Career Timeline of Steve Jobs: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Steve Jobs, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Steve Jobs, a pivotal figure in the personal computer revolution, co-founded Apple Inc. in 1976. Following his departure from Apple in 1985, he established NeXT and acquired Pixar, leading it to animation success. He returned to Apple as CEO in 1997, spearheading the development and marketing of iconic products like the iPhone and iPad, transforming Apple into one of the world's most valuable companies. Jobs resigned from Apple in 2011 and passed away shortly after, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and design.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1968: Summer Job at Hewlett-Packard

In 1968, Steve Jobs was given a summer job by Bill Hewlett of Hewlett-Packard after Jobs cold-called him to ask for parts.

February 1974: Return Home and Job at Atari

In February 1974, Jobs returned to his parents' home and was hired by Atari, Inc. as a computer technician.

1975: Designing Breakout at Atari

In 1975, Jobs was assigned to create a circuit board for the arcade video game Breakout at Atari, enlisting Wozniak's help.

1975: Homebrew Computer Club and Arrest

In 1975, Steve Jobs attended meetings of the Homebrew Computer Club, a pivotal step towards developing the first Apple computer. Also in 1975, Jobs claimed he was arrested in Eugene, Oregon for allegedly being a minor in possession of alcohol and having an unpaid speeding ticket.

March 1976: Wozniak Completes Apple I Design

In March 1976, Wozniak completed the basic design of the Apple I computer and showed it to Jobs, who suggested that they sell it.

April 1, 1976: Founding of Apple Computer Company

On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne founded Apple Computer Company (now called Apple Inc.) as a business partnership in Jobs's parents' home.

1976: Co-founding Apple to Sell Apple I

In 1976, Jobs and Wozniak co-founded Apple to develop and sell Wozniak's Apple I personal computer.

1976: Co-founding of Apple

In 1976, Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Inc. (originally Apple Computer Company) with Steve Wozniak, marking the beginning of their journey in the personal computer industry.

February 1977: Mike Scott Appointed as Apple CEO

In February 1977, Mike Scott from National Semiconductor was recruited to serve as the first president and CEO of Apple, a decision that displeased Steve Jobs.

April 1977: Introduction of the Apple II

In April 1977, Jobs and Wozniak introduced the Apple II at the West Coast Computer Faire, marking Apple Computer's first consumer product. It went on to become one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products in the world.

June 10, 1977: Apple II first sold

The Apple II, an 8-bit home computer designed primarily by Wozniak and overseen by Jobs, was first sold on June 10, 1977.

1978: Development of Lisa begins

In 1978, Apple began developing the Lisa, a personal computer aimed at business users that featured a graphical user interface.

1978: Jobs Becomes a Millionaire

In 1978, at age 23, Steve Jobs's net worth exceeded $1 million.

1979: Seeing the Potential of Xerox Alto

In 1979, Steve Jobs recognized the commercial potential of the Xerox Alto, which influenced the development of future Apple products.

1981: Jobs Takes Over Macintosh Development

In 1981, Jobs took over the development of the Macintosh project from Jef Raskin.

1982: Jobs takes over the Macintosh project

In 1982, Steve Jobs took over the Macintosh project after being forced out of the Lisa project, incorporating inspiration from the Lisa.

1983: Development of Apple Lisa

In 1983, Apple developed the Apple Lisa, a computer that was largely unsuccessful, marking a challenging phase in the company's history.

1983: Hiring John Sculley as Apple's CEO

In 1983, Jobs successfully recruited John Sculley from Pepsi-Cola to become Apple's CEO.

January 22, 1984: Apple Airs "1984" Super Bowl Commercial

On January 22, 1984, Apple aired the "1984" Super Bowl television commercial to promote the Macintosh.

January 24, 1984: Introduction of the Macintosh

On January 24, 1984, Steve Jobs introduced the Macintosh at Apple's annual shareholders meeting at De Anza College.

1984: Launch of Macintosh

In 1984, the Macintosh was launched as the first mass-produced computer with a graphical user interface, revolutionizing the personal computer industry.

January 1985: Apple's Annual Meeting Omits Apple II

In January 1985, Apple's annual meeting did not mention the Apple II division, despite its products accounting for 85% of the company's sales. This led to frustration and the departure of employees like Steve Wozniak.

May 1985: Sculley Reorganizes Apple

In May 1985, John Sculley decided to reorganize Apple, removing Jobs from the Macintosh group and placing him in charge of "New Product Development".

September 17, 1985: Jobs Resigns from Apple

On September 17, 1985, Steve Jobs submitted his resignation to the Apple Board, and five other senior Apple employees resigned to join him in his new venture, NeXT.

1985: Departure from Apple and Founding of NeXT

In 1985, Jobs left Apple after a power struggle and founded NeXT, a computer platform development company.

1985: Jobs starts NeXT

In 1985, after being forced out of Apple, Steve Jobs started NeXT, a workstation computer company.

1985: Desktop Publishing Industry Launched

In 1985, the desktop publishing industry was launched with the Apple LaserWriter and Aldus PageMaker.

1986: Purchase of Pixar

In 1986, Jobs bought the computer graphics division of Lucasfilm, which became Pixar, marking his entry into the animation industry.

October 12, 1988: NeXT computer launch

On October 12, 1988, Steve Jobs showcased the NeXT computer at a lavish, invitation-only gala launch event held at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, California. The event was considered Jobs's comeback and was described as a multimedia extravaganza.

1988: NeXT Computer introduced

In 1988, The NeXT Computer was introduced at a lavish launch event.

1994: Interview on Blue Boxes

In a 1994 interview, Jobs recalled that it took six months for him and Wozniak to design the blue boxes. He attributed some of his success to Wozniak's blue boxes, because "there wouldn't have been an Apple".

1995: Pixar Releases Toy Story

In 1995, Pixar released Toy Story, the first computer-animated feature film, achieving commercial and critical success.

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1997: Return to Apple as CEO

In 1997, Steve Jobs returned to Apple as CEO after the company's acquisition of NeXT, revitalizing the company.

1997: Return to Apple and Elimination of Philanthropic Programs

Upon his 1997 return to Apple, Jobs optimized the failing company to the core, such as eliminating all philanthropic programs, never to be restored.

1998: Introduction of Apple's iMac G3

In 1998, Apple's iMac G3 was introduced, featuring an innovative design that was a direct result of Steve Jobs's return to Apple.

1999: Board Member at Gap Inc.

From 1999, Steve Jobs was a board member at Gap Inc.

1999: Apple introduces the Graphite gray Apple iMac

In 1999, Apple introduced the Graphite gray Apple iMac and since has varied the shape, color and size considerably while maintaining the all-in-one design.

October 23, 2001: First generation of iPod released

On October 23, 2001, the first generation of the iPod was released, featuring a small size due to its 1.8" hard drive. It sold for US$399, and more than 100,000 iPods were sold before the end of 2001. The introduction of the iPod resulted in Apple becoming a major player in the music industry.

2002: End of Board Membership at Gap Inc.

In 2002, Steve Jobs concluded his tenure as a board member at Gap Inc.

2005: Apple began work on the first iPhone

In 2005, Apple began work on the first iPhone.

January 24, 2006: Disney Purchases Pixar

On January 24, 2006, Steve Jobs and Bob Iger announced that Disney had agreed to purchase Pixar in an all-stock transaction worth $7.4 billion. With this deal, Jobs became The Walt Disney Company's largest single shareholder.

August 2006: Jobs's appearance at WWDC sparks health concerns

In early August 2006, Steve Jobs delivered the keynote at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). His thin appearance and listless delivery led to speculation about his health, though some attendees said he looked fine. Apple spokesperson maintained that "Steve's health is robust".

June 29, 2007: Introduction of the iPhone

On June 29, 2007, Apple entered the cellular phone business with the introduction of the iPhone, a multi-touch display cell phone, which also included the features of an iPod and revolutionized the mobile browsing scene.

2007: Chairman of Pixar

In 2007, Steve Jobs served as Chairman of Pixar.

July 2008: Release of iPhone 3G

In July 2008, the iPhone 3G was released. It featured support for GPS, 3G data, and tri-band UMTS/HSDPA.

September 2008: Jobs quells death rumors

In September 2008, Steve Jobs responded to the false reports of his death at Apple's Let's Rock keynote, quoting Mark Twain. At a media event, he shared his blood pressure, signaling he would not answer more health questions.

December 16, 2008: Phil Schiller to deliver Macworld keynote

On December 16, 2008, Apple announced that Phil Schiller would deliver the keynote address at Macworld Conference and Expo 2009, reviving questions about Steve Jobs's health.

2008: Health concerns following 2008 WWDC Keynote Address

In 2008, concerns arose after Steve Jobs's WWDC keynote address. Apple officials attributed it to a "common bug," while others speculated about the Whipple procedure. During a July conference call, Apple insisted it was a "private matter".

January 14, 2009: Jobs announces six-month leave of absence

On January 14, 2009, Steve Jobs announced a six-month leave of absence to focus on his health. Tim Cook became acting CEO, with Jobs still involved in major decisions.

June 2009: Introduction of iPhone 3GS

In June 2009, Phil Schiller introduced the iPhone 3GS, which featured improvements like voice control, a better camera, and a faster processor.

June 2009: End of leave of absence

In June 2009, Steve Jobs's six-month leave of absence ended.

April 3, 2010: Release of the First iPad

On April 3, 2010, the first iPad was released. It is an iOS-based line of tablet computers designed and marketed by Apple.

Apple iPad (10th Generation): with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Silver

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January 17, 2011: Jobs granted another leave of absence

On January 17, 2011, Apple announced that Steve Jobs had been granted another leave of absence to focus on his health. Tim Cook would run day-to-day operations and Jobs would remain involved in major strategic decisions.

August 24, 2011: Jobs resigns as Apple CEO

On August 24, 2011, Steve Jobs announced his resignation as Apple's CEO due to his inability to meet the duties and expectations. He became chairman of the board, with Tim Cook as his successor. Jobs continued to work for Apple until the day before his death.