Feb 24, 1955
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Oct 5, 2011
Life and achievements
Early life
Steve Jobs was born on February 24th, 1955 in San Francisco, California. He was born to Joanne Schieble and was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs soon after his birth. Steve grew up in Mountain View, a city in the heart of the Silicon Valley, where he was raised in a typical family and at the same time in the midst of the technological advancement of the mid twentieth century.
From childhood, Steve was always interested in electronics and machines. He often used to while away his time at his father’s workshop where Paul Jobs, a machinist, had him learn the basics of electronics and carpentry. These early experiences were the stepping stone to Steve’s future innovations in computing and designing.
Steve went to Cupertino Junior High School where he was a rebel and a non-conformist. He then went to Homestead High School where he remained mischievous and fond of practical jokes, and also did well in mathematics and electronics. It was in high school that Steve got acquainted with Steve Wozniak an electronics wizard who would later become his business partner in Apple Inc.
Steve began his college education in 1972 at Reed College in Portland, Oregon; however, he dropped out after one semester because of the financial problems of his adoptive parents. Even after dropping out of college, Steve did not cease his activities, for example, attending a calligraphy course that later affected the design of Apple’s fonts.
In 1974, Steve moved back to California and got back in touch with Steve Wozniak. Both of them became members of the Homebrew Computer Club where they could indulge in their interest in the new computer technology. At Atari, Inc. , Steve worked as a technician and his interest in electronics and gaming was only enhanced.
After getting back together, Jobs and Wozniak, with a handful of friends, started their own computer company in 1976. Founded in the Jobs’ family garage, they first produced Apple I computer kits. The kits were popular and this resulted in the formation of Apple Computer Company. Jobs, who was famous for his creativity and marketing skills, understood that PCs could revolutionize people’s lives and their jobs.
Steve Jobs changed the face of Apple with products like the Apple II which was the first highly profitable personal computer and then the Macintosh, the first successful computer with a graphical user interface. Through the years, Jobs was keen on perfecting the design and the overall user interface of Apple products in the ever developing technological industry.
Some of the personality traits of Steve Jobs include curiosity, creativity and determination and these traits were evident in his childhood. He was born and raised in the heart of the Silicon Valley and therefore, he was exposed to the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. From a small garage to co-founding one of the biggest tech giants of the world, Jobs’ journey tells us how passion and vision can change the course of technology and the world.
Legacy
Steve Jobs is remembered as a great innovator who revolutionized technology with his vision that made Apple come up with stylish and beautiful devices that were also useful. This design philosophy revolutionised the consumer electronics industry and stressed the importance of technology and arts. During the period of Jobs, Apple products such as Macintosh, iPod, iPhone and iPad became the epitome of innovation and design.
According to Jobs, technology should be attractive and available for anyone, not only for the computer scientist. He was known for his minimalism and user interface design which changed the way people use technology. In his leadership at Apple, he initiated a change that made design as a key offering in new technologies.
Steve Jobs’ impact went further than the design of products; he also transformed the strategic approach of the technology industry. His speeches at events such as the launch of the iPhone were energetic, and he always had an innovative approach to the subject of technology. Strategic business activities such as the App Store and iTunes not only helped the company to generate revenue but also revolutionized industries such as music and mobile applications.
Above all, Jobs’ entrepreneurial attitude and his ability to take risks in the IT sphere, especially in Silicon Valley, can be regarded as exemplary. He was famous for his high standards, which made Apple employees work harder and more devotedly, and forced rivals to follow suit.
To this date, even after his death, Steve Jobs is still associated with innovation. During his tenure, Apple emerged as one of the most influential companies in the world, developing products that have shaped the future of technology, culture, and society. The values of design excellence, consumer-focused innovation, and visionary leadership that Jobs brought into Apple are still evident today and are used to shape the future of the company as well as influence other business people and designers.
Milestone moments
Apr 1, 1976
Formation of the Apple Computer Company
Apple Computer Company was initiated by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, all in the freelance working relationship in 1976 in Jobs’ parent’s garage in Cupertino, California. It was the two of them, bound by their love for personal computing, and the idea of creating great tools for non-professionals. The first product released by Apple was the Apple I which was a very basic circuit board that created curiosity among users who were particularly hobbyists plus small businesses. This was the launch of Jobs as an entrepreneur and the early process of Apple’s development and future groundwork in the growing computer technology sector.
Apr 16, 1977
The advent of the Apple II
The Apple II, created by Steve Wozniak and built underneath the supervision of Steve Jobs, who was in charge of the marketing and business strategy of the development, was indeed a revolution in the field of personal computing. It was among the first PC designs to have color graphics and an expandable through device peripherals and software, including the option to add printer ports and more. The Apple II quickly became a commercial phenomenon, with teachers and businessmen using it in school and grossing increased sales for Apple, thus making Apple a fundamental player in the newly emerged personal computer market.
Aug 17, 1985
Departure from Apple
After several internal struggles over power and differences in operational methods, Steve Jobs left the company. His resignation caused somewhat turbulent period in his career and he created a new company such as NeXT Inc. which was a computer platform development company targeting higher education and business market. Jobs was also able to buy Pixar Animation Studios, Animals, which under his management later transform the animation world through film productions such as Toy Story.
Jul 9, 1997
Return to Apple
Steve Jobs came back into Apple fold when McL_detail purchased NeXT Inc. His return was prompted by Apple's rough period of financial instability and a lack of innovation. Jobs first came back as acting CEO and promptly started an Apple revitalization plan that sought to concentrate its efforts in focusing on refined software and eliminating any products that were not essential.
May 6, 1998
Launch of the iMac
During the period of Jobs at the helm once more, Apple launched the iMac, an all-in-one computer, featuring a rather unique and translucent body and, as always, superior usability. iMac became the first all-in-one computer and was aimed at the consumers who required a fresh start with Apple products and services; later, it turned out that the primary markets for iMac were education and artists. It was this landmark that cleared the decks for Apple and was followed by others that established the company in consumer electronics and aesthetic design.
Oct 23, 2001
Introduction of the iPod
The important contributions to Apple and invention were made by Jobs, including the iPod, a portable digital music player which immensely changed the music industry. The iPod was complemented by the iTunes store software and store, which enabled users to purchase music and manage digital music available on their iPods efficiently. Its cool look, easy to use organization system, and virtually limitless storage space made it a must-have status symbol and propelled Apple into becoming one of the leading companies of personal electronics.