Apple Inc. is a name that nearly everyone recognizes.
Whether it’s the sleek iPhones in our hands, the powerful MacBooks we work on, or the Apple Watches we wear, Apple has left a mark on the world.
But behind all the shiny gadgets and innovative technology, there’s a rich history full of surprising and little-known facts about the company.
Here, we dive into 10 fascinating facts about Apple that will make you appreciate the brand even more.
1. Apple Almost Had a Very Different Name
Did you know that Apple was almost called “Executek”?
When Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne founded the company in 1976, they brainstormed several names before choosing “Apple.”
Jobs, who had just returned from a visit to an apple orchard, liked the name because he thought it sounded fun, friendly, and less intimidating than other tech companies of the time, such as IBM or Atari.
Another reason for choosing “Apple” was strategic: in those days, company names were often listed alphabetically in phone books, and Apple would appear before competitors like Atari.
The simplicity and warmth of the name stuck, and the rest is history.
2. The Apple Logo Has an Interesting Evolution
Apple’s current logo—a minimalist apple with a bite taken out of it—is one of the most recognized symbols worldwide.
However, it wasn’t always that way.
The original logo, created in 1976, was a detailed illustration of Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree.
This design was intended to represent the idea of innovation and discovery, much like Newton’s discovery of gravity.
In 1977, the logo was redesigned by Rob Janoff, who simplified it into the iconic bitten apple we know today.
Why the bite?
Janoff added it to ensure people wouldn’t confuse the apple with a cherry or other round fruits.
Initially, the logo featured rainbow stripes, a nod to the Apple II, one of the first computers to support color displays.
Over the years, the logo has gone through a few tweaks, but it has always kept its simple, elegant form.
3. Apple’s First Computer Sold for a Very Strange Price
Apple’s first computer, the Apple I, was sold for the peculiar price of $666.66.
Don’t worry, there’s no spooky reason behind it!
Steve Wozniak, who designed the computer, chose this price because it was easy to type repeatedly.
The wholesale price for the computer was $500, and retailers typically marked up the price by 33.33%, which landed it at $666.66.
It’s worth noting that the Apple I was quite basic compared to today’s computers.
It was essentially a barebones circuit board, and users had to add their own keyboard, monitor, and case.
Despite this, the Apple I became a pivotal product in the personal computing revolution.
4. Apple Was on the Brink of Bankruptcy in the 1990s
Believe it or not, Apple came very close to going out of business in the late 1990s.
The company was struggling with poor sales, bad product decisions, and a dwindling cash reserve.
By 1997, Apple was losing money fast, and many thought the company was doomed.
In a dramatic turn of events, Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 after being ousted more than a decade earlier.
His return marked a turning point for the company.
Under his leadership, Apple launched innovative products like the iMac, which helped steer the company away from bankruptcy.
In an unexpected twist, Microsoft, one of Apple’s biggest competitors, invested $150 million in Apple to keep it afloat.
This investment, combined with Jobs’ visionary leadership, saved the company and laid the groundwork for its future success.
5. The iPod Almost Didn’t Happen
The iPod is one of Apple’s most iconic products, revolutionizing how we listen to music.
But what if I told you the iPod almost didn’t see the light of day?
When Steve Jobs was first shown the prototype, he wasn’t convinced.
He thought the market for portable music players was too small to be worth pursuing.
Fortunately, Jon Rubinstein, who was in charge of Apple’s hardware engineering, believed in the potential of the iPod and persuaded Jobs to greenlight the project.
Released in 2001, the iPod became a massive success, selling over 400 million units during its lifespan.
It also laid the foundation for the development of the iPhone.
6. The iPhone Was a Super Secret Project Called “Project Purple”
When Apple began working on the iPhone, they were determined to keep it a closely guarded secret.
The project was given the code name “Project Purple,” and the team working on it was housed in a special, top-secret area of Apple’s headquarters.
To maintain secrecy, this area was jokingly referred to as the “Purple Dorm.”
Steve Jobs had an ambitious vision for the iPhone.
He wanted to combine a music player, a phone, and an internet communicator into one device.
After years of development and secrecy, the first iPhone was unveiled in 2007.
It changed the mobile phone industry forever, setting the standard for all smartphones to come.
7. Apple Has More Cash Than Some Countries
Apple’s financial success is mind-blowing.
At various points in its history, Apple has held more cash reserves than even the U.S. government!
As of 2024, Apple has over $150 billion in cash reserves, making it one of the wealthiest companies in the world.
Apple’s enormous cash pile is the result of its international sales, conservative financial strategy, and wildly successful products.
This wealth has enabled the company to invest in cutting-edge technologies, make strategic acquisitions, and continuously innovate without relying on external funding.
8. Apple’s 1984 Super Bowl Ad Is One of the Most Iconic Commercials Ever
When Apple launched the Macintosh computer in 1984, it did so with a bold, attention-grabbing Super Bowl commercial.
Directed by Ridley Scott, the commercial was inspired by George Orwell’s novel “1984.”
It featured a dystopian society controlled by a figure resembling Big Brother (representing IBM), and a rebellious woman (representing Apple) smashing the status quo.
The ad only aired once, but it made a huge impact.
It’s now considered one of the greatest and most memorable commercials in advertising history, not just because of its bold imagery but also because it helped Apple position itself as a revolutionary company.
9. The First iPhone Didn’t Have an App Store
When the first iPhone was released in 2007, it didn’t come with an App Store.
Hard to imagine, right?
Users were limited to the default apps that came with the phone, like Safari, Mail, and iTunes.
Steve Jobs initially resisted the idea of opening the iPhone to third-party apps, fearing that it could compromise the device’s performance and security.
However, developers were keen to create apps for the new device, and after some convincing, Jobs gave in.
In 2008, Apple launched the App Store, and it quickly became a key part of the iPhone’s success.
Today, the App Store has millions of apps, and it has generated billions of dollars for developers around the world.
10. Apple’s Headquarters, Apple Park, Is Worth $5 Billion
Apple’s headquarters, known as Apple Park, is more than just an office building—it’s an architectural marvel.
Located in Cupertino, California, Apple Park is often referred to as the “spaceship” because of its futuristic, circular design.
The headquarters took years to complete and cost a staggering $5 billion to build.
Covering 2.8 million square feet, Apple Park is home to over 12,000 employees.
The building is designed with environmental sustainability in mind, featuring solar panels that provide 100% of the campus’s energy.
It’s also one of the world’s largest naturally ventilated buildings.
Conclusion
Apple’s journey from a small startup in a garage to a global tech powerhouse is full of surprising twists, bold moves, and fascinating stories.
Whether it’s quirky product names, near-bankruptcy, or groundbreaking innovations, there’s always something new to learn about Apple.
The company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design has not only shaped the tech industry but has also transformed the way we live and interact with the world.
As Apple continues to innovate, who knows what other interesting facts we’ll uncover in the future?
