On December 12, 1980, Apple Inc. made its initial public offering (IPO), marking a significant milestone in the company's history as it became the largest stock in the world at that time. Over the past 44 years, Apple's valuation has skyrocketed, making it the first U.S. company to reach a $1 trillion market cap. An investment of $10,000 at the time of the IPO would be worth approximately $25.4 million today, showcasing an extraordinary return on investment. The IPO is often described as a once-in-a-generation event, reflecting Apple's evolution from a computer company in Cupertino, California, to a global technology leader known for its revolutionary products such as the iPhone and iPad.