Apple

Founded in California by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne; the Apple II (1977), Macintosh (1984), iPod (2001) and iPhone (2007).

Apple began in California as a computer maker for hobbyists, and the Apple II turned the personal computer into a finished product in a moulded plastic case. The Macintosh of 1984 brought the graphical interface, with icons, windows and a mouse, to a wider public.

After Steve Jobs returned in 1997, Jony Ive's design team gained great influence. The iMac (1998), iPod (2001) and iPhone (2007) made design central to the company's identity, with simple forms, few buttons and carefully chosen materials.

Model numbers beginning with A on the back; the rainbow apple was used until 1998.

• Technology and industrial design
• Apple II
• Macintosh
• iMac G3
• iPod
• iPhone