Who Owns Apple: Is Bill Gates Involved?
The question of whether Bill Gates owns Apple remains a popular topic of speculation and internet searches. Both Gates, the iconic co-founder of Microsoft, and Apple, renowned for its innovation and competitive rivalry with Microsoft, have influenced the tech landscape for decades. But what is the truth behind the persistent rumors and what does history reveal about Gates’s relationship with Apple?
Essential Highlights
- Bill Gates does not own Apple and never has. Microsoft, led by Gates, invested $150 million in Apple in 1997, but these were non-voting shares and did not equate to ownership or control[1][4].
- Microsoft’s investment was financial, not strategic for control. The investment helped Apple during a critical period but did not give Bill Gates decision-making power over Apple[1][4].
- As of 2025, Bill Gates (or his foundation) holds no Apple shares. All shares were sold by the end of 2023, ending any financial stake[7].
- Persistent rumors are driven by misunderstanding of that 1997 deal and the general public’s confusion between financial investment and corporate ownership[1].
- Apple remains an independently run company with no ownership ties to Bill Gates or Microsoft since the early 2000s[1][7].
Table of Contents
The Origins of the Rumor: Bill Gates and Apple
Microsoft’s 1997 Investment: A Lifeline, Not a Takeover
Current Apple Ownership: What Does Bill Gates Own Today?
Why the Confusion Persists
Apple’s Actual Ownership Structure
Further Reading and Resources
FAQ: Who Owns Apple and Where Does Bill Gates Fit In?
The Origins of the Rumor: Bill Gates and Apple
The persistent myth that Bill Gates owns Apple is rooted in a historic episode of tech industry drama. During the late 1990s, Apple was facing financial collapse. Steve Jobs had just returned to the company, and Apple needed a lifeline to survive [1][4].
- In 1997, Microsoft, led by Bill Gates, invested $150 million in Apple[1][4].
- The move was surprising as Microsoft and Apple were seen as fierce rivals.
- This partnership was misunderstood by the public, who saw it as Gates buying a stake in Apple, leading to rumors of ownership[1].
For a comprehensive breakdown of this event, visit Who Owns Apple Bill Gates.
Microsoft’s 1997 Investment: A Lifeline, Not a Takeover
Microsoft’s 1997 investment in Apple is one of the most misunderstood business deals in history. While it was a pivotal rescue for Apple, it did not involve any transfer of control or operational influence to Microsoft or Bill Gates personally [1][4].
- Microsoft’s $150 million was invested in non-voting Apple shares[1].
- Microsoft agreed to continue developing Microsoft Office for Mac, reassuring Mac users of ongoing software support.
- The deal ended lawsuits between the two companies and promoted compatibility.
- By 2003, Microsoft had sold all of its Apple shares, exiting the position entirely[1].
The Who Owns resource details other notable ownership myths in tech.
Current Apple Ownership: What Does Bill Gates Own Today?
As of 2025, Bill Gates does not own any Apple stock. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates’s investment vehicle, sold its last shares in 2023 [7].
- Gates’s stake was always minor—never crossing 0.06% of outstanding Apple shares at its peak[4].
- Bill Gates or his foundation currently holds zero shares in Apple[7].
- Apple is publicly traded, and largest shareholders are typically large institutional investors, not individuals.
For up-to-date details on shareholding, explore whoowns.co.uk.
Why the Confusion Persists
Common misunderstandings about stock investments fuel the myth of Bill Gates owning Apple. Buying shares in a company does not equate to owning or controlling that company, especially when those shares are non-voting or represent a tiny percentage [1].
- The 1997 investment was interpreted by some as an acquisition.
- Public perception often conflates financial investment with operational control.
- Ongoing rivalry and media coverage kept the rumor alive long after Microsoft divested its holdings[1][4].
Apple’s Actual Ownership Structure
Apple’s true ownership lies in its public structure and institutional investors.
- Apple is traded on the NASDAQ under AAPL.
- The largest stakeholders are investment funds like Vanguard and BlackRock, not individuals like Bill Gates.
- Current Apple executives and employees also own significant shares, but no one individual holds a controlling stake.
Readers interested in learning more about how ownership structures work for major corporations can check Investopedia’s Corporate Ownership Guide, the Apple Investor Relations page, or Yahoo Finance AAPL Profile.
Further Reading and Resources
For more comprehensive insights and updates, see:
- Who Owns Apple Bill Gates – Full Analysis
- Track corporate ownership at WhoOwns.co.uk
- Apple’s current institutional holders on Yahoo Finance
- Microsoft’s history with Apple explained by Investopedia
- Apple’s investor relations portal
FAQ: Who Owns Apple and Where Does Bill Gates Fit In?
1. Did Bill Gates ever own Apple?
No, Bill Gates never owned Apple. Microsoft’s investment in 1997 did not include voting control and all shares were sold by 2003[1][4][7].
2. How many Apple shares did Bill Gates hold at the peak?
At its largest, Gates or his foundation’s Apple holdings were just 0.06% of the company, a tiny minority stake[4].
3. Does the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation own Apple shares now?
No, as of the end of 2023, the foundation completely divested all Apple holdings[7].
4. Why did Microsoft invest in Apple?
To rescue Apple, settle ongoing lawsuits, and assure Mac users of continued Microsoft Office support[1][4].
5. Who actually owns Apple today?
Apple is a public company owned by millions of shareholders, with the largest stakes held by institutional investors like Vanguard and BlackRock.
6. Why do so many believe Gates owns Apple?
The myth stems from misunderstanding the 1997 investment and confusion about stock ownership versus company control[1][4].
7. Where can I verify company ownership details?
For accurate and up-to-date information, visit whoowns.co.uk, Investopedia, or official investor pages.
For ongoing mythbusting and deep dives into the world of corporate ownership, browse the extensive resources at Who Owns.
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