Technology · 1955–2011
Steve Jobs Life & Career Timeline
Products, ideas and the return that reshaped Apple.
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About this timeline
About Steve Jobs
A concise journey through Apple, Macintosh, Pixar and the devices that changed personal computing and digital media.
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Choose any Moment on the timeline to read its story, see why it matters and continue to the original source. Connected Moments open the other person’s timeline.
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team.
Steve Jobs biography
Steve Jobs timeline: key events
Explore 19 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in San Francisco
Steve Jobs was born in San Francisco and adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs. He grew up in the region that would become known as Silicon Valley.
Why it matters: The culture of electronics and experimentation around him shaped his early interests.
Source: www.britannica.comReed College and calligraphy
Jobs enrolled at Reed College, withdrew after one semester and continued auditing courses including calligraphy.
Source: www.britannica.comAtari and a journey to India
Jobs worked at Atari and travelled to India, experiences that influenced his approach to focus and simplicity.
Source: www.britannica.comApple is founded
Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne formed Apple Computer. The Apple I began as a circuit board built by Wozniak and sold to early computer enthusiasts.
Why it matters: It was the starting point for one of the world’s most influential technology companies.
Source: www.apple.comApple II launches
The Apple II became one of the first highly successful mass-produced personal computers.
Source: www.computerhistory.orgApple goes public
Apple’s initial public offering made it one of the most prominent young companies in personal computing.
Source: www.britannica.comMacintosh arrives
Jobs introduced the Macintosh, bringing a graphical interface and mouse-driven interaction to a broad consumer audience in a compact personal computer.
Why it matters: The launch became a landmark in both interface design and product presentation.
Source: www.computerhistory.orgLeaves Apple
After a struggle over the company’s direction, Jobs left Apple and founded NeXT.
Source: www.britannica.comPixar begins its next chapter
After acquiring the computer graphics division from Lucasfilm, Jobs became the principal owner of the independent company that became Pixar.
Why it matters: Pixar connected technology with a new generation of animated storytelling.
Source: www.pixar.comThe NeXT Computer
NeXT introduced a workstation aimed at higher education, combining advanced software with distinctive industrial design.
Source: www.computerhistory.orgToy Story opens
Pixar released Toy Story, the first fully computer-animated feature film.
Source: www.pixar.comApple acquires NeXT
Apple agreed to acquire NeXT, bringing Jobs and NeXT’s software foundations back to Apple.
Source: www.apple.comReturns to lead Apple
Jobs became interim chief executive and sharply simplified Apple’s product strategy.
Source: www.britannica.comThe iMac
The colourful translucent iMac signalled Apple’s design-led return to the consumer market.
Source: www.apple.comThe iPod
Apple introduced the iPod, placing a large music library in a pocket-sized device.
Source: www.apple.comiTunes Music Store
Apple opened the iTunes Music Store and connected legal digital downloads with the iPod ecosystem.
Source: www.apple.comThe iPhone is unveiled
At Macworld, Jobs introduced a device combining a phone, widescreen iPod and internet communicator. The touchscreen interface changed expectations for mobile computing.
Why it matters: The iPhone became the centre of a new global app and mobile-services ecosystem.
Source: www.apple.comResigns as Apple CEO
Jobs resigned as chief executive and became chairman of Apple.
Source: www.apple.comDeath and global remembrance
Steve Jobs died at age 56. Tributes focused on the products, companies and design culture he helped shape.
Source: www.apple.comExplore related timelines
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Steve Jobs or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Steve Jurvetson / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
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About the Steve Jobs timeline
Who is Steve Jobs?
A concise journey through Apple, Macintosh, Pixar and the devices that changed personal computing and digital media.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 19 sourced moments spanning 1955–2011.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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