Here is a concise and detailed biography of Steve Jobs, one of the most influential figures in modern technology:
Full Name:
Steven Paul Jobs
Birth & Death:
- Born: February 24, 1955, in San Francisco, California, USA
- Died: October 5, 2011, in Palo Alto, California (aged 56)
- Cause of death: Complications from a rare type of pancreatic cancer (neuroendocrine tumor)
Early Life & Adoption
- Steve was adopted at birth by Paul and Clara Jobs, a working-class couple from Mountain View, California.
- His biological parents were Joanne Schieble and Abdulfattah Jandali, a Syrian immigrant.
- He grew up in Silicon Valley, where he developed an early interest in electronics and mechanics with help from his father.
Education
- Attended Homestead High School in Cupertino, California.
- Enrolled at Reed College in Oregon but dropped out after one semester.
- Continued auditing classes informally, including calligraphy, which later influenced the Mac’s typography.
Early Career
- In 1974, Jobs worked at Atari, a video game company, and saved money for a spiritual trip to India, seeking enlightenment.
- On returning, he became more deeply involved in electronics and connected again with his friend Steve Wozniak.
Apple Inc.
🔹 Co-founded in 1976
- With Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, Jobs co-founded Apple Computer Inc. in his parents’ garage.
- Released the Apple I and later the Apple II, one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputers.
🔹 The Macintosh (1984)
- Jobs introduced the Macintosh, the first personal computer with a graphical user interface and mouse.
- However, internal power struggles led to Jobs being ousted from Apple in 1985.
NeXT & Pixar
NeXT (1985–1997)
- Jobs founded NeXT Inc., focusing on high-end workstations for education and business.
- Though not commercially successful, NeXT’s software later became the foundation for macOS.
Pixar (acquired in 1986)
- Jobs bought The Graphics Group from Lucasfilm, which became Pixar Animation Studios.
- Pixar’s first film, Toy Story (1995), was a massive success.
- Disney bought Pixar in 2006, making Jobs Disney’s largest individual shareholder.
Return to Apple
- Apple acquired NeXT in 1997, bringing Jobs back to the company.
- He became CEO and launched a series of iconic products:
Key Innovations:
- iMac (1998) – colorful and user-friendly
- iPod (2001) – revolutionized digital music
- iTunes Store (2003) – changed how music is sold
- iPhone (2007) – redefined the smartphone
- App Store (2008) – created a new mobile app economy
- iPad (2010) – popularized the tablet market
Personality & Legacy
- Known for his perfectionism, charisma, and demanding leadership style.
- Practiced Buddhism, was influenced by Zen philosophy, and was a lifelong vegetarian.
- Wore a signature outfit: black turtleneck, jeans, and sneakers.
Impact & Recognition
- Widely regarded as a visionary and master of innovation.
- Credited with transforming seven industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, digital publishing, and retail.
Personal Life
- Married Laurene Powell in 1991; they had three children.
- He also had a daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, from a previous relationship.
- Known to be intensely private about his personal and health life.
Books & Films
- Biography: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson (authorized and widely acclaimed)
- Films:
- Jobs (2013) starring Ashton Kutcher
- Steve Jobs (2015) written by Aaron Sorkin, starring Michael Fassbender
Final Words
Jobs reportedly said on his deathbed:
“Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.”
His final public appearance was to present Apple’s new Cupertino campus plans to the city council in June 2011.