No company has made a more significant impact on electronics in the modern era than Apple Inc. Easily recognizable by the logo itself, the company surged in popularity and has remained on top for more than a decade as their computer software, servers, phones, and gadgets have become the go-to brand for several companies and people’s preferences.
Apple Inc. started from humble beginnings, originating in the ’70s with a trio consisting of Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. Jobs and Wozniak shared an affinity for technology, establishing a partnership that would result in one of the most famous companies in the world today.
The foundations for the famous mobile phones today were built when Jobs started selling “blue boxes” that allowed users to make phone calls from long distances without spending a dime. Woz, in turn, shared his intrigue in computers by sharing his work with Jobs. He presented a computer with a typewriter-like keyboard connecting to a regular television acting as the screen. Jobs saw the potential it held as a commercial product.
The duo collaborated with Ronald Wayne, who played the instrumental role of settling their agreement, outlining their responsibilities and creating the original logo. Wayne joined their project to prove them with “adult supervision” and oversaw the mechanical engineering and documentation.
Steve Wozniak attempted to sell his idea to HP but was met with rejection five times. It was Jobs who convinced Wozniak that they go into business together. Faithful in Woz’s works, Jobs sold his Volkswagen minibus and HP calculator, which cost more back then, to help fund the production. Initially, Wozniak created the Apple I to make a statement and showcase his ability to create with little resources. The computer would later be dubbed as the Apple I, serving as the archetype to the modern-day computer.
Steve Jobs came up with the name for the brand after returning from a farm in Oregon. The name’s origin resonated with Jobs as he thought it carried an aura that emulated “fun, spirited, and not intimidating.”
The duo then arranged to showcase their final product to a chain store, impressing the owner who ordered fifty on the condition that they arrive fully assembled. Pleased with the arrangement, Jobs ordered the remainder of the parts he needed and worked tirelessly to complete their task. Once the orders arrived punctually, Apple was rewarded for the 200 units they sold, and Wozniak earned a reputation as a master designer.
Tasting success, Jobs sought new investors, with many of them showing interest but also reluctance. Eventually, Mike Markkula made a heavy investment in Apple, which rewarded him with 1/3rd of Apple’s shares.
Over the years, Apple Inc.’s computers underwent several innovations. The Apple I was followed by the II and III models before introducing the Macintosh, which generated sales on its release before declining as the software felt lacking. With more people on board, Jobs and Wozniak left the company following creative differences and frustrations with the company’s direction, respectively.
As the 21st century arrived, Apple started opening up retail stores and producing portable music players. It gradually expanded, innovating the computer and mobile phone industry. Steve Jobs’ return ushered in changes that rocked the world. Although he is gone today, Jobs’ legacy has been cemented as Apple Inc. continues to reign as one of the most sought-after brands.
References:
https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/history-of-apple-steve-jobs-mac-3606104/
