The Apple timeline.
140 milestones in order.
Apple Computer is founded Company
Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne sign a partnership agreement to sell Wozniak's computer boards. Wayne leaves within weeks, leaving the two Steves to build the business from a Los Altos garage.
The Apple I goes on sale Products
The Apple I is a bare circuit board that buyers must pair with their own keyboard, display and power supply. It sells for 666.66 dollars, and only a small number are built.
Apple is incorporated Company
The partnership is replaced by Apple Computer, Inc. with Mike Markkula as an investor and major shareholder. The new company has the funding it needs to move from hobbyist boards to a mass-market product.
Mike Scott becomes the first CEO People
Markkula persuades semiconductor manager Michael Scott to run the company as president and CEO. Scott brings manufacturing experience to a business that is growing quickly.
The Apple II is unveiled Products
Apple shows the Apple II at the West Coast Computer Faire in San Francisco. Sold as a complete computer with a plastic case, color graphics and a keyboard, it becomes one of the first mass-produced personal computers.
VisiCalc arrives on the Apple II Software
The first spreadsheet program for personal computers launches on the Apple II. It gives many businesses a reason to buy the machine and is often credited with boosting its sales.
The Apple III is announced Products
Apple aims its first business-oriented computer at office users. Early hardware problems limit its success, and the Apple II continues to carry the company.
Apple goes public Business
Apple's initial public offering raises about 100 million dollars at 22 dollars a share and instantly creates many millionaires among its employees and early investors. It is the largest IPO since Ford in 1956.
Black Wednesday layoffs People
Mike Scott dismisses around forty employees in a single day to cut costs and sharpen the company's focus. Mike Markkula takes over as CEO soon afterward.
Apple introduces the Lisa Products
The Lisa is the first Apple computer with a graphical user interface and a mouse. Its high price of about 10,000 dollars keeps sales low, but its ideas feed directly into the Macintosh.
John Sculley joins as CEO People
Steve Jobs recruits Sculley from Pepsi-Cola to lead the company. Sculley will run Apple for ten years.
The 1984 commercial airs Business
Apple airs a one-minute commercial directed by Ridley Scott during the Super Bowl, picturing a runner who defies a Big Brother figure. It is remembered as a landmark of advertising and sets the tone for the Macintosh.
The Macintosh is introduced Products
Steve Jobs presents the Macintosh, a compact computer with a graphical interface, mouse and 3.5-inch floppy drive. It goes on sale a few days later and sets a direction for personal computing.
The LaserWriter arrives Products
The LaserWriter laser printer, together with PageMaker software and the Mac, creates the desktop publishing industry. It gives the Macintosh a durable niche in design and publishing.
Steve Jobs resigns from Apple People
After losing a struggle with Sculley over the company's direction, Jobs leaves Apple. He starts the workstation company NeXT shortly afterward.
Jobs buys Pixar People
Steve Jobs buys the computer graphics division of Lucasfilm for 10 million dollars and renames it Pixar. The studio will make the first fully computer-animated feature film, Toy Story, in 1995.
Macintosh II and SE are announced Products
The Macintosh II is Apple's first color-capable Mac with an open architecture, while the SE is a compact model with an expansion slot. Together they broaden the Mac line for business and creative users.
The Macintosh Portable debuts Products
Apple's first battery-powered Mac is large and heavy, and it sells poorly because of its price. It paves the way for the much more successful PowerBook line.
System 7 is released Software
The first major update to the Mac operating system in years adds virtual memory, built-in file sharing and a revamped interface. It stays at the core of the Mac for the rest of the decade.
Apple, IBM and Motorola form an alliance Business
The three companies agree to develop the PowerPC processor and new software. The partnership is meant to give Apple an alternative to Intel-based PCs.
The PowerBook line launches Products
Apple introduces three portable computers with a trackball and palm rests in front of the keyboard. This layout becomes the model for later laptops.
The Newton MessagePad goes on sale Products
Apple's first handheld personal digital assistant takes pen input and tries to recognize handwriting. Its early mistakes become a popular joke, but it shapes later mobile devices.
Michael Spindler becomes CEO People
The board replaces John Sculley with Michael Spindler, who had been Apple's chief operating officer. He leads the company through a difficult transition to the PowerPC chip.
Power Macintosh introduces PowerPC Products
The first Power Macs replace Motorola 68000-series chips with PowerPC processors. Old software runs through emulation, giving customers time to move to native versions.
Gil Amelio becomes CEO People
Amelio takes over a company with heavy losses and an outdated operating system. He cuts costs and looks for a new software foundation.
Apple agrees to buy NeXT Business
Apple announces that it will acquire Steve Jobs' company NeXT for roughly 400 million dollars, mainly for its NeXTSTEP software. The deal brings Jobs back into the fold.
The NeXT acquisition closes Business
NeXT's technology becomes the basis of what will be Mac OS X, and its engineers, including Avie Tevanian and Craig Federighi, join Apple. Steve Jobs returns as an adviser.
Gil Amelio resigns People
After the board loses confidence in his turnaround, Amelio steps down. Apple's directors begin turning toward Steve Jobs for leadership.
Microsoft invests 150 million dollars in Apple Business
Jobs announces the investment at Macworld Boston, together with a patent settlement and a commitment to keep releasing Microsoft Office for the Mac. The announcement steadies the company and its stock.
Jobs becomes interim CEO People
Steve Jobs takes over as interim chief executive of the company he co-founded. He quickly simplifies the product line and cancels many projects.
The Think Different campaign begins Business
A new advertising campaign celebrates creative people instead of listing computer specifications. It helps to restore Apple's identity after years of confusion.
The Apple online store opens Business
Apple begins selling Macs directly to customers through its website, with each machine built to order. The store gives Apple tighter control over inventory and pricing.
The iMac is unveiled Products
The all-in-one translucent Bondi Blue iMac replaces the floppy drive with USB and an internet-first design. Jony Ive's design team gives Apple its first major hit of the Jobs return.
iBook and AirPort bring Wi-Fi to the mainstream Products
Apple's colorful iBook laptop launches with optional AirPort wireless networking, which uses the 802.11b standard. It popularizes Wi-Fi years before it appears in most computers.
Jobs drops the interim title People
At Macworld San Francisco, Steve Jobs announces that he will remain permanently as CEO. He jokes that he is changing his title to iCEO.
Mac OS X Public Beta Software
Apple releases a preview of its Unix-based operating system with the Aqua interface. It costs 29.95 dollars and gives users and developers a first look at the platform.
iTunes is introduced Software
Apple presents iTunes, a music player and library manager based on software it had acquired and reworked. It becomes the center of Apple's digital music strategy.
Mac OS X 10.0 ships Software
The first final release of Mac OS X brings memory protection, preemptive multitasking and the Aqua interface. It is slow at first, but it sets the foundation for all later Apple operating systems.
The first Apple Stores open Company
Apple opens its first retail stores in Tysons Corner, Virginia, and Glendale, California. Led by Ron Johnson, the stores let customers try products and talk to staff.
The iPod is introduced Products
Apple presents a pocket music player with a 5 GB hard drive and a scroll wheel, promising 1,000 songs in your pocket. It launches Apple's expansion beyond computers.
Safari is announced Software
Apple unveils its own web browser, based on the WebKit rendering engine, as an alternative to Internet Explorer on the Mac. WebKit later powers browsers on iOS and other platforms.
The iTunes Music Store opens Software
Apple launches a legal download store with songs at 99 cents each after signing deals with the major record labels. More than a million songs are sold in the first week.
Power Mac G5 is announced Products
Apple introduces a desktop with a 64-bit processor and an aluminum case. Its processor is made by IBM and it is the high point of the PowerPC era.
iTunes arrives on Windows Software
Apple releases iTunes for Windows, opening its music store and iPod to millions more people. It is a sign of the iPod becoming a mainstream product.
iPod mini is announced Products
The small aluminum iPod comes in a range of colors and uses a 4 GB drive. It grows the iPod audience beyond the earliest buyers.
Apple announces the move to Intel Business
At WWDC, Steve Jobs says the Mac will switch from PowerPC to Intel processors. He reveals that Mac OS X has been running on Intel in secret for years.
iPod nano replaces the mini Products
The thin flash-memory iPod nano replaces the iPod mini. It becomes one of the best-selling iPods.
The first Intel Macs ship Products
The iMac and the MacBook Pro are the first Macs with Intel Core Duo processors. The transition of the whole line is finished within the year.
Disney buys Pixar Business
The Walt Disney Company acquires Pixar in a stock deal worth about 7.4 billion dollars. Steve Jobs becomes Disney's largest individual shareholder and joins its board.
The MacBook replaces the iBook Products
Apple introduces the white polycarbonate MacBook with an Intel processor. It completes the shift of the portable line to Intel.
Apple Computer becomes Apple Inc. Company
Steve Jobs announces the change of name at Macworld, reflecting the company's expanding focus on consumer electronics. The same keynote introduces the iPhone and Apple TV.
The first iPhone goes on sale Products
The iPhone combines a phone, a widescreen iPod and an internet device with a multi-touch screen. Lines form outside stores for the launch, and it redefines the smartphone.
iPod touch is introduced Products
Apple presents an iPod with the iPhone's touch screen and Wi-Fi. It becomes a popular entry point to the iPhone software ecosystem.
MacBook Air is introduced Products
Steve Jobs pulls the thin laptop out of an envelope on stage. It features a tapered aluminum body and a solid-state drive option and defines Apple's approach to thin laptops.
iTunes becomes the largest US music retailer Business
Market research reports that iTunes has overtaken Walmart in US music sales. It shows how fast digital downloads have grown.
iPhone 3G and iPhone OS 2 are announced Products
At WWDC, Apple unveils a faster iPhone with 3G data and GPS. The model goes on sale on July 11 in dozens of countries.
The App Store opens Software
Apple launches its software store for the iPhone and iPod touch with about 500 apps at the start. It creates a new market for mobile software.
Steve Jobs takes a medical leave People
Jobs announces that he will take medical leave until the middle of the year, and Tim Cook will run daily operations. The announcement draws wide attention because of concerns about his health.
The iPad is announced Products
Steve Jobs introduces a tablet with a 9.7-inch multi-touch display, from a comfortable chair on stage. It goes on sale on April 3 and creates a mainstream tablet market.
iPhone 4 is announced Products
The iPhone 4 comes with a stainless steel band, a Retina display, the A4 chip and FaceTime video calling. It goes on sale on June 24.
The Mac App Store opens Software
Apple opens a software store for the Mac, bringing the iPhone model of app distribution to the desktop. It becomes a built-in part of macOS.
iPad 2 is introduced Products
Steve Jobs makes an appearance at the launch despite being on medical leave. The thinner, faster tablet with front and rear cameras sells strongly.
Apple surpasses Exxon in market value Business
Apple becomes the most valuable US company by market capitalization for a time. It is a remarkable change from the company's near-collapse in 1997.
Tim Cook becomes CEO People
Steve Jobs resigns as chief executive, citing that he can no longer meet his duties, and the board names Tim Cook to succeed him. Jobs becomes chairman of the board.
iPhone 4S launches with Siri Products
The iPhone 4S introduces Siri, a voice assistant that can answer questions and carry out tasks. It is the last iPhone introduced during Jobs' life.
Steve Jobs dies People
Jobs dies at age 56 at his home in Palo Alto after a long illness. Tributes arrive from around the world, and people leave flowers outside Apple stores.
iCloud launches Software
Apple opens its cloud service for syncing photos, documents, contacts and backups across devices. It replaces the much-criticized MobileMe service.
The Retina MacBook Pro is announced Products
Apple presents a thin MacBook Pro with a Retina display and flash storage. It starts a shift away from optical drives and hard disks in Mac laptops.
Jury sides with Apple against Samsung Business
A California jury finds that Samsung copied features of the iPhone and orders it to pay over a billion dollars. The patent battle between the two companies goes on for years.
iPhone 5 is announced Products
The iPhone 5 has a taller 4-inch screen, LTE and the new Lightning connector. It goes on sale on September 21.
iPad mini is introduced Products
Apple enters the smaller tablet market with a 7.9-inch iPad. It makes the iPad family more portable.
Forstall and Browett depart People
Apple announces that iOS chief Scott Forstall will leave, and retail chief John Browett is also leaving. Craig Federighi takes over software and Jony Ive gets wider responsibility for design.
iOS 7 is unveiled Software
The redesign drops the textured look and introduces a flat, translucent interface led by Jony Ive's team. It marks the biggest visual change in iOS since the original iPhone.
iPhone 5s and 5c are announced Products
The iPhone 5s introduces the 64-bit A7 chip and Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The iPhone 5c comes in color plastic cases.
Apple acquires Beats Business
Apple buys Beats Electronics and the Beats Music streaming service for about 3 billion dollars. It is the company's largest acquisition and leads to Apple Music.
Swift is introduced Software
Apple unveils a new programming language for iOS and OS X development at WWDC. Swift becomes the main language for Apple platforms.
iPhone 6, Apple Watch and Apple Pay are announced Products
Apple presents two larger iPhones, its first smartwatch and a contactless payment service in one event. It is the company's first new product category since the iPad.
Apple Pay launches Software
Apple Pay starts in the United States, using the iPhone's NFC chip and Touch ID to make contactless payments. Banks and retailers adopt it gradually over the following years.
Apple Watch goes on sale Products
The smartwatch reaches its first customers after preorders open in April. It grows into one of the best-selling watch lines in the world.
Apple Music launches Software
The streaming service launches with a free three-month trial and a radio station called Beats 1. It marks Apple's move from selling downloads to subscriptions.
iPad Pro and Apple TV are announced Products
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is paired with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. The same event presents a new Apple TV with an App Store.
Apple opposes an FBI order Business
A court orders Apple to help unlock an iPhone used by a shooter in San Bernardino. Tim Cook publicly refuses to build a weakened version of iOS, and the FBI drops the case after it finds another way.
iPhone SE is announced Products
Apple brings the iPhone 6s internals to a 4-inch body in a lower-priced model. It sells well among buyers who prefer a smaller phone.
iPhone 7 and AirPods are announced Products
The iPhone 7 is water-resistant but has no headphone jack. Apple also announces wireless AirPods, which go on sale in December.
MacBook Pro gets the Touch Bar Products
Apple redesigns the MacBook Pro with a thinner body, USB-C ports and an OLED strip above the keyboard. Reactions to the new design are mixed, and the Touch Bar later disappears from the line.
AirPods go on sale Products
The wireless earbuds with the W1 chip finally reach customers after a delay. They become a very successful accessory.
Apple Park opening is announced Company
Apple says employees will begin moving into its new ring-shaped headquarters in Cupertino in April. The building was designed with Foster + Partners and was first proposed by Steve Jobs.
iPhone X and Steve Jobs Theater Products
The first event at the Steve Jobs Theater introduces the iPhone X, with an edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID. It also presents the iPhone 8 and Apple Watch Series 3.
HomePod goes on sale Products
Apple's smart speaker arrives with a focus on sound quality and Siri control. It reaches stores later than competing devices from Amazon and Google.
Apple becomes a one-trillion-dollar company Business
Apple's market value passes 1 trillion dollars, making it the first US public company to hit that level. The milestone comes about two decades after its near-bankruptcy.
Apple unveils its services push Business
At a event in the Steve Jobs Theater, Apple announces Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+ and the Apple Card. The event signals a shift toward services as a growing part of its business.
Jony Ive announces his departure People
Apple's chief design officer says he will leave to start the design company LoveFrom, with Apple as a client. His departure ends an era in Apple design.
AirPods Pro are released Products
The new earbuds have active noise cancellation and a transparency mode, with a shorter stem and silicone tips. They become a leading product in the category.
Apple TV+ launches Software
Apple's video streaming service starts in over 100 countries with original shows. It is Apple's first subscription video service.
Apple announces the move to Apple silicon Business
At WWDC, Tim Cook says the Mac will move from Intel processors to Apple's own chips over two years. The company shows a developer kit and the Rosetta 2 translation layer.
Apple reaches two trillion dollars Business
Apple becomes the first US company to reach a market value of 2 trillion dollars. It took just two years to double from the first trillion.
iPhone 12 brings 5G Products
The iPhone 12 line brings 5G, a flat-edged design and the MagSafe magnetic accessory system. The iPhone 12 mini is a smaller model in the lineup.
The M1 chip is announced Products
Apple presents its first Mac chip, used in the MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac mini. The new Macs deliver big gains in battery life and speed.
AirTag and the M1 iPad Pro Products
At the Spring Loaded event, Apple announces the AirTag tracker, a new iPad Pro with the M1 chip, and a colorful iMac. The AirTag helps locate lost items using the Find My network.
App Tracking Transparency arrives Software
iOS 14.5 requires apps to ask permission before tracking users across other companies' apps. The change shakes up the online advertising industry.
Epic Games v. Apple ruling Business
A federal judge rules that Apple must let developers point users to outside payment options, but does not find the App Store a monopoly. Both sides appeal in a case that continues for years.
M1 Pro and M1 Max arrive in the MacBook Pro Products
Apple relaunches the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with more powerful chips, a mini-LED display and the return of ports like HDMI and an SD slot. The notch also makes its first appearance on a Mac.
Apple reaches three trillion dollars Business
Apple briefly touches a market value of 3 trillion dollars during trading. It is the first company to reach this milestone.
Mac Studio and M1 Ultra Products
Apple introduces a compact desktop with the M1 Ultra, which joins two M1 Max chips. It fills a gap between the Mac mini and the Mac Pro.
M2 and the redesigned MacBook Air Products
At WWDC, Apple presents the second-generation M2 chip and a thinner MacBook Air in new colors. It also previews iOS 16 and macOS Ventura.
iPhone 14 Pro and the Dynamic Island Products
The iPhone 14 Pro replaces the notch with a pill-shaped cutout that changes shape with alerts and activities. The event also presents AirPods Pro 2.
Apple opens stores in India Company
Apple opens its first retail stores in Mumbai and, two days later, in Delhi. India is an increasingly important market for production and sales.
Vision Pro is announced Products
Tim Cook introduces a spatial computer headset with the "one more thing" line at WWDC. It is Apple's first major new product line since the Apple Watch.
iPhone 15 adopts USB-C Products
The iPhone 15 family replaces Lightning with USB-C and the iPhone 15 Pro uses a titanium frame. The change follows a European Union rule on common chargers.
M3 chips arrive at the Scary Fast event Products
Apple announces the M3 family and updated iMac and MacBook Pro models, with a ray tracing GPU. The event is streamed online late in the evening.
Vision Pro goes on sale Products
Apple's first spatial computer launches in the United States at 3,499 dollars. It introduces visionOS and spatial video.
Apple ends its car project Business
Apple tells employees internally that it is ending its long-running electric car effort, according to widespread reports. Many team members are moved to work on artificial intelligence.
European Commission fines Apple Business
The EU fines Apple about 1.8 billion euros over rules that kept music streaming apps from telling users about cheaper options outside the App Store. Apple says it will appeal.
Digital Markets Act takes effect Business
Apple opens iOS in the European Union to alternative app marketplaces and payment options to comply with the new law. It is a significant change in how the iPhone software platform works.
US Justice Department sues Apple Business
The DOJ and a group of states file an antitrust lawsuit accusing Apple of illegally maintaining a monopoly in smartphones. Apple says it will fight the case.
M4 iPad Pro is announced Products
The OLED iPad Pro is the first device with the M4 chip and is much thinner than before. It shows the move of the iPad Pro to a new display type.
Apple Intelligence is announced Software
At WWDC, Apple presents a set of generative AI features integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. It highlights on-device processing and a Private Cloud Compute system for harder requests.
iPhone 16 and Camera Control Products
The iPhone 16 line adds a Camera Control button and a chip designed for Apple Intelligence. The event also shows updates for Apple Watch and AirPods.
First Apple Intelligence features ship Software
iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 bring writing tools, notification summaries and a redesigned Siri look. Further features follow over the next months.
ChatGPT integration arrives in iOS 18.2 Software
Siri can pass requests to ChatGPT with the user's permission. The update also adds Image Playground and Genmoji.
iPhone 16e is announced Products
Apple introduces a lower-priced iPhone with its first in-house cellular modem, the C1. It replaces the iPhone SE line.
Apple announces a 500 billion dollar US investment Business
The company says it will spend more than 500 billion dollars in the United States over four years, covering manufacturing, AI servers and other projects. It comes at a time of rising tension over trade.
Court finds Apple in contempt in Epic case Business
A federal judge finds that Apple violated her 2021 order and bars it from charging commissions on some purchases made through links to the web. Apple says it will appeal.
Liquid Glass and the new OS naming Software
At WWDC, Apple unveils a design language with translucent surfaces for all its platforms. Software versions move to year-based numbers, such as iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26.
Jeff Williams to retire; Sabih Khan named COO People
Apple announces that its chief operating officer will retire and that Sabih Khan, who has led operations, will take on the role. The change is part of a series of leadership changes through the year.
iPhone 17 line and iPhone Air are announced Products
Apple presents the iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, as well as the ultra-thin iPhone Air. The event also covers new Apple Watch and AirPods models.
M5 chip arrives Products
Apple announces the M5 chip along with new MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Apple Vision Pro models. The company says it brings stronger graphics and AI performance.
Apple reaches four trillion dollars Business
Apple's market value passes 4 trillion dollars during trading. It is the third company to reach the milestone, after Nvidia and Microsoft.
AI chief John Giannandrea to retire People
Apple announces that its head of machine learning and AI strategy will step down and retire in spring 2026. Amar Subramanya joins as vice president of AI, reporting to Craig Federighi, to lead Apple Foundation Models and AI research.
Alan Dye leaves for Meta People
Apple's head of human interface design will join Meta, and the veteran designer Stephen Lemay takes over his team. The move is one of several senior changes at the end of 2025.
General counsel and policy chiefs to retire People
Apple announces that Kate Adams will retire in late 2026 and that Lisa Jackson will retire in January 2026. Jennifer Newstead is named the new general counsel starting March 2026.
Apple and Google agree to a Gemini partnership Business
The companies announce a multi-year deal under which the next Apple Foundation Models will be built on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. Apple says Apple Intelligence will still run on its devices and Private Cloud Compute.
MacBook Neo is announced Products
Apple introduces a lower-priced MacBook powered by an iPhone-class A18 Pro chip, starting at 599 dollars. It goes on sale on March 11.
Apple turns 50 Company
The company marks half a century since the founding by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Its market value has grown from nothing to several trillion dollars.
Tim Cook to step down; John Ternus named next CEO People
Apple announces that Cook will become executive chairman and John Ternus will take over as CEO on September 1. Arthur Levinson will become lead independent director, and Johny Srouji is named chief hardware officer.
Apple settles Siri shareholder lawsuit Business
Apple agrees to pay 250 million dollars to settle a suit over statements about delayed AI upgrades to Siri. The case had been filed in 2024.
WWDC 2026 begins Software
Apple's developer conference, with the tagline "All systems glow," introduces iOS 27, macOS Golden Gate and a Siri AI. It is Tim Cook's last WWDC as CEO.
Apple reaches five trillion dollars Business
Apple's market value passes 5 trillion dollars during trading. It is the second company to reach that level, after Nvidia.
John Ternus becomes CEO People
Ternus takes over as chief executive and joins the board, while Tim Cook becomes executive chairman. Cook led Apple for 15 years.
Surprise and shine event Products
Apple holds its first major product event under CEO John Ternus at Apple Park. It presents the iPhone 18 Pro generation, according to reports.