other tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. In fact, Apple overtook Google to claim the title of the most valuable brand globally, according to Forbes.
18. Apple Became the First $700 Billion Company in 2015
In early 2015, Apple made history by becoming the first-ever company to reach a market value of $700 billion. This milestone highlighted the company’s dominance in the tech industry and its massive influence on global markets.
19. The iPod Idea Was Initially Rejected by Philips and RealNetworks
Before the iPod was born, Apple’s creator Tony Fadell pitched the idea of a portable music player to companies like Philips and RealNetworks. Both companies rejected the idea, failing to recognize its potential. Apple, however, saw the opportunity and went on to revolutionize the music industry with the iPod.
20. Apple’s iPad Retina Display Is Made by Samsung
While Apple and Samsung are competitors, they also share a business relationship. Samsung manufactures the high-resolution Retina display used in Apple’s iPad, highlighting the interdependence of major tech companies despite their rivalry.
Conclusion
Apple Inc. is a company that continues to shape the world in ways we never imagined. From its quirky early years to its massive influence on modern technology, Apple’s legacy is full of fascinating stories, surprising facts, and moments of innovation that continue to define the tech landscape. Whether it’s the fact that Apple’s first logo depicted Isaac Newton or the reality that Samsung makes the displays for Apple devices, the history of Apple is a complex web of competition, creativity, and financial power. With each new product and service, Apple continues to surprise and delight the world—making us all wonder what the company will do next.