On Version History: how a side project within Apple evolved into one of the most impactful computers ever.
Apple’s most legendary computer boasts two legacies: the device itself and the iconic commercial. Just days before Steve Jobs introduced the machine that would both solidify his renown and contribute to his unsought departure from Apple, the company released a Super Bowl ad that remains one of the most memorable commercials ever. It significantly boosted both the anticipation and the stakes for the Macintosh.
Initially, the Macintosh wasn’t a great computer. It suffered from insufficient memory, a lack of supporting software, and a lack of customization options that PC users required at the time. It took several iterations to resolve these issues. Yet, in nearly every crucial way, the Macintosh was visionary. It foresaw how we would use computers in the future, advocated for less complexity, and emphasized the importance of caring deeply about both hardware and software design. Although Apple didn’t sell many of the original Macintoshes, it undeniably transformed the computer landscape forever.
This episode of Version History covers the story of the original Macintosh. David Pierce, Nilay Patel, and Daring Fireball’s John Gruber delve into the peculiar corporate dynamics that sparked the project, the evolution of the Macintosh, and how Jobs and his team generated such enormous hype for a device some were hesitant to release. They also examine the device’s true legacy, pondering whether the computer or the commercial is the true icon.
This is the fourth episode of the third season of Version History. Here’s how to access every episode and all our other fun content as soon as it’s available:
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