Apple Turns 40: Reflecting on Four Decades of History

[MacRumors]

Apple, co-founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne on April 1, 1976, celebrates its 40th anniversary today.

Last night, the company hung up a pirate flag at its One Infinite Loop campus to pay homage to the Jobs-led team that worked on the original Macintosh, which was viewed as rebellious at a time when Apple was focusing on the Lisa.

(Image: Michael Jurewitz)​

From near-bankruptcy to becoming the world's most valuable public company, Apple has been through a series of highs and lows over the past four decades.

Apple's history is vast, but the timeline below provides a basic overview of some of the company's important moments over the years.

Apple Timeline

1976 - Apple's history begins in the garage of Steve Jobs' childhood home in Los Altos, California, where Steve Wozniak and Jobs tested -- but designed elsewhere -- the first Apple I computers, which they later introduced at the Homebrew Computer Club. The Byte Shop places 50 orders. The computer later sells for $666.66.

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Article Link: Apple Turns 40: Reflecting on Four Decades of History

 

[Andres Cantu]

Congratulations, Apple!

 

[MH01]

Awesome that Apple reflects on its past! Can't believe it's the big 40

 

[smacrumon]

Love this!

Celebrate!

 

[CFreymarc]

Good quick PR piece. Love how they crossed out the Newton. That design was way too many cooks in the soup back in the Scully days.

 

[Four oF NINE]

Five years after Steve Job's exit, things are looking a bit unfocused at Cupertino now.

 

[tuxon86]

According to Wozniak, the garage is only a myth. Thery never built anything in it. It was just a storage place.

 

[73b]

This just reminds me of how awesome apple was from 2001-2011.

 

[WarHeadz]

Happy birthday you old fart!

 

[Rogifan]

I'm a little surprised there's nothing on Apple's homepage today. Apparently there's a company beer bash this afternoon where I assume Cook will speak to employees.

 

[RightMACatU]

According to Wozniak, the garage is only a myth. Thery never built anything in it. It was just a storage place.

Perhaps the garage was more like "That 70's Show" basement

 

[thekeyring]

Five years after Steve Job's exit, things are looking a bit unfocused at Cupertino now.

If that's what you want to see, that's what you'll see.

 

[gugy]

Happy birthday Apple. Welcome to the 40's. Wiser and better.
By the way. Miss you Steve.

 

[jonnyo]

April 2, 1976: the first prediction made of Apple's demise, establishing an unofficial Silicon Valley ritual that's older than the majority of the people and the companies that continue to do it.

 

[WhatUp?]

Wow 40!
So, it's all downhill from here.

 

[i5pro]

And sadly, 40 years later...it feels like they're repeating themselves and have stalled. Let's go through the parts bin, reuse most of it, make it smaller, and call it groundbreaking. While we're at it, let's grandstand about everything and not return to our core beliefs of thinking different for the crazy ones. I guess that's what happens when their visionary is replaced by bean-counters.

 

[CFreymarc]

I'm a little surprised there's nothing on Apple's homepage today. Apparently there's a company beer bash this afternoon where I assume Cook will speak to employees.

Yup, right in the middle of the loop with keg tapping by the managers. Debating to show or not.

 

[thisisnotmyname]

happy anniversary Apple

 

[doelcm82]

April 2, 1976: the first prediction made of Apple's demise, establishing an unofficial Silicon Valley ritual that's older than the majority of the people and the companies that continue to do it.

Case in point:

And sadly, 40 years later...it feels like they're repeating themselves and have stalled. Let's go through the parts bin, reuse most of it, make it smaller, and call it groundbreaking. While we're at it, let's grandstand about everything and not return to our core beliefs of thinking different for the crazy ones. I guess that's what happens when their visionary is replaced by bean-counters.

 

[840quadra]

Happy Birthday to a company we all seem we can't get enough of.

While they aren't on the high of the iPod, or the original iPhone, I don't think they are as bad off as some on here feel. Hopefully the focus is still there inside Cupertino, and we can see some Insanely Great products in the near future!

Typed on my MacBook pro, while glancing at my iPhone 6s watching the recent keynote.

 

[Junior117]

Must...

... Salute...

... Flag!!!

 

[Oblivious.Robot]

Long may they reign.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Happy birthday .
Wish I'd got in on that share action in the 80's but I was too busy with school and stuff.
Will they come up with another revolutionary product? Who knows, but they have done well so far. Many companies only ever manage 1. They've had half a dozen or more of truly revolutionary products that have changed the lives of millions.
I wouldn't be without my iMac, iPhone and iPads. Ok the ATV isn't that great (for me) and the watch isn't for me either.
And although they don't get as much love these days, the iPods and the way we buy music is a massive change. I'm old enough to remember making mix tapes, and it was a nightmare.

 

[ThomasJL]

I'm a little surprised there's nothing on Apple's homepage today.

Good point. Yeah, that is surprising that they chose to not acknowledge this important milestone on their homepage.

Happy Birthday, Apple!

I'm glad this article here on MacRumors mentioned Ronald Wayne as one of the three cofounders. He often gets omitted and overlooked, but he was indeed a cofounder and should not be forgotten.

If there is an afterlife, I hope Steve Jobs is enjoying health and happiness there. As for the two living cofounders, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, I wish them health and happiness, too.

 

[5105973]

Founded on April Fools Day. Too cool. Happy 40th.