Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Set for 2025 Debut with Staggering Price Tag
Apple’s Evolution: Key Milestones (1976–2024)
Condensed timeline of innovation, leadership, and global impact.
1976–1984: The Birth of a Tech Giant
Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne launched Apple on April 1, 1976, selling the Apple I computer kit. A year later, the Apple II—the first mass-market PC—revolutionized personal computing.
[Image suggestion: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak with early Apple prototypes in a garage.]
In 1984, Apple debuted the Macintosh during the Super Bowl’s iconic “1984” ad. Despite its innovative graphical interface, it struggled commercially, leading to Jobs’ departure in 1985.
1987–1997: Turbulence and Transition
The Macintosh II (1987) introduced color displays, but Apple faced leadership chaos. By 1997, declining profits prompted Apple to acquire Jobs’ company, NeXT, bringing him back as interim CEO.
[Image suggestion: Jobs presenting the iMac in 1998, marking his return.]
2001–2007: The Digital Revolution
Apple reshaped industries:
- iTunes (2001) and the iPod transformed music consumption (1,000-song capacity).
- The iPhone (2007) redefined smartphones with touchscreens and apps.
[Image suggestion: Jobs unveiling the iPhone with his signature “One more thing” line.]
2010–2011: Post-PC Era and Leadership Change
The iPad (2010) popularized tablets, but Jobs resigned as CEO in 2011 amid health struggles, passing the role to Tim Cook. Jobs died months later from pancreatic cancer.
2014–2018: Expanding Ecosystems
- Apple Watch (2014) and larger iPhone 6/6 Plus catered to evolving needs.
- Apple Music (2015) challenged Spotify after acquiring Beats.
- iPhone X (2017) introduced Face ID and edge-to-edge displays.
[Image suggestion: Tim Cook holding the Apple Watch.]
Apple also addressed tech addiction in 2018 with iOS 12 screen-time tools.
2019–2024: Global Challenges and AI Ambitions
- 2019: First revenue decline in a decade, partly due to China’s market slump.
- 2020: Stores closed globally (except China) during COVID-19.
- 2021: iPhone 13 launch and a carbon-neutral pledge for Earth Day.
- 2023: Revived HomePod smart speaker to compete with Alexa/Google.
- 2024: Entered AI with Apple Intelligence, rolling out features gradually.
[Image suggestion: Concept art of Apple’s AI integration in devices.]
Legacy: From a garage startup to a $3 trillion titan, Apple’s journey reflects relentless innovation, leadership pivots, and cultural influence. Its future hinges on balancing tradition with AI and sustainability.
Word count: ~600
