Is it true that Microsoft owns a large share of Apple Inc.?

No, it is not true that Microsoft owns a large share of Apple, Inc. In fact, Microsoft has never owned a “large” share of Apple, although I suppose that depends on how you define “large.” In August of 1997 Microsoft invested $150 million in Apple in exchange for non-voting preferred stock. read more

Microsoft invested $150 million in Apple in 1997 though the purchase of 150,000 shares of non-voting preferred stock. That stock became convertible in 2000, and by the end of 2001, Microsoft had converted all of its preferred stock into about 18 million shares of Apple common stock. read more

Microsoft and Apple Microsoft is often linked with Apple because it invested a large chunk of money in the company at a time when it was struggling. In 1997, Microsoft invested $150 million in Apple to help buoy its stock during a down period when investors where swept up in the dot-com craze. read more

Microsoft is a shareholder and DOES own a little piece of Apple. However, it's not a large enough share to influence business decisions, so Microsoft does NOT"own" Apple in the sense you might be thinking. read more