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Simon & Schuster

Apple: The First 50 Years

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Description

This book lavishly illustrates the first 50 years of Apple’s history through stunning, full-color photographs. Instant New York Times Bestseller In time for Apple’s 50th anniversary, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent David Pogue tells the iconic company’s entire life story: how it was born, nearly died, was born again under Steve Jobs, and became, under CEO Tim Cook, the most valuable company in the world. The book features new facts that correct the record and illuminate its subversive culture and fresh interviews with the legendary figures who shaped Apple into what it is today. On April 1, 1976, two scruffy twentysomethings, both named Steve, founded a startup. Their goal: To bring the revolutionary power of computers to everyone. Over the next five decades, Apple reshaped the technology and cultural landscapes, introducing the public to breakthroughs like the mouse, laser printing, CD-ROM, WiFi, digital video, home networking, touchscreen phones, and tablets. Jobs’s obsessive eye for detail set the stage for products—Mac, iMac, iPod, iTunes, iPhone, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch—that married advanced technology with beauty, simplicity, and fine design. Deeply researched, Apple: The First 50 Years includes new interviews with 150 key people who made the journey, including Steve Wozniak, John Sculley, Jony Ive, and many current designers, engineers, and executives. The book busts long-held myths; goes backstage for both the titanic successes (450 million iPods, 700 million iPads, 2.2 billion iPhones) and the instructive failures (Lisa, Apple III, MobileMe); and assesses the forces that challenge Apple’s dominance as it enters its second half century. Bursting with tales of frenetic all-nighters, engineering genius, and creative rebellion, this book is a true testament to Apple’s unique and innovative vision, and a must read for anyone whose life Apple has touched. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster


Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 10, 2026


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 608 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982134593


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 94


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.21 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.38 x 1.7 x 9.13 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #4,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #2 in History of Engineering & Technology #3 in History of Technology #3 in Electrical & Electronics (Books)


#2 in History of Engineering & Technology:


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Fantastic and Fun Book about Apple's History
Format: Kindle
Wow! Just Wow! I wanted this as soon I saw the preorder. I wanted to hear the history of Apple and this delivered in spades. Author David Pogue used to write the excellent Missing Manual series that covered software and hardware for many Apple devices and services. I was sad when it ended. This is a labor of love and you can tell. I purchased both the Kindle version and the audiobook. The author is a former newsman and is an excellent narrator." David, not that you don't have enough to do already, you are a fantastic narrator with a gorgeous voice." While the book has wonderful text, color photos and the wonderful sidebars, you must hear this book on audio. Narration is perfect. It made me laugh, cry and just enjoy. It's more like listening to a wonderful story. It also includes audio clips, so you can actually hear Jobs and Cook during the presentations and some of the other Apple veterans. From both Steves early years to the meeting of key friends, creation of the company, Jobs forced exit and triumphant return to the ground breaking products and Tim Cook's sheparding into the next era are covered. Lots of great stories, sidebars and more make this book a keepsake. I was sad when it ended because I enjoyed it so much. I will definitely to listening to and reading this again. 10 stars if I could and Thank you to the author, for taking us on an incredible journey with a wonderful friend. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2026 by Admiralu
    • A comprehensive and enjoyable history of Apple written by (IMHO) probably the best man to tell it.
Format: Hardcover
David Pogue does a wonderful job weaving an amazing amount of Apple's history into a delightful stroll down memory lane. Many of us have fond memories of Apple over the years. My first computer exposure was an Apple IIc at school, and my first computer purchase was a PowerMac in college. I still have the very first piece of digital artwork I created pixel by pixel in MacPaint! I remember many of these stories, but my perspective was always as a customer. It was delightful to hear the stories behind so many of my memories. I'm so glad, David captured this history for all of us. The book is beautiful, and illuminated throughout with wonderful pictures and illustrations. I also bought the Audible version, and I cannot recommend it enough. David reads it himself and does a masterful job. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2026 by Craig Thoburn
    • A provocative rollercoaster ride through the history of a mind-blowing unique company.
Format: Hardcover
A large book, concisely and tightly written on a complex history of a unique company with an amazing set of anecdotes. My life has paralleled the history of Apple, and I think it accurately gives deep insights in its unique culture. The author refrains from excessive editorializing, but like me, obviously is a fanboy. The brutality of Apple, is tough on employee and suppliers alike. But also brings out breakthrough innovation. It borders on a cult-like, arrogant environment and is not for the faint of heart. With that come blind spots, where the laser focus of Steve Jobs, has the backside of ignoring the obvious, resulting in stupid mistakes. One of these is the risk of Jobs "teachers pet" relationship with Ive. It should have had a counterweight in down-to-earth common sense about functionailty. As history, the book is a delight to read, and leaves the reader to decide for himself about the plusses and minuses of its unique culture. Sometimes I wish the David would let the spade dig a little deeper, and uncover more nuances, although that could result in a bloated book. So thank Goodness for the Easter Egg PDF available for the careful listener of the audio version. I speculate if the book would benefit from some reflective chapters near the end, talking about the lessons learned and prospects for the future. As a retired engineering manager and school teacher, I can't help but rating Apples silicon efforts A+, its foundational software, emerging out a total chaos, toward a B+ grade. It's user interface is an A- where non-obvious functions are hidden in strange places, and its usability is sliding downhill due to an increasing complexity that would make Steve Jobs roll over in his grave. It could be fruitful for readers to speculate how the current culture contributes to ups and downs in these grades, as well as risks future Achilles heels. I read this book, not only as an insightful and entertaining book, but unavoidably provoking me to reflect on what management styles and cultures are relevant in different corporate environments. Therefore, It might be a productive for someone to write a "business school" companion guide to this excellent book, asking searching questions about the Apple culture. There is more than enough fodder for fruitful discussions. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2026 by Carsten Thomsen
    • Well-written, thorough, and full of little gems
Format: Hardcover
I have read a lot about Apple and have done research on the birth of the personal computer and the graphical user interface, and still this book has anecdotes and stories that I had not read or heard elsewhere. A very nice read, with enough distance from the so-called Apple fandom that it does not feel biased or one-sided. Print quality, however, is disappointing, hence 4 stars instead of 5. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026 by Michel B-L
    • A Smart, Even-Handed Look at Apple’s 50-Year Tech Legacy
Format: Kindle
If you love Apple—or you’re simply curious how modern technology got to where it is today—I highly recommend this book. We’re also fans of CBS Sunday Morning, so we came in already appreciating David Pogue’s style, which made this an especially enjoyable read (and a great listen on Audible, narrated by Pogue himself). One caveat: if your tech loyalties lean more toward Google or Microsoft—especially in the Android and PC worlds—some parts may feel a bit pro-Apple, with occasional jabs at Microsoft and Google. That said, it’s easy to take those moments with a grain of salt. The history and perspective you gain on Apple’s evolution more than outweigh any minor annoyances. Pogue does an excellent job navigating the tension between innovation, competition, and influence. He takes you through Apple’s journey over the past 50 years—and, in the process, the broader journey we’ve all been on as computers have become woven into nearly every part of modern life. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2026 by Scott Henson
    • The Apple Story, Done Right
Format: Hardcover
I’ve followed Apple closely since its earliest days and was there in the early years. I also know many of the people who appear in this book. David Pogue even reviewed one of my products, and another shows up here. That context makes me particularly sensitive to how these stories are told—and he gets it right. This is one of the most comprehensive and accurate accounts of Apple’s history I’ve seen. What stands out is not just the breadth, but the texture. The book captures both well-known milestones and lesser-known details that even longtime observers will find new and surprising. It also works unusually well as a book you can dip into. You can open to almost any page and come away with something interesting—whether a product detail, a behind-the-scenes story, or a correction to a commonly held myth. In that sense, it has the feel of a coffee table book, but with far more substance. The index is also excellent—detailed and genuinely useful, which is rare. The photography and design deserve mention. The visuals aren’t filler—they meaningfully complement the narrative and help place each era in context. Pogue’s access to a wide range of voices shows. The interviews add depth without slowing the pacing, and the balance between successes and failures adds credibility. I’ve already bought multiple copies. If Apple has been part of your life in any way, this is an easy recommendation. It’s both a reference and an enjoyable read—no small feat. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2026 by Will Mayall
    • Sidebar: You Should Read This Book
Format: Kindle
Apple The First 50 Years Review: I am not the usual suspect to write a book review, however, I really felt compelled to reflect on the history of Apple and why I think this book is the gold standard for looking back at apple’s history. As a history teacher I read a lot, and I also happen to be a computer history nerd so I have read/listened to at least a dozen books that deal with the history of computing and Apple. I even remember watching a couple of documentaries as a child namely “Triumph of the Nerds” that inspired me to collect retro hardware. When it comes to Apple history, I read “Return to the Little Kingdom”, the Issacson biography, “Creative Selection” among at least several other books detailing Apple’s history. Many of them focused on the human drama surrounding Apple, which while interesting does not always interest me as much as the products. I think that is why this book is a “gold standard”, while there are these very interesting or humorous sidebars, Mr. Pouge is also focused on the products and development stories all throughout Apple’s history. I also appreciate that there was a dedicated section to the years at apple without Jobs, and not just the often cookie cutter “dark ages” storyline that many books suggest. I highly recommend this book and I appreciate that the audiobook version actually feels like a well made effort and not an afterthought. I actually recommend it even if you own the hardcover or kindle version. Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2026 by Raymond
    • A Great Reminder About How Apple Affected Me In My Life
Format: Kindle
Thoroughly enjoyed it. I admit to being a long time Apple fanboy, and believe Pogue really did the whole story justice. I read it on Kindle, so not affected by low quality book production reported by others. Yes, I already knew many of the facts, but enjoyed new ones to me, and the complete coverage overall. As Pogue described each groundbreaking new product’s release, l thought where I was in my life, and how it affected me at the time. A real pleasure. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2026 by James Palmer

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