Apple is celebrating its 50th anniversary, prompting reflection on the enigmatic figure who founded it: Steve Jobs. After interviewing over 150 individuals who worked alongside him, David Pogue delves into the enduring mystery of the man who transformed Apple from near bankruptcy in 1996 into a global powerhouse.

Tim Cook on Preserving Jobs’s Legacy

Despite the passage of time, Apple’s current CEO, Tim Cook, believes the company remains deeply rooted in Jobs’s vision. “His DNA is deep in this company, and we revere him,” Cook stated. He emphasized that Jobs’s principles – simplicity, elegant design, a holistic approach to product creation, and a focus on select offerings – continue to guide Apple’s direction.

Apple’s Current Standing

Today, Apple boasts a market capitalization of $4 trillion and is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy. Approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide – 31 percent of the global population – utilize Apple products. The company has successfully differentiated itself in a competitive market, with many consumers believing its products consistently outperform the competition.

The Two Sides of Steve Jobs

The Ruthless Innovator

Jobs’s infamous intensity is well-documented. He was known for harsh criticism, often delivered publicly. “This is a piece of shit,” he’d reportedly shout at team members. Macintosh programmer Steve Capps recalled Jobs’s initial dismissiveness evolving into encouragement over time, but the initial impact could be devastating. Some colleagues experienced lasting trauma from these interactions.

However, others argue that Jobs’s demanding nature was a catalyst for exceptional work. Guy Kawasaki, Apple’s early developer evangelist, stated, “He was driven by a mission to make the greatest computer… And if you got in the way of that, he would run you over.”

The Evolving Leader

Following his departure from Apple in 1985 and subsequent return in 1997, Jobs exhibited a more empathetic side. When he canceled the Newton handheld computer, he responded to protesting employees with coffee and doughnuts, expressing his regret. This demonstrated a shift from the earlier, more abrasive “Steve 1.0.”

The “Reality Distortion Field”

Those who worked with Jobs often described his ability to persuade others, even in the face of seemingly impossible challenges – a phenomenon known as his “reality-distortion field.” This charisma and unwavering conviction allowed him to achieve remarkable feats.

In 1984, despite facing a critical software deadline for the Macintosh, Jobs inspired his exhausted team to work tirelessly and deliver a functional product. Similarly, he convinced the public of the necessity of eliminating floppy drives and printer ports on the iMac in 1998, and pushed his engineers to develop the first iPod in a remarkably short timeframe.

Beyond the Public Persona

A Playful Side

Steve Wozniak, Apple’s co-founder, revealed a lesser-known side of Jobs – a playful and humorous individual. He described a “Steve Jobs 0” from before Apple’s founding, characterized by shared interests and lighthearted pranks. Jobs was known for incorporating humor into Apple’s product presentations, even mooning a rehearsal audience during a keynote.

Acts of Kindness

Despite his demanding exterior, Jobs demonstrated quiet compassion. He visited a hospitalized engineer daily after a car accident, provided financial assistance to colleagues, and offered support to those facing serious illnesses. He went to extraordinary lengths to help Scott Forstall, a software chief battling a severe virus, even arranging for an acupuncturist to provide treatment in the hospital.

The Enduring Enigma

Jobs possessed an uncanny ability to anticipate future consumer needs, leading to the success of products like the iMac, iPod, iPad, and iPhone. Understanding the man behind these innovations remains a complex undertaking, a mystery that continues to intrigue and inspire those who seek to understand the legacy of Apple’s founder.