Introduction
In 1976 college dropouts, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, assisted by Ron Wayne embarked on a path to start a tech company that would create new innovative products by connecting people all over the world. This company came to be known as Apple Computers which has become a global leader in Technology and cultural innovation. The rise of Apple computers did not come easy and along with the major success obtained their failures have not gone without notice. Yet, through the joy of success and the agony of defeat, Apple has continued to reinvent its brand over four decades.
The Success and Failures of Apple
In April of 1976, Apple launched the Apple I computer with the price tag of $666.66. Initial sales were underwhelming due to the
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A culture of privacy can limit the ability of teamwork among the employees which is a core competency for Apple. Furthermore, the militant attitude displayed by the top dog Steve Jobs, has a trickle down effect. This serves as a disadvantage which can ultimately limit the employee’s confidence in being creative. These issues shine a light on areas where Apple can adjust in making their work culture more efficient. Even with these issues, Steve Jobs and Apple have shown that over time a strong company culture can lift a business from the verge of bankruptcy to record breaking sales. The importance of company culture is essential to your business success and failures. ("Steve Jobs, Apple, and the Importance of Company Culture," …show more content…
By continuing to evaluate industry dynamics, Apple has figured out how to forecast the consumer need based on the current industry trends. For instance, Apple took notice of the growing demand for wireless headsets like Beats by Dre. That demand led to a change in product development with the release of the iPhone 7, as they introduced the new AirPods. Apple is also working on internal innovation in the Virtual Reality market, which is the next wave of technological innovation in the upcoming years.
Works Citied
Alba, A., & Alba, A. (2017). Apple turns 40: A timeline of the tech giant's evolution. NY Daily News. Retrieved 4 July 2017, from http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/apple-turns-40-timeline-tech-giant-evolution-article-1.2581048
Goble, G. (2017). Apple’s Worst Products and Biggest Failures. Digital Trends. Retrieved 5 July 2017, from https://www.digitaltrends.com/apple/apples-worst-products-and-biggest-failures/ Haussler, P. (2017). How Apple Breaks All The “Rules” of an Innovation Culture. Quantumworkplace.com. Retrieved 5 July 2017, from
Steve Jobs is a world-renowned entrepreneur who revolutionized the technology industry. He is best known as Apple’s co-founder (“Obituary: Steve Jobs”, 2011). Jobs’ numerous innovations not only changed the world, but they also developed the personal computer industry. The Apple co-founder never seized to amaze his audience with his endless unique innovations. Throughout his career, Jobs contributed to the technology industry with devices such as the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, iPad, iMac and MacBook (O'Reilly, 2011). His death on October 5, 2011 marked the end of an innovative streak (O'Reilly, 2011).
Within the last decade Apple has become one of the largest growing companies in the world and the largest valued company in the United States. According to a recent article in The Guardian, a global financial news website, “Apple set a record by becoming the first company to be valued at over $700bn (£446bn).” (Fletcher, N. 2014) This comes as no surprise to the average computer aficionado and shareholder as Apple has been making a name for itself since its inception. From its earliest Macintosh models to today’s iPhones, Apple has been a trailblazer for software, technology and revolutionizing the way we communicate on a Macro level. Their dedication to innovation, quality and service has made them
(2017). Apple turns 40: A timeline of the tech giant's evolution. NY Daily News. Retrieved 4 July 2017, from http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/apple-turns-40-timeline-tech-giant-evolution-article-1.2581048
The development of Apple Inc. came during the unstable economic times of the 1970’s. Best friends and college dropouts, Steve Jobs and Stephen Wozniak pooled their electronic and business skills to market what was to become the first personal computer. Stephen Wozniak had designed a small computer, the Apple 1, for the enjoyment of some friends at a Homebrew Computer Club meeting. The Apple 1 developed in Steve Jobs’ bedroom and garage, while he envisioned the commercial potential of a personal computer that could help families with personal finances and small businesses with day to day tasks. Vision, drive and creativity allowed this entrepreneur to take the risk to create a business. The challenge of building that business and the desire to control his destiny required passion and perseverance along with innovation.
“Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital, music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad (Rowland, 2015).”
From the first Apple computer to the iWatch, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started out in the business of kit computers with the Apple I. This initial production run, although popular as a collectible now, will mainly be remembered for helping the company get enough capital to build the Apple II in 1977 - the same year Apple officially incorporated. Steve Wozniak primarily built both these computers and Steve Jobs handled the marketing side. The Apple II drove the company’s revenue until the mid-1980s despite the hardware remaining the same. Apple attempted updates like the Apple III and the Apple Lisa, but these failed to catch on commercially. Although the Apple II was still selling, Apple as a company was in trouble when the 80s began. The 1984 release of the Macintosh was a leap forward for Apple, but in the intervening years between the Apple II and the Macintosh, IBM had caught up. Disappointing revenues from the Macintosh and internal struggles for control led to Apple’s board dismissing Steve Jobs in favor of John Sculley. Steve Inc. Under Sculley, Apple started growing its product lines. John Sculley served as Apple’s CEO
Steve Jobs' amazed the PC revolution and made Apple an icon of American business. But somewhere along the way, Jobs' vision got cloudy. Jobs did indeed increase Apple's growth, yet without him, the company would of lost its sense of direction. After nearly 10 years of plummeting sales, Apple turned to its visionary state of mind. The process was hard for Steve jobs, through the ups and downs, technology has advanced and impacted todays future. "We started out to get a computer in the hands of everyday people, and we succeeded beyond our wildest dreams."-Steve Jobs
.... "Apple Computer." St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture. Ed. Sara Pendergast and Tom Pendergast. Vol. 1. Detroit: St. James Press, 2000. 106- 107. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 17 Oct. 2011.
The history of Apple began thirty years ago, when the two friends, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak decided to found their own company for the production and release of computers.
Apple Inc. is one of those companies that continues to introduce new innovations into the market every year. They are a leading multinational technology company specializing in the development, design, and sell of software, online services and applications, and personal computing devices. As with any business risk or uncertainty is always a concern (Byrd, Hickman, & McPherson, 2013). Apple’s success is often contributed to their past leadership, with Steve Jobs at the helm. However, following his death in 2011, there was a lot of speculation on whether or not the company would continue to be a leader in the market without Steve Jobs (Tetzeli, 2015). This is just one of the uncertainties that Apple has faced in the past few years. Through
Apple is “the world’s most colorful company,” Linzmayer, Owen . Apple Confidential 2.0. 1st. San Francisco, CA: No Starch Press, 2004. When looking at its meager beginnings Apple’s influence on the media could only be described as unique. Their product, style, and overall beliefs make the Apple Corporation a multi-billion dollar company with a general appeal for all ages. It is getting harder and harder to be an individual, so with Apple you can “rise above the norm” and be unique. Recently, this unique corporation has taken the media by storm, with their new line of products. Right along side these new products are a full line of new commercials to go along with them. These new commercials spawned from years of creative marketing done on Apple’s part. Studying the history of Apple is necessary to understanding their influence upon us today.
O'Grady, J.D. (2008). Recent Titles in Corporations That Changed the World. In Apple Inc... Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood. Retrieved from http://ebooks.abc-clio.com/reader.aspx?isbn=9780313362453&id=GR6244-4
Taking a step back into Apple's product history, and noticing how ancient the first products seem, compared to the sleek, "cool" products of today, will leave you feeling inspired. Apple has gained technological superiority over its competitors, but how and does Apple plan to continue its advantageous market share in such a rapid, fast-paced technological era? Apple has a cult like following, consumers who are anticipating and ready to purchase new Apple products as soon as they are released. Technology has become second nature and a very important aspect of millions of consumers' lives.
Apple Inc. was established by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak on April 1, 1976 as a computer designer, developer and seller company. However, the company shifted its focus from only personal computer to include other consumer electronics such as portable media player and mobile phone in 2007. Apple Inc becomes one of the most popular makers in its field since it seems that its popularity has increased according to a report on www.statista.com that Apple Inc’s products sales was generally increasing throughout the first quarter of 2006 to the first quarter of 2014. On the one hand, it has increased its revenue from about 14 billion US dollars to more than 170 billion US dollars in 2013. All in all, the company is highly successful corresponding to its products’ development and their sales growth in world’s market.
There are many role models in the world. They may be individuals or an oranization but their success is inspiring for others and we try to find out the reasons for such a brilliant succes. This is the case with Apple as well tat has enjoyed this status since 1981.