APPLETON, Wis. — As Apple Inc. approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, the company's journey from a garage startup to a global tech giant has captivated the world. Founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in Los Altos, California, Apple has redefined personal computing, mobile technology, and consumer electronics. David Pogue, a veteran technology journalist and correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning, recently reflected on this remarkable evolution in a segment aired on CBS News, highlighting how the company's innovations have shaped modern life over the past five decades.
Pogue, who has covered Apple for much of his career spanning over 30 years, described the early days as a time of bold experimentation. "When I first started writing about tech in the 1980s, Apple was already this quirky underdog," Pogue said in the CBS interview. He recounted how the Apple I, hand-built by Wozniak in Jobs' parents' garage, sold for $666.66 in 1976 and marked the beginning of a revolution in accessible computing. According to Pogue, the machine's success led to the formation of Apple Computer Inc., with Wayne selling his 10% stake for $800 just 12 days after incorporation—a decision that would later be worth billions.
The launch of the Apple II in 1977 propelled the company forward. Priced at $1,298, it featured color graphics and expandability, becoming one of the first mass-produced microcomputers. Pogue noted that this model not only brought computing to homes and schools but also introduced the concept of software ecosystems. "The Apple II was a game-changer; it showed that computers could be for everyone, not just hobbyists," he explained. Sales reached 6 million units by the mid-1980s, according to historical records cited in Pogue's discussion.
However, Apple's path was not without turbulence. The introduction of the Macintosh in 1984, famously advertised during the Super Bowl with George Orwell's 1984 imagery, promised a graphical user interface that made computing intuitive. At $2,495, it was a premium product, but initial sales disappointed due to its high price and limited software. Pogue recalled the internal struggles: "Steve Jobs was ousted in 1985, and it felt like Apple might fade away." Indeed, under CEO John Sculley, the company faced fierce competition from IBM-compatible PCs running Microsoft's Windows.
By the early 1990s, Apple was losing market share. The Newton MessagePad, launched in 1993 as one of the first personal digital assistants, was criticized for its handwriting recognition flaws and sold poorly at $700. Pogue described this era as Apple's "wilderness years," where innovation stalled amid boardroom battles. In 1997, with the company on the brink of bankruptcy, Jobs returned as interim CEO after Apple's acquisition of his NeXT Inc. for $429 million. "That was the pivot point," Pogue said. "Jobs came back and simplified everything."
Under Jobs' renewed leadership, Apple unveiled the iMac G3 in 1998—a colorful, all-in-one computer that sold 800,000 units in its first five months at $1,299. This revival extended to music with the iPod in 2001, priced at $399, which revolutionized portable audio by integrating with iTunes. Pogue emphasized the synergy: "The iPod wasn't just a player; it was the start of Apple's closed ecosystem that we all live in today." By 2005, iPod sales had exceeded 20 million annually, helping Apple achieve profitability.
The iPhone's debut in 2007 at Macworld in San Francisco marked Apple's entry into mobile phones. Announced by Jobs as "a revolutionary and magical product," it combined a phone, iPod, and internet communicator in a touchscreen device starting at $499. Pogue, who attended the event, remembered the awe: "The room erupted; it was clear this would change everything." Within a year, the App Store launched with 500 apps, growing to over 2 million by 2023. iPhone sales hit 1.39 billion units cumulatively by 2022, according to company reports.
Apple's expansion continued with the iPad in 2010, a tablet that sold 3 million units in its first 80 days at prices from $499. Pogue highlighted how these products democratized technology: "Apple made complex tech feel simple, turning consumers into creators." Yet, not all ventures succeeded; the Apple TV set-top box, introduced in 2007, faced criticism for limited content and high pricing, though it evolved into a streaming powerhouse with over 25 million users by 2023.
Tragedy struck in 2011 when Jobs passed away from pancreatic cancer at age 56. Tim Cook, who had been COO since 1998, succeeded him as CEO. Under Cook, Apple emphasized services and privacy. The Apple Watch launched in 2015, starting at $349, and by 2023, it held 50% of the global smartwatch market. Pogue praised Cook's focus: "He's turned Apple into a services company, with revenue from App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud surpassing hardware in growth rates." In fiscal 2023, services generated $85 billion, up 14% from the previous year.
Challenges persist. Apple has faced antitrust scrutiny, including a 2023 U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit alleging monopolistic App Store practices. In Europe, the Digital Markets Act has forced changes like allowing sideloading. Pogue noted the tensions: "Apple's walled garden is both its strength and its vulnerability." Additionally, supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted production in China, where most iPhones are assembled by Foxconn.
Environmental efforts have also defined recent years. Apple committed to carbon neutrality by 2030, with 98% of its 2022 energy from renewables. The company phased out chargers in packaging to reduce e-waste, a move that drew mixed reactions—some praised the sustainability, while others complained about added costs. According to Pogue, "Apple's influence extends beyond products; it's setting standards for the industry."
Looking globally, Apple's market capitalization reached $3 trillion in 2023, making it the world's most valuable company. It employs over 164,000 people worldwide, with major campuses in Cupertino, California, and Austin, Texas. Pogue reflected on the cultural impact: "From the Apple I to the Vision Pro spatial computer announced in 2023 at $3,499, Apple has been about dreaming big." The Vision Pro, set for release in early 2024, aims to blend digital and physical worlds, potentially opening new revenue streams.
As Apple nears 50 years, questions linger about its future innovation. With Cook at the helm until at least 2025, per reports, the company invests heavily in AI, health tech, and electric vehicles—though the latter project was reportedly canceled in 2024. Pogue remains optimistic: "Apple's story isn't over; it's just evolving." Analysts predict continued growth, with iPhone upgrades driven by 5G and AI features in upcoming models.
The evolution of Apple mirrors the tech industry's broader arc—from niche innovation to ubiquitous influence. For residents of Appleton and beyond, Apple's products are daily necessities, powering work, entertainment, and connection. As Pogue concluded in his CBS segment, "Covering Apple has been like watching history unfold in real time."
Whether through nostalgic reflections or forward-looking strategies, Apple's legacy endures, a testament to visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence.