A microcomputer is a small and inexpensive computer system with a microprocessor as its CPU. Microcomputers are computers powered by a microprocessor and consist of a single chip with minimal circuitry on a single PCB and memory.
IBM and Apple are two companies that rose to fame during these times but due to all the wrong reasons. It was in 1981 when Apple mockingly produced an advertisement welcoming IBM PC.
Two years after this incident, IBM introduced its PCjr in 1983. Due to its outstanding output in the shape of the iPod and the iPhone, Apple is unquestionably much more valuable than IBM at this time.
But when it comes to business computers, IBM is the absolute leader.
Key Takeaways
- IBM is a multinational technology company that offers enterprise solutions, while Apple is a consumer electronics company that offers personal devices and software.
- IBM focuses on corporate computing and enterprise solutions, whereas Apple focuses on the design and consumer-friendly products.
- IBM’s products include servers, mainframes, and cloud computing services, while Apple’s products include iPhones, iPads, Macs, and related software and accessories.
IBM vs. Apple
IBM (International Business Machines) is a multinational technology and consulting corporation that was founded in 1911. IBM’s early focus was on business machines. Apple is a consumer electronics and computer hardware company that was founded in 1976. Apple’s early products included the Apple I and Apple II computers.

Comparison Table
Parameter of Comparison | IBM | Apple |
---|---|---|
Launch | IBM was first launched as a Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company on June 16, 1911. | Apple was first launched as an Apple Computer Company on April 1, 1976. |
Founders | Charles Ranlett Flint founded it. | Steve Jobs founded it, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. |
Focus | It focuses on corporate computing and also big enterprises. | While it focuses on delivering consumer products and also enterprise business. |
Area Served | It serves around 177 countries of the world. | It serves worldwide. |
Services | It offers Outsourcing, Professional, and Managed Services. | It has a huge list of services like the App Store, iCloud, iMessage, iTunes Store, etc. |
No.of Employees | It has near to 4 lakh employees at present. | Whereas it has about 150,000 employees at present. |
Net Income | It has a comparatively lower net income. | It is one of the most successful companies in the world and has a very high net income. |
What is IBM?
IBM is an American multinational consulting and technology company. It is headquartered in Armonk, New York, USA. Sometimes called Big Blue, IBM has branches spread over 177 countries worldwide.
It is involved in manufacturing, selling computer hardware, software, and middleware, hosting, and consulting services in mainframe computers to nanotechnology.
In 1981, IBM developed its first commercial personal computer, which came to be known as the IBM PC.
Moreover, IBM also experimented with radiation-induced soft fails in LSI electronics over fifteen years.

What is Apple?
Apple Inc. Or Apple is an American multinational technology company. It is headquartered in Cupertino, California, USA.
The company is now spread worldwide, with around 510 Retail Stores as of 2020.
Apple deals with developing and selling computer software and online services. It is considered the world’s largest technology company in terms of revenue.
Apple I was the first personal computer produced by one of Apple’s founders, Steve Wozniak. It was not until January 1977. Even after being one of the leading companies in the world, Apple Inc. faces issues just like any other company.

Main Differences Between IBM and Apple
- IBM deals mainly with corporate computing, while Apple deals with consumer products.
- Apple serves worldwide, but IBM serves 177 countries.
- IBM has more employees than Apple.
- Apple has a larger number of services to offer.
- The net income of Apple Inc. is comparatively higher.

Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.