Apple Inc., an American multinational technology company, was founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. Located in Cupertino, California, it occupies an area of 260,000 square meters.

**1. History and Product Development**

  - Initially named Apple Computer Inc. in January 1977, the company's journey began with the development and sales of personal computers. The Apple II, launched in April 1977, was a groundbreaking product that initiated the personal computer revolution. It was the first personal computer to have a single - channel sound architecture.

  - In 1980, Apple went public on December 12. The Apple Macintosh was released in January 1984. It featured a revolutionary operating system and was a milestone in the computer industry. Over the years, Apple has expanded its product line to include popular items such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

**2. Management Secrets**

  - **Product - Oriented Culture**: Apple's management revolves around products. The "design - driven everything" concept prevails, and the internal slogan "product first, others aside" emphasizes that every team and employee's ultimate goal is to create products that amaze users.

  - **Flat Organizational Structure**: Despite its large size, Apple has a relatively flat management structure. This reduces bureaucratic barriers, making the decision - making process more efficient and encouraging the rapid implementation of innovative ideas.

  - **Cross - functional Teamwork**: Employees from different departments like engineers, designers, and marketers often collaborate throughout the product development process. This promotes the integration of diverse professional knowledge and results in more comprehensive products.

  - **Strong Leadership and Culture Transmission**: Founding CEO Steve Jobs laid the clear - cut vision with his extraordinary foresight and leadership. Current CEO Tim Cook continues this leadership style, balancing innovation with operational efficiency and sustainability. The leadership always effectively communicates the company's goals and culture to ensure all employees are working towards the same direction.

  - **Talent Cultivation and Performance Management**: Apple attracts top global talent through a rigorous recruitment process. It offers internal training and continuous career development plans to enhance employees' professional and leadership skills. The perfect performance management system links employees' performance with the company's long - term goals.

  - **Supply Chain Mastery**: Apple has an extremely precise supply chain management. It has close relationships with global suppliers to ensure the quality and timely supply of components. The management's control over the supply chain is so strong that every link, from material procurement to logistics transportation, is finely - tuned. This allows Apple to quickly launch new products globally.

  - **User - Centered Decision - Making**: Every management decision is user - centered, whether it is product design, technological innovation, or marketing strategies. This focus on user experience has maintained high praise for Apple's products and services in the market.

In 2024, Apple ranked 7th in the Fortune Global 500. Its continuous innovation, unique management style, and focus on user experience have made it one of the most influential technology companies in the world.