Steve Jobs
Apple founding era begins
Jobs co-founds Apple and begins his first run shaping the company’s early direction.
Apple II introduced
Apple’s first major commercial success helps make Jobs a household name in computing.
1984 ad airs
Apple’s Super Bowl ad becomes one of the most famous product launch campaigns ever.
Macintosh ships
The Macintosh cements Jobs’s reputation as a product visionary.
Leaves Apple
Jobs exits Apple and starts building the companies that would shape his comeback.
NeXT founding era
Jobs founds NeXT and pushes into advanced computing platforms and software.
Buys Pixar
Jobs acquires Pixar’s graphics group and helps turn it into a powerhouse animation studio.
Pixar leadership era
Jobs leads Pixar as it becomes a major force in animation and family film.
NeXT Computer unveiled
Jobs shows that NeXT can still compete with ambitious hardware and software design.
Toy Story released
Pixar’s first feature film becomes a huge cultural and financial success.
Apple acquires NeXT
The deal brings Jobs back into Apple’s future and sets up his comeback.
Apple comeback leadership
Jobs leads Apple through its revival and into a new era of product design.
Interim CEO
Jobs takes direct control of Apple and starts the turnaround.
iMac unveiled
The iMac becomes the symbol of Apple’s revival under Jobs.
iTunes announced
Jobs pushes Apple into digital music and software services.
Apple Stores open
Jobs reshapes how Apple presents, sells, and supports its products.
iPod unveiled
The iPod becomes the device that supercharges Apple’s comeback.
iTunes Store launches
Jobs helps normalize legal digital music purchasing.
iPhone announced
Jobs reveals the product that redefines Apple and the smartphone market.
iPad unveiled
Jobs opens Apple’s next big category and extends his product legacy.
Resigns as CEO
Jobs steps down due to health, ending his active leadership era.