Jobs and Wozniak met at Homestead High School in Cupertino, California, and both had a passion for technology. They bonded over their shared interest in computers and electronics and began working on projects together. After graduating, they both attended college, but they dropped out to pursue their interests in technology full-time.
In 1975, Jobs and Wozniak decided to start their own company. They called it Apple Computer, Inc. with the goal of developing and selling personal computers. They began working on their first computer, the Apple I, in Jobs' garage. The Apple I was a simple machine, consisting of a motherboard, a power supply, and a keyboard. It did not include a monitor, a case, or even a power switch. But it was a start.
In 1976, Jobs and Wozniak were able to produce 50 Apple I computers and sold them to a local computer store for $666.66 each. They were able to make a profit of $774. The success of the Apple I gave them the confidence to continue developing and selling computers.
In 1977, Apple released the Apple II, which was a more complete and user-friendly computer. It included a monitor, a keyboard, and a case. The Apple II was a huge success, and it helped establish Apple as a major player in the personal computer market. It became the first personal computer to be featured on the cover of Time magazine.
In the early 1980s, Apple continued to innovate and release new computers, such as the Macintosh. The Macintosh was the first personal computer to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) and a mouse, which made it much easier to use than previous computers. The Macintosh helped popularize the use of GUIs and mice and set the standard for future computers.
However, Apple's success was not without challenges. In 1985, Jobs was forced out of the company by the board of directors. He went on to start a new company, NeXT, which focused on developing high-end computers for the education market.
Without Jobs, Apple struggled to continue its innovation and market share began to decline. In 1997, Apple acquired NeXT and brought Jobs back to the company as CEO.
Jobs immediately set to work on turning Apple around. He streamlined the company's product line, focused on developing new and innovative products, and began a massive marketing campaign.
In 2001, Apple introduced the iPod, a portable music player that revolutionized the way people listen to music. The iPod was a huge success, and it helped establish Apple as a major player in the consumer electronics market.
In 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone, a revolutionary smartphone that combined the functionality of a computer with the convenience of a phone. The iPhone was an instant success, and it helped establish Apple as the leading smartphone manufacturer.
In 2010, Apple introduced the iPad, a tablet computer that combined the portability of a smartphone with the functionality of a computer. The iPad was another huge success, and it helped establish Apple as a major player in the tablet market.
Today, Apple continues to innovate and release new products, such as the Apple Watch, the HomePod, and the AirPods. The company has also expanded into new markets, such as streaming music and video with Apple Music and Apple TV+.
Apple's journey from a small startup