HISTORY
Steve Jobs (1955–2011) was a visionary U.S. businessman and co-founder of Apple Inc. He revolutionized personal computing with the Apple I (1976) and Macintosh (1984). After leaving Apple in 1985, he founded NeXT but returned in 1996, becoming CEO in 1997. Jobs led Apple to success with iconic products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003, he resigned as CEO in 2011 and became chairman before passing away later that year.
EARLY LIFE
Steven Paul Jobs was born on February 24, 1955, in San Francisco to Joanne Schieble and Abdulfattah Jandali. Due to family opposition, Schieble arranged for his adoption. Initially chosen adoptive parents backed out, leading Jobs to be adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs. Despite initial reluctance, Schieble agreed after they promised to fund his college education.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Steve Jobs was adopted by Clara and Paul Jobs; his biological father was Syrian, and his mother was American.
- Met Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak in high school at age 13; Wozniak was 18.
- At 13, Jobs got a summer job at HP from Bill Hewlett.
- Followed a pescetarian diet, later became a fruitarian.
- Attended Reed College in 1972, then dropped out to travel to India and study Zen Buddhism.
- Considered taking LSD in college one of the most important experiences of his life.
- Took various courses, survived on free food, and slept on floors.
- Worked night shifts at Atari due to poor hygiene, often walked barefoot and didn’t shower.
- Applied to fly on the Space Shuttle as a civilian astronaut in 1985 but was rejected.
- Worth $1M at 23, $250M at 25, and became one of the youngest on the Forbes list.
ACHIEVEMENTS
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Co-founding Apple Inc. (1976) – Along with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, Jobs launched Apple, revolutionizing personal computing.
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Introducing the Macintosh (1984) – The first commercially successful computer with a graphical user interface and a mouse.
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Reviving Apple (1997) – After returning to Apple, Jobs turned the struggling company into one of the world’s most valuable tech giants.
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Launching the iPod (2001) – Changed the music industry by making digital music widely accessible.
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Revolutionizing Smartphones with the iPhone (2007) – Set new standards for mobile technology, shaping the modern smartphone industry.
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Pioneering the App Store (2008) – Created a thriving ecosystem for mobile apps, transforming how people use technology.
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Transforming Animation with Pixar (1995) – As the owner of Pixar, he helped produce groundbreaking films like Toy Story, changing the animation industry.
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Introducing the iPad (2010) – Popularized tablets, bridging the gap between smartphones and laptops.
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Building Apple’s Brand & Design Philosophy – Emphasized simplicity, aesthetics, and user experience, influencing global tech design.
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Leaving a Lasting Legacy – His visionary leadership and innovations continue to shape industries like computing, entertainment, and mobile technology.