Apple Game Changers

Constant innovation is an Apple hallmark. The timeline below includes some of the major breakthroughs that have shaped and reinvented Apple. Sections in color are part of today’s Apple product line: hardware and software in green, services in blue.

Apple Timeline

Steve Job image

1976

Two Steves (Jobs and Wozniak) in a garage; Apple is founded.

1976

Two Steves (Jobs and Wozniak) in a garage; Apple is founded.

1976

Two Steves (Jobs and Wozniak) in a garage; Apple is founded.

1977

Apple II is released; sparks age of the personal computer.

1977

Apple II is released; sparks age of the personal computer.

1977

Apple II is released; sparks age of the personal computer.

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1983

Apple is fastest company to go from zero to Fortune 500.

1983

Apple is fastest company to go from zero to Fortune 500.

1983

Apple is fastest company to go from zero to Fortune 500.

1983

Steve Jobs hires John Sculley, president of Pepsi, as Apple CEO.

1983

Steve Jobs hires John Sculley, president of Pepsi, as Apple CEO.

1983

Steve Jobs hires John Sculley, president of Pepsi, as Apple CEO.

1984

Steve Jobs introduces Macintosh with graphical user interface and mouse; revolutionizes computing.

1984

Steve Jobs introduces Macintosh with graphical user interface and mouse; revolutionizes computing.

1984

Steve Jobs introduces Macintosh with graphical user interface and mouse; revolutionizes computing.

1985

Steve Jobs, forced out of Apple after power struggle with John Sculley, founds new computer company, NeXT.

1985

Steve Jobs, forced out of Apple after power struggle with John Sculley, founds new computer company, NeXT.

1985

Steve Jobs, forced out of Apple after power struggle with John Sculley, founds new computer company, NeXT.

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1996

Apple acquires NeXT; Steve Jobs returns after 11 years.

1996

Apple acquires NeXT; Steve Jobs returns after 11 years.

1996

Apple acquires NeXT; Steve Jobs returns after 11 years.

1997

With Apple in dire financial shape, Steve Jobs shocks long-time fans in accepting $150 million Microsoft investment.

1997

With Apple in dire financial shape, Steve Jobs shocks long-time fans in accepting $150 million Microsoft investment.

1997

With Apple in dire financial shape, Steve Jobs shocks long-time fans in accepting $150 million Microsoft investment.

1997

Steve Jobs announces launch of Apple Online Store.

1997

Steve Jobs announces launch of Apple Online Store.

1997

Steve Jobs announces launch of Apple Online Store.

1998

Steve Jobs unveils first iMac, the translucent Bondi blue iMac G3, designed by Jony Ive and his team.

1998

Steve Jobs unveils first iMac, the translucent Bondi blue iMac G3, designed by Jony Ive and his team.

1998

Steve Jobs unveils first iMac, the translucent Bondi blue iMac G3, designed by Jony Ive and his team.

1999

Apple adds Wi-Fi connectivity, branded as Airport, into its products.

1999

Apple adds Wi-Fi connectivity, branded as Airport, into its products.

1999

Apple adds Wi-Fi connectivity, branded as Airport, into its products.

1999

Apple releases Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro, professional video production suite.

1999

Apple releases Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro, professional video production suite.

1999

Apple releases Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro, professional video production suite.

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2001

First Apple retail stores open in Glendale, CA and Reston, VA; currently over 500 worldwide.

2001

First Apple retail stores open in Glendale, CA and Reston, VA; currently over 500 worldwide.

2001

First Apple retail stores open in Glendale, CA and Reston, VA; currently over 500 worldwide.

2001

Apple releases first version of Mac OS X, based on NeXT software, to replace Mac OS Classic.

2001

Apple releases first version of Mac OS X, based on NeXT software, to replace Mac OS Classic.

2001

Apple releases first version of Mac OS X, based on NeXT software, to replace Mac OS Classic.

2001

Apple releases iPod; holds up to 1,000 songs in your pocket.

2001

Apple releases iPod; holds up to 1,000 songs in your pocket.

2001

Apple releases iPod; holds up to 1,000 songs in your pocket.

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2003

Apple introduces FileVault full disk encryption.

2003

Apple introduces FileVault full disk encryption.

2003

Apple introduces FileVault full disk encryption.

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2007

Steve Jobs introduces iPhone, a blockbuster; ushers in age of ubiquitous information and communications.

2007

Steve Jobs introduces iPhone, a blockbuster; ushers in age of ubiquitous information and communications.

2007

Steve Jobs introduces iPhone, a blockbuster; ushers in age of ubiquitous information and communications.

2007

Steve Jobs announces launch of App Store with 500 vetted, developer-created apps. Count is now at 2 million.

2007

Steve Jobs announces launch of App Store with 500 vetted, developer-created apps. Count is now at 2 million.

2007

Steve Jobs announces launch of App Store with 500 vetted, developer-created apps. Count is now at 2 million.

2009

Apple introduces Device Management Framework for remote configuration and management of Apple devices.

2009

Apple introduces Device Management Framework for remote configuration and management of Apple devices.

2009

Apple introduces Device Management Framework for remote configuration and management of Apple devices.

2010

Apple passes Microsoft in market capitalization to become world’s most valuable technology company.

2010

Apple passes Microsoft in market capitalization to become world’s most valuable technology company.

2010

Apple passes Microsoft in market capitalization to become world’s most valuable technology company.

2010

Steve Jobs introduces iPad; new device category with practical uses across a broad range of industries.

2010

Steve Jobs introduces iPad; new device category with practical uses across a broad range of industries.

2010

Steve Jobs introduces iPad; new device category with practical uses across a broad range of industries.

2011

Steve Jobs introduces iCloud, enables synchronization across devices for storage, backups, and Photo Stream.

2011

Steve Jobs introduces iCloud,  enables synchronization across devices for storage, backups, and Photo Stream.

2011

Steve Jobs introduces iCloud, enables synchronization across devices for storage, backups, and Photo Stream.

2011

Steve Jobs, in failing health, resigns as CEO; dies 10 weeks later. Tim Cook, Chief Operations Officer, to lead Apple. 

2011

Steve Jobs, in failing health, resigns as CEO; dies 10 weeks later. Tim Cook, Chief Operations Officer, to lead Apple. 

2011

Steve Jobs, in failing health, resigns as CEO; dies 10 weeks later. Tim Cook, Chief Operations Officer, to lead Apple. 

Tim Cook image

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....Steve Jobs, in failing health, resigns as CEO; dies 10 weeks later. Tim Cook, Chief Operations Officer, to lead Apple. 

2014

Tim Cook introduces Apple Watch, a wearable; ideal for connectivity, health checks, and fitness.

2014

Tim Cook introduces Apple Watch, a wearable; ideal for connectivity, health checks, and fitness.

2014

Tim Cook introduces Apple Watch, a wearable; ideal for connectivity, health checks, and fitness.

2014

Apple introduces Continuity framework; enables seamless work across Apple devices.

2014

Apple introduces Continuity framework; enables seamless work across Apple devices.

2014

Apple introduces Continuity framework; enables seamless work across Apple devices.

2015

Apple Music, a streaming service, introduced.

2015

Apple Music, a streaming service, introduced.

2015

Apple Music, a streaming service, introduced.

2014

Apple introduces AirPods; sets new standard for wireless audio.

2014

Apple introduces AirPods; sets new standard for wireless audio.

2014

Apple introduces AirPods; sets new standard for wireless audio.

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2018

Apple launches Apple Business Manager, enables “zero-touch deployment” and other management features.

2018

Apple launches Apple Business Manager, enables “zero-touch deployment” and other management features.

2018

Apple launches Apple Business Manager, enables “zero-touch deployment” and other management features.

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2020

Tim Cook introduces transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon, Apple-designed "system-on-a-chip.”

2020

Tim Cook introduces transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon, Apple-designed "system-on-a-chip.”

2020

Tim Cook introduces transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon, Apple-designed "system-on-a-chip.”

2021

Apple announces iCloud+, adds privacy protections “Hide My Email” and  "Private Relay” to iCloud.

2021

Apple announces iCloud+, adds privacy protections “Hide My Email” and  "Private Relay” to iCloud.

2021

Apple announces iCloud+, adds privacy protections “Hide My Email” and  "Private Relay” to iCloud.

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2021

Transition to Apple Silicon completed.

2021

Transition to Apple Silicon completed.

2021

Transition to Apple Silicon completed.

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2024

Tim Cook introduces Apple Intelligence, system-wide, privacy-focused features across your apps and data.

2024

Tim Cook introduces Apple Intelligence, system-wide, privacy-focused features across your apps and data.

2024

Tim Cook introduces Apple Intelligence, system-wide, privacy-focused features across your apps and data.

2024

Apple announces Private Cloud Compute for advanced AI processing in a secure cloud, accessible only to the user.

2024

Apple announces Private Cloud Compute for advanced AI processing in a secure cloud, accessible only to the user.

2024

Apple announces Private Cloud Compute for advanced AI processing in a secure cloud, accessible only to the user.

1997

Steve Jobs announces launch of Apple Online Store.

1997

Steve Jobs announces launch of Apple Online Store.

Apple Ecosystem

Contact Us

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Contact

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Copyright ©2025 Fred Balin, MacResolutions. All rights reserved. AirPods, Apple, App Store, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Apple Watch, Bluetooth, FileVault,  Final Cut Pro, iCloud, iCloud+, iMac, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

Copyright photos of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook courtesy of Steve Castillo Photography. Photos of Moon Creative Lab courtesy of the company.

Designed and built by Lai-Kit Chan Design.

Contact Us

Serving Santa Clara

and San Mateo Counties

Contact

Palo Alto, California 

(650) 565-8120 

Copyright ©2025 Fred Balin, MacResolutions. All rights reserved.  AirPods, Apple, App Store, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Apple Watch,  Bluetooth, FileVault, Final Cut Pro, iCloud, iCloud+, iMac,  iPad,  iPhone,  iPod, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

Copyright photos of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook courtesy of Steve Castillo Photography. Photos of Moon Creative Lab courtesy of the company.

Designed and built by Lai-Kit Chan Design.

Contact Us

Serving Santa Clara

and San Mateo Counties

Contact

Palo Alto, California 

(650) 565-8120 

Copyright ©2025 Fred Balin, MacResolutions. All rights reserved. AirPods, Apple, App Store, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Apple Watch, Bluetooth, FileVault,  Final Cut Pro, iCloud, iCloud+, iMac, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

Copyright photos of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook courtesy of Steve Castillo Photography. Photos of Moon Creative Lab courtesy of the company.

Designed and built by Lai-Kit Chan Design.