1976
Apple begins
Jobs, Wozniak and Wayne form Apple. The Apple I starts the company’s product history.
Source ↗1976 → 2026 / THE APPLE ARCHIVE
Small beginnings.
A remarkable product story.
From the Apple I circuit board to pocket computers, tablets and modern Macs. Explore the hardware, the years and the ideas that shaped Apple.
EST.1976669 catalogue entries · 11 categories
A company, not a single invention
Apple was founded on April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Its first product was the Apple I computer board. The company’s later history spans personal computers, portable music, phones, tablets and wearable devices.
These milestones describe products and changes in direction. Apple built on earlier computing research; the timeline does not claim it invented every technology in its products.
1977
The Apple II era
Apple II expands the idea of a ready-to-use personal computer.
Source ↗1983
Lisa explores the graphical desktop
Lisa brings a mouse-driven graphical interface to Apple’s business computer range.
Source ↗1984
The Macintosh arrives
The original Macintosh combines a graphical interface with a compact all-in-one design.
Source ↗1991
PowerBook takes the Mac on the road
The PowerBook line becomes an important part of Apple’s portable-computer history.
Source ↗1997
A change in direction
Steve Jobs returns to Apple following its acquisition of NeXT.
Source ↗1998
iMac makes its entrance
A translucent, colourful all-in-one Mac signals a new design direction.
Source ↗2001
Music joins the story
The iPod adds a dedicated portable music player to Apple’s product line.
Source ↗2007
The first iPhone
The original iPhone combines phone functions, media and a touch-driven interface.
Source ↗2008
A lighter notebook
MacBook Air introduces a thin notebook branch within the Mac family.
Source ↗2010
iPad creates another screen size
The first iPad adds a larger touch-based device to Apple’s mobile lineup.
Source ↗2015
Apple moves onto the wrist
The first Apple Watch brings apps and notifications to a wearable device.
Source ↗2016
AirPods enter the audio lineup
AirPods add a new wireless-earbud family to Apple’s accessories.
Source ↗2020
Apple silicon reaches the Mac
M1 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac mini models begin the Mac’s transition to Apple silicon.
Source ↗2024
Vision Pro arrives
Apple Vision Pro introduces a headset-based product family.
Source ↗2026
Fifty years of Apple
Apple marks fifty years since its founding on April 1, 1976.
Source ↗