Apple founder Steve Jobs introduces the Apple II in 1977, the first computer with a keyboard and color screen.
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Steve Jobs and Apple’s influence

Apple founder Steve Jobs introduces the Apple II in 1977, the first computer with a keyboard and color screen.

Apple founder Steve Jobs introduces the Apple II in 1977, the first computer with a keyboard and color screen.  (Apple Inc.)

Jobs poses with the Apple Macintosh at the new computer's unveiling. In 1983, Apple had launched the Lisa computer -- a loser by most counts -- but the next year's Macintosh was hugely popular.

Jobs poses with the Apple Macintosh at the new computer’s unveiling. In 1983, Apple had launched the Lisa computer -- a loser by most counts -- but the next year’s Macintosh was hugely popular. (Associated Press)

The industry was shocked when Jobs announced that the struggling Apple had forged an alliance with its sworn enemy, Microsoft. At the 1997 Macworld Expo trade show, Microsoft Chief Executive Bill Gates chimes in via satellite.

The industry was shocked when Jobs announced that the struggling Apple had forged an alliance with its sworn enemy, Microsoft. At the 1997 Macworld Expo trade show, Microsoft Chief Executive Bill Gates chimes in via satellite.  (Julia Malakie / Associated Press)

Jobs introduces the Power Mac G4 computer during his keynote address at Seybold in San Francisco. He presented it as the fastest personal computer in history, saying it was up to 200% faster than the fastest Pentium III-based PCs.

Jobs introduces the Power Mac G4 computer during his keynote address at Seybold in San Francisco. He presented it as the fastest personal computer in history, saying it was up to 200% faster than the fastest Pentium III-based PCs. (John G. Mabanglo / AFP/Getty Images)

Jobs unveils a new titanium G4 Powerbook with a 15.2-inch screen at the 2000 MacWorld Expo in San Francisco. He also announced new configurations of the G4 desktop Macs as well as new audio and DVD software.

Jobs unveils a new titanium G4 Powerbook with a 15.2-inch screen at the 2000 MacWorld Expo in San Francisco. He also announced new configurations of the G4 desktop Macs as well as new audio and DVD software.  (John G. Mabanglo / AFP/Getty Images)

Steve Jobs delivers the keynote address at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, announcing the new Power Mac G5 desktop computer.

Steve Jobs delivers the keynote address at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, announcing the new Power Mac G5 desktop computer.  (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

Jobs displays the new iPod Mini at the 2004 Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco.

Jobs displays the new iPod Mini at the 2004 Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco.  (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

Bono, of the band U2, and Jobs hold up iPods at an unveiling of a new branded iPod in San Jose.

Bono, of the band U2, and Jobs hold up iPods at an unveiling of a new branded iPod in San Jose.  (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

Jobs unveils the first Apple mini-store, in Palo Alto, Calif. The press conference was his first public appearance since he underwent surgery for cancer that July. Jobs, then 49, had taken a month-long leave to recuperate and quietly returned to work full time in September.

Jobs unveils the first Apple mini-store, in Palo Alto, Calif. The press conference was his first public appearance since he underwent surgery for cancer that July. Jobs, then 49, had taken a month-long leave to recuperate and quietly returned to work full time in September. (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

Jobs stands in front of an old photo of himself, right, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, left, during his keynote address at the 2006 Macworld conference.

Jobs stands in front of an old photo of himself, right, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, left, during his keynote address at the 2006 Macworld conference. (Los Angeles Times)

Jobs demonstrates the new iPhone, a gadget with the capabilities of both an iPod and a cellphone, at the 2007 MacWorld conference.

Jobs demonstrates the new iPhone, a gadget with the capabilities of both an iPod and a cellphone, at the 2007 MacWorld conference.  (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

Jobs holds up the iPad, a portable device for reading books, watching video and surfing the Web, at its unveiling in San Francisco. "We think we've got the goods. We think we have done it," he said.

Jobs holds up the iPad, a portable device for reading books, watching video and surfing the Web, at its unveiling in San Francisco. “We think we’ve got the goods. We think we have done it,” he said.  (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

Jobs introduces the iPhone 4 at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. "I grew up with 'The Jetsons' and 'Star Trek,' just dreaming about video calls," Jobs told the audience. "And it's real now."

Jobs introduces the iPhone 4 at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. “I grew up with ‘The Jetsons’ and ‘Star Trek,’ just dreaming about video calls,” Jobs told the audience. “And it’s real now.”  (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

"This is the biggest leap we've taken since the original iPhone," Jobs said of the iPhone 4 as he introduced it at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference,

“This is the biggest leap we’ve taken since the original iPhone,” Jobs said of the iPhone 4 as he introduced it at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference,  (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

Jobs announces the $99 Apple TV device, with 99-cent online TV show rentals. The majority of Hollywood studios, and two broadcast networks -- CBS and NBC -- declined to allow their shows to be included. "Not all of them wanted to take this step with us," Jobs said. "We think the other studios will see the light."

Jobs announces the $99 Apple TV device, with 99-cent online TV show rentals. The majority of Hollywood studios, and two broadcast networks -- CBS and NBC -- declined to allow their shows to be included. “Not all of them wanted to take this step with us,” Jobs said. “We think the other studios will see the light.”  (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

In a surprise appearance during his medical leave, Jobs introduces the iPad 2, with a "smart cover" in multiple colors on March 2, 2011. "We've been working on this product for a while and I just didn't want to miss the day," Jobs said. The device is notably thinner and lighter than the original iPad and has cameras front and back.

In a surprise appearance during his medical leave, Jobs introduces the iPad 2, with a “smart cover” in multiple colors on March 2, 2011. “We’ve been working on this product for a while and I just didn’t want to miss the day,” Jobs said. The device is notably thinner and lighter than the original iPad and has cameras front and back.  (Monica M. Davey / European Pressphoto Agency)

In his trademark black mock turtleneck, Jobs touts the new iPad 2. Apple had sold more than 15 million of the original version since its introduction in January 2010, and analysts expected the device to account for more than 80% of tablet sales in 2011.

In his trademark black mock turtleneck, Jobs touts the new iPad 2. Apple had sold more than 15 million of the original version since its introduction in January 2010, and analysts expected the device to account for more than 80% of tablet sales in 2011.  (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

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