Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Wenivesh Team
Steve Jobs is one of the most iconic and influential figures in the tech industry. He co-founded Apple Inc. and revolutionized personal computing, smartphones, and digital music. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at Steve Jobs’ life and legacy, following a timeline of significant events from his birth to his passing.
1955-1971: Early Life and Education
Steve Jobs was born in San Francisco, California, on February 24, 1955, to unmarried parents who gave him up for adoption. He was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs, who raised him in Mountain View, California. As a child, Jobs was interested in electronics and gadgets, and he spent many hours tinkering with electronics and machines. He attended Homestead High School, where he met Steve Wozniak, who would later co-found Apple with him.
1972-1974: College and Early Career
After graduating from high school in 1972, Jobs enrolled at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. However, he dropped out after just one semester and returned to California. He briefly attended classes at De Anza College and worked as a technician at Atari, a video game company. He saved money to travel to India, where he spent seven months at a spiritual retreat and experimented with psychedelic drugs.
1975-1980: Founding Apple and Early Success
In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple Computer, Inc. in the Jobs family garage. They released the Apple I computer, which was the first personal computer with a fully assembled circuit board. Apple went public in 1980, making Jobs and Wozniak millionaires.
1981-1985: Apple’s Rise and Departure
In 1981, Apple released the first commercially successful personal computer, the Apple II. Jobs’ vision for a user-friendly computer and his emphasis on design and aesthetics helped make Apple a household name. However, Jobs’ management style clashed with other executives at Apple, and in 1985 he was forced out of the company.
1985-1996: NeXT Computer and Pixar Animation
After leaving Apple, Jobs founded NeXT Computer, Inc., a company that developed high-end computers for the education and business markets. In 1986, Jobs bought Pixar Animation Studios, which went on to produce blockbuster hits such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles.
1997-2011: Return to Apple and Continued Innovation
In 1997, Apple purchased NeXT, bringing Jobs back to the company he co-founded. He served as CEO from 1997 until 2011, during which time he oversaw the development of some of Apple’s most iconic products, including the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. He was also known for his charismatic keynote speeches, which became a signature of Apple product launches.
2011: Death and Legacy
Steve Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011, at the age of 56, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His passing was met with an outpouring of grief from people around the world. Jobs’ legacy lives on through Apple, which continues to innovate and produce groundbreaking products that change the way we live and work.
Conclusion
Steve Jobs was a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the tech industry with his creativity, innovation, and attention to design. He co-founded Apple and oversaw the development of some of the most iconic products of our time, including the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. The life and legacy of Steve Jobs continues to inspire future generations of tech entrepreneurs and his contributions to the industry will never be forgotten.