Is Bose Owned by Apple?

Ownership of Bose

• Apple does not own Bose in 2023.
• The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) owns Bose.
• When Apple acquired Beats by Dre, it put Bose and Apple in direct competition in the headphone market.
• Apple stopped selling headphones and wireless speakers from rivals including Sonos, Bose, and Logitech.
• Apple plans to launch its own new audio products.
• There are factors that make the AirPods expensive.

Background of Bose

• Bose was founded in the U.S. in 1964 by Dr. Amar Bose.
• In 1997 and 2004, Apple and Bose partnered.
• Many are surprised Bose is not owned by Apple.
• Bose announced closing stores due to online shopping.

Apple’s Relationship with Bose

• In 2014, Apple removed Bose products after Bose sued Beats for patent infringement.
• The lawsuit settled.
• Apple sold Bose products again two months later.
• When Apple acquired Beats in 2014, it put Bose and Apple in competition in headphones.
• Apple stopped selling Bose products because it plans to launch headphones and wireless speakers.
• Bose’s 2021 sales were $3.2 billion.
• MIT cannot sell its Bose shares.
• Apple has not bought Bose.
• Bose makes audio equipment.
• Apple designs consumer electronics.