Although he is an adopted son, his adoptive parents are very kind to him, just like his parents. As a student, Jobs was clever, naughty and unscrupulous, and often liked to play some ridiculous pranks. However, his academic performance is outstanding.
At that time, Jobs lived near the later famous "Silicon Valley", and his neighbors were employees of Hewlett-Packard Company, a veteran of "Silicon Valley".
Under the influence of these people, Jobs was obsessed with electronics since he was a child. An HP engineer saw him so obsessed that he recommended him to join HP's "Discoverer Club". This is a party specially held for young engineers, which is held in the company restaurant every Tuesday night. Jobs first saw computers at a party, and he began to have a hazy understanding of computers.
In junior high school (1976), Jobs met Steve Wozniak at a class reunion, and they hit it off. Stephen wozniak is the chairman of the electronic employment club in our school. He is very interested in electronics.
19 years old, Jobs dropped out of school after only one semester and became an employee of Atari TV Game Company. Borrow a friend's garage (Woz's) and often go to the community college to take calligraphy classes and other courses. 1974 earned money to practice in India, suffered a lot, and had to return to Atari as an engineer.
After settling down, Jobs continued his interest when he was young, and often pondered computers in his garage with Wozniak. They dreamed of owning a computer of their own, but everything sold in the market at that time was commercial, bulky and extremely expensive, so they planned to develop it themselves. It was necessary to build a personal computer with a microprocessor, but the retail price of the 8080 chip at that time was $270, and it was not sold to individuals.
Undaunted, they kept looking, and finally bought the 6502 chip produced by young Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Motorola at the Wisconsin Computer Products Fair in San Francisco with 1976. The function is similar to Intel's 8080, but the price is only 20 yuan.
With the 6502 chip, two ecstatic young people returned to Jobs' garage and started their great innovation. They designed a circuit board, on which 6502 microprocessor, interface and other components were installed, and the microprocessor was connected with keyboard and video display through the interface. In just a few weeks, the computer was installed.
Jobs's friends were shocked, but they didn't realize how much this ugly thing would affect the future world. But the shrewd Jobs immediately estimated the market value of this computer. In order to raise funds for mass production, he sold his Volkswagen and Woz also sold his precious HP 65 calculator. In this way, they have 1300 dollars, laying the foundation for their great ambitions.
1 April, 9761day, Jobs, Woz and Ron Wayne, a friend of Jobs, did something that influenced future generations: they signed a contract and decided to set up a computer company. Subsequently, Jobs, 2 1 year-old, and stephen wozniak, 26, set up Apple in their garage. [3] The name of the company was decided by Jobs, who preferred Apple-called Apple. Then came the famous trademark-the bitten apple. And their homemade computers are naturally considered as "Apple I" computers.
Early development
But at the beginning, Apple's business was very slow. After all, this is a brand-new thing. Except those who are interested in electronic products, who knows what this thing will do to Jobs (left), while friends who were originally interested in "Apple I" began to wait and see, waiting for the launch of a better "Apple II".
An accidental opportunity brought a turning point for Apple.
1976 In July, the retailer Paul Jay Trail came to Jobs' garage. After watching Jobs skillfully demonstrate the computer, he thought that the "Apple" machine had great prospects and decided to take a risk-order 50 complete machines, but require delivery within one month. Jobs was overjoyed, signed the contract immediately and made the final decision. This is the first time. "
Time is too hasty and the task is heavy. Jobs and Woz braved the heat and worked day and night. They are desperate for the survival of the company. They sweat like rain almost every day and work hard for 66 hours a week. Finally, on the 29th day, they miraculously completed the task and handed over all 50 "Apple" computers to the businessman Terrell.
50 complete machines were sold out quickly in Terrell's hands, which made a good start. "Apple" has gained a great reputation. Start small batch production. Jobs and Woz began to realize that their small capital was simply not enough to cope with this rapid development. Jobs later recalled: "In the autumn of 1976, I found that the market grew faster than we thought, and we needed more money." To this end, they went to seek financial support, including Hewlett-Packard, the company Woz worked for, but unfortunately, these companies did not realize the business opportunities and markets involved.
Opportunities tend to favor hard-working people. 1976 10, millionaire Markkula came to visit Woz and their garage workshop. Markkula is a trained electrical engineer. He is very good at selling, so he is called a sales wizard. Because he made a fortune in the stock business, he chose to retire early. But seeing the new products of these two young people, Markkula decided to return to his old job and help them set up a company with great fanfare. He took the initiative to help them make a business plan and gave them a loan of $690,000, linking his fate with two young people. With the guidance of experts like Markkula and this huge sum of money, the development speed of "Apple" company has been greatly accelerated.
1977 In April, the first computer exhibition in American history opened on the west coast. In order to be famous at the exhibition, Jobs ran around and spent a lot of money to get the biggest and best booth at the exhibition. Of course, the Apple II prototype is more eye-catching. It has changed the image of personal computers that used to be bulky, clumsy, complicated in design and difficult to operate, and captured the hearts of the audience with its distinctive features such as small size, portability, simple operation and being kept at home. It weighs only 12 pounds and is assembled with only 10 screws. The plastic shell is elegant and looks like a beautiful typewriter. People can't believe that this small machine can continuously display spectacular kaleidoscopic colors on the big screen. The "Apple II" machine was a blockbuster at the exhibition. Thousands of users flocked to the booth to watch and try it out, and orders poured in.
1980, the wall street journal's full-page advertisement read "apple computer is the bicycle of human beings in 2 1 century" and contained huge photos of jobs.
1980 65438+February 12, Apple stock went public. In less than an hour, all 4.6 million shares were snapped up, and the closing price of the day was $29 per share. According to this closing price, Apple's top management has produced four billionaires and more than 40 millionaires. As the founder of the company, Jobs certainly ranked first.
1983 released by Lisa database and Apple Iie, with the prices of $9998 and 1395 respectively. Apple has become the fastest growing company in history. However, the release of Lisa indicates the decline of Apple. A computer that is unrealistic or even expensive for Americans doesn't have much market, and Lisa embezzled a lot of research and development funds from Apple. It can be said that the rise of Apple is the beginning of its decline.
Steve Jobs [4] Because of his great success, Jobs was awarded the 1985 National Medal of Technology by President Reagan. However, success comes too fast, and there is a strong crisis behind too much honor.
Because Jobs' business philosophy was different from that of most managers at that time, and the blue giant IBM began to wake up and launched personal computers to seize a large market, which made Jobs' newly developed computers fail one after another. The general manager and directors blamed the failure on Chairman Jobs, and in April 1985, the board of directors decided to revoke his business power. After several unsuccessful attempts to regain power, Jobs angrily resigned as Apple's chairman on September 1985.
Steve's departure made him more aware of his mistakes, learned lessons and prepared for returning to Apple and saving it in the future. A few days after his resignation, Jobs founded "NeXT" computer company and continued his career.
Independent period
1986, he spent100000 dollars to buy Lucasfilm's computer animation studio in Emeryville, California from george lucas, and set up an independent company Pixar animation studio. In the next decade, the company became a well-known 3D computer animation company, and launched the world's first fully 3D animated film Toy Story at 1995. The company was acquired by Disney in 2006, and Jobs became the largest shareholder.
Back to Apple
1996 17 February 17, almost all major computer newspapers and periodicals in the world published the news of "Apple buys Next, Jobs returns to Apple" on the front page. At this time, Jobs' "wardrobe" became famous because his company (now Pixar) successfully produced the first computer animated film Toy Story, and his personal worth soared by more than $6,543.80 billion. In contrast, Apple is on the verge of despair. Steve Jobs returned from Apple's crisis, and the whole company was very happy. Even former CEO Amelio said in his welcome speech to Jobs: "We welcome our greatest genius back with the most solemn ceremony. We believe that he will convince the world that Apple Computer is an innovator in the information industry forever. " Jobs returned to his hometown with a dream of "great cause" in his heart. He told Apple's followers: "I have always been passionate about Apple, and I feel very honored to be able to design a blueprint for Apple's future again." The former hero finally returned under the expectation of many people!
Reform period
Under the command of Jobs' charisma in times of crisis (30 photos), Jobs boldly exerted the authority of CEO and made drastic reforms. He first reorganized the board of directors, and then made a jaw-dropping event-abandoning old grievances, shaking hands with Apple's arch-enemy, Microsoft, and concluding the world-famous "Century Alliance" and reaching a comprehensive strategic cross-licensing agreement.
Jobs therefore once again became the cover of Time magazine.
Then, he began to introduce new computers.
1998, iMac bears the hope of Apple, condenses the sweat of employees, and presents Jobs' dream of revitalizing Apple to the world. It is a brand-new computer, representing a concept of the future. The translucent appearance, sweeping away the monotony of the computer, looks like the product of the space age, plus the glowing mouse and the price tag of $65,438+$0.299, which is pleasing to the eye ... It is really Apple's design, unconventional and extraordinary.
For publicity, Jobs turned Descartes' famous saying "I think so I am in iMac" into an advertising copy of iMac. I think there is IMAC! This has become a classic case of advertising.
The new product rekindled the hope of Mac fans. IMac has become the hottest topic this year.
199865438+In February, iMac was awarded the title of "Best Computer of the Year 1998" by Time magazine, ranking third in "Top Ten Industrial Designs in the World1998".
Jobs 1999 Jobs introduced the second generation iMac, which was available in five fruit colors: red, yellow, blue, green and purple, and was warmly welcomed by users as soon as it went on the market.
IBook, a notebook computer with a blue and yellow appearance and exquisite toys, went on the market on July 1999, and was immediately sought after by users in the market. IBook combines the unique fashion style of iMac, the latest wireless network function (WLAN) and all the advantages of Apple computer in the field of portable computers. It is a "mobile iMac" specially designed for home and school users.
199 In June 5438+10, iBook won the first place in the "American consumer laptop" market, and also won the "Best Design Award of the Year" in the "199 World Best" selection held by Time magazine.
Under the reform of Jobs, "Apple" finally made a profit. When Jobs first took office, Apple lost as much as $654.38 billion, but a year later it miraculously made a profit of $309 million.
1999 65438+ 10, when Jobs announced a profit of $65438+52 million in the fourth quarter, exceeding Wall Street's expectation by 38%, Apple's share price immediately climbed and finally closed at $4.65 per share, causing public outcry. Apple's share in the PC market increased from 5% to 10%.
From 65438 to 0997, Jobs was named "the most successful manager". More and more peers in the industry agree with this view. Even Sculley, who once pushed Jobs out of Apple, couldn't help admiring: "Apple's reversal is not a scam, and Jobs did absolutely well. Apple has begun to return to its original track. "
But apple has been unable to recover its defeat in the general computer competition.
Jobs became a miracle, but this miracle will continue. He always surprises people, whether at first or later, his genius for computers; An approachable lifestyle; Wonderful creative brain; A great goal; The calm leadership style has built the core content of Apple's corporate culture, and Apple employees' reverence for him is simply a religious fanaticism.
Employees even said to outsiders: I work for Jobs!
In 2003, it was predicted that Jobs would appear on the cover of Time magazine for the third time.
announce one's resignation
On August 24, 20 1 1, Jobs submitted his resignation application to Apple's board of directors. In his resignation letter, he also suggested that Tim Cook, the chief operating officer, take his place. Jobs said in his resignation letter that he could not continue to be CEO, but he was willing to be the chairman, director or ordinary employee of the company. Apple stock trading was suspended after hours. Jobs did not specify the reasons for his resignation in his letter, but he has been fighting pancreatic cancer. [5] 2011On August 25th, Apple announced its resignation with immediate effect. Tim Cook took over the position. At the same time, Apple announced the appointment of Steve Jobs as chairman and Tim Cook as director.
Company history
1977 1 month, Apple was incorporated;
198 apple imac computer (20 sets) 0 12 12, the stock is listed on wall street;
1983, Jobs focused on researching new personal computers.
1in April, 983, john sculley, former CEO of PepsiCo, became CEO of Apple.
1984, the first Mac machine entered the market;
1On May 23rd, 985, Steve Jobs tried to oust john sculley through a coup. During John F. sculli's meeting in China, he tried to gain control of Apple. His plan was condemned at the last minute;
1On May 24th, 985, john sculley and Jobs had a heated argument. John sculley asked the board to choose between him and Jobs;
1985 On May 3 1, john sculley removed all the powers of Jobs, only retaining the position of Apple's chairman, but Jobs could no longer influence any decision.
1In the summer of 985, john sculley became the new leader of Apple Computer Company. Layoff at the same time 1200 people;
1985 September 17, Steve Jobs officially resigned from Apple. He told Apple's board that he planned to create a new company. He also told them that five Apple employees would work with him to create a new company, NeXT；;
1On September 23rd, 985, Apple filed a lawsuit against Steve Jobs.
1985101On October 24th, john sculley signed the most unfavorable contract in Apple's history. He agreed that if Microsoft continues to produce software for Apple (such as Word and Excel), it will be allowed to use some of Apple's graphical interface technologies. If john sculley didn't reach this deal with Microsoft, Windows might never get involved, because because of its similarity with MacOS, it is obvious that Apple will easily win any lawsuit against Microsoft.
1At the end of 985, Apple released Macintosh Office, and used LaserWriter and AppleTalk network technologies for the first time, in order to make Mac more attractive to small businesses.
1986 1, Apple stopped the lawsuit against Steve Jobs. Jobs agreed not to hire Apple employees or set up a computer company competing with Apple computers for six months.
1986, Steven Jobs bought Pixar computer animation studio from george lucas, which cost nearly100000 dollars.
1989, NeXT company failed;
1993, Jobs shut down the hardware part of NeXT;
1995, Toy Story was released and became famous in one fell swoop.
1996, Apple acquired NeXT, and Jobs served as a consultant;
1997, Jobs became CEO of Apple again.
1998, iMac became the best-selling personal computer in the United States;
1999, Apple introduced iBook, G4 and iMacDV；;
In 2000, Apple suffered another quarterly loss, its share fell and its share price plummeted.
In 200 1 year, the flat iMac came out, replacing the IMAC that came out three years ago;
In 2002, the second generation iPod player was introduced, which used a touch-sensitive control mode called "touch wheel".
In 2003, the first 64-bit personal computer, Apple PowerMac G5, was launched.
In 2003, the third generation iPod music player was introduced, which can support both Mac and Windows, and the design of Firewire port was cancelled.
In 2004, Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and Apple's share price plummeted.
In 2004, the fourth generation iPod digital music player was launched, which followed the original "click wheel" control design on the iPod mini. Since then, Apple's iphone phones (6) have been introduced to produce iPod videos with color display.
In 2004, the mini version of the iPod mini digital music player was introduced, and its metal shell is very different from other models.
In 2005, Jobs announced that next year's Apple computers would use Intel processors.
In 2005, Apple introduced the fifth generation iPod player;
In 2005, Apple introduced the second generation iPod mini mini digital music player and iPod shuffle, and their non-display design caused some users' dissatisfaction.
In September 2005, Apple introduced the ultra-thin digital music player iPod nano, which uses a color display.
In 2006, Jobs introduced the first desktop and notebook computers with Intel processors, namely iMac and MacBook Pro.
In 2006, the sixth generation iPod digital music player named "iPod Classic" went on the market.
In 2006, the second generation of iPod nano digital music player went on the market, which adopted the same aluminum shell design as iPod mini.
In 2006, the second generation of iPod shuffle digital audio Apple ipad(8 pieces) music player went on the market, and its appearance became similar to that of a clip, and its volume was smaller.
In 2007, the third generation iPod nano ultra-thin digital music player went on the market, and its appearance changed from slender to wide and flat.
In 2007, Jobs released the iPhone and iPod touch in the Apple world.
In 2008, Jobs took out the MacBook Air from the yellow envelope on Mac World, which was the thinnest laptop at that time.
In 2008, Jobs released the fourth generation iPod nano and the second generation iPod touch on Mac World.
In 2008, Jobs released a newly designed MacBook and MacBook Pro, as well as a brand-new 24-inch Apple LED cinema display; In the apple world.
In 2009, Phillip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president in charge of global marketing, released a redesigned MacBook Pro laptop with a screen of 17 inch at the Mac World2009 conference.
On March 3, 2009, Apple introduced an upgraded version of the iMac, but the shape has not changed. It uses the new graphics card of Nⅵ DIA company, and slightly reduces the price of iMac. The products upgraded at the same time include Mac mini and Mac Pro.
On March 1 1, 2009, Apple introduced a new iPod shuffle (9 iPods with Apple TV as the cover), which is the first digital music player with voice pronunciation. It's smaller, almost half the size of the previous generation. Because some operation keys are transferred to the headphone cable, third-party headphones are not supported for the time being, and must be compatible with version 8. 1 or updated. On June 23, 2009, Jobs returned to work at Apple headquarters.
201065438+1October 27th, Apple's tablet iPad was officially released.
20 10 on April 6th, Apple iPad was officially released in the United States.
20 10 on may 26th, after running against bill gates for more than 30 years, Steve jobs, the founder of apple, finally pushed apple to the top of Nasdaq. At the close of the new york stock market that day, Apple's market value reached US$ 222 billion, second only to ExxonMobil, becoming the second largest listed company in the United States, and Microsoft's market value that day was US$ 21900 million;
20 10 On June 8th, Beijing time 1, Apple's annual event WWDC 2065438+00 (Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2065438+00) officially opened. Jobs officially released Apple's fourth-generation mobile phone iPhone 4 at the conference, which has been receiving much attention recently. Its display screen pixels will also be upgraded from 480×320 to 960 × 640;
20 1 1 year 1 month 16 Apple shares closed at $ 363. 13;
On the evening of 201117, Jobs announced that he would ask for leave from the company again to "focus on personal health issues". Apple's share price has fallen by 6%-8% in overseas markets;
On the evening of 2011February 18, US President Barack Obama hosted a banquet in honor of Jobs and other information technology giants.
20 1 1 On March 3, 2008, at 2 am Beijing time, Jobs unexpectedly attended a press conference in San Francisco, USA, and released the iPad2.
20 1 1 At the beginning of August, Apple's market value (about $337 1 billion) surpassed ExxonMobil's (about $333.3 billion) and became the world's largest listed company and the world's largest information technology company.
20 1 1 On the morning of August 25th, 2008, Apple's board of directors announced that Steve Jobs, the CEO, had resigned, and the board appointed Tim Cook, the former chief operating officer, as the CEO of Apple. Jobs was elected chairman of the board of directors, and Cook joined the board of directors, effective immediately.