Apple Computers Was Founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak

Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple Computer Company on April 1, 1976, in Jobs's parents' garage in Los Altos, California. Wozniak designed and built the first Apple computer, the Apple I, largely by himself. Jobs handled business decisions, marketing, and finding the first customers and investors. The two met in high school through a mutual friend and discovered they shared an interest in electronics and computers at a time when personal computers barely existed.

The Apple I was a bare circuit board that sold for $666.66. It was not a complete computer—buyers had to add their own keyboard, monitor, and power supply. Despite this, the Apple I found an audience among hobbyists and early computer enthusiasts. The success of the Apple I led to the Apple II, released in 1977, which was the first mass-produced personal computer and became the machine that built Apple into a real company.

Key Takeaways

  • Steve Wozniak designed the Apple I computer and handled the technical engineering work that made the machine possible.
  • Steve Jobs managed the business side, including finding customers, securing funding, and making decisions about what Apple would build and sell.
  • The two founders met in high school and started Apple in a garage with minimal capital in 1976.
  • The Apple II, released in 1977, was the first personal computer sold in large numbers and established Apple as a real business rather than a hobby project.
  • A third co-founder, Ronald Wayne, signed the original partnership agreement but left the company after 12 days and sold his stake for $800.

Steve Wozniak's Role: The Engineer

Steve Wozniak was the technical mind behind the Apple I. He taught himself electronics as a child and was already known in Silicon Valley hobbyist circles for his technical skill. In 1975 and 1976, Wozniak single-handedly designed the Apple I computer, writing much of the code and laying out the circuit board. He worked nights at Hewlett-Packard during the day and built the Apple I in his spare time.

Wozniak's achievement was remarkable because he created a working personal computer using far fewer chips than competitors thought possible. His design was elegant and efficient—qualities that would define Apple's approach to engineering for decades. Wozniak remained the chief engineer at Apple through the development of the Apple II and Apple III, though he eventually stepped back from day-to-day work at the company.

Steve Jobs's Role: Business and Vision

Steve Jobs did not design the Apple I, but he recognized its potential and pushed to turn it into a business. Jobs convinced Wozniak that they should sell the computers rather than just build them for hobbyists. He also persuaded Paul Terrell, owner of the Byte Shop computer store in Mountain View, to order 50 Apple I computers—the first real order the pair received.

Jobs handled fundraising, negotiated with suppliers, and made decisions about product design and marketing. He was the public face of Apple and the person who pitched the company to investors and the press. Jobs's vision extended beyond the technical specifications of the machine itself; he believed computers should be accessible to ordinary people and designed with simplicity and elegance in mind. This philosophy shaped Apple's products and brand identity from the beginning.

Ronald Wayne and the Third Co-Founder

A third person, Ronald Wayne, signed the original Apple Computer Company partnership agreement on April 1, 1976. Wayne was an engineer and draftsman who contributed to the early design work and documentation. However, Wayne left the partnership after just 12 days, concerned about personal liability and the risk involved in a startup. He sold his one-third stake in the company back to Jobs and Wozniak for $800.

Wayne's early departure meant that Jobs and Wozniak became the public faces of Apple's founding. Wayne remained largely unknown to the public, though his brief involvement is documented in Apple's incorporation papers and early company records. His decision to leave early cost him enormously—his one-third stake would have been worth billions of dollars by the time Apple went public in 1980.

How Apple Grew from a Garage Startup

The Apple I sold roughly 200 units, mostly to hobbyists and computer clubs. The real breakthrough came with the Apple II in 1977. The Apple II was a complete, ready-to-use computer that came in a plastic case and could connect to a monitor and keyboard. It was the first personal computer designed for non-technical users, and it became a commercial success.

The Apple II's success attracted venture capital funding. In 1978, Apple received its first major investment from venture capitalist Arthur Levenson and his firm Sequoia Capital. This funding allowed Apple to hire more engineers, expand manufacturing, and invest in marketing. By the early 1980s, Apple had grown from a two-person garage operation into a company with hundreds of employees and millions in revenue.

Jobs and Wozniak's Different Paths After the Early Years

Steve Wozniak remained at Apple as an engineer but gradually stepped back from the company. In 1981, he took a leave of absence to pursue other interests, including flying and education. He eventually left Apple in 1985 but remained an employee and ambassador for the company for many years. Wozniak's focus was always on the technical challenge of building elegant machines.

Steve Jobs remained the driving force behind Apple's direction and strategy. He led the company through the development of the Macintosh in the 1980s, which introduced the graphical user interface to mainstream personal computers. Jobs was forced out of Apple in 1985 following conflicts with the board and CEO John Sculley, but he returned to the company in 1997 and led it through its most successful period, creating the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Steve Jobs invent the computer hardware?

No. Steve Wozniak designed and built the Apple I computer. Jobs handled business, marketing, and strategy. Both were essential to Apple's founding, but they had different roles—Wozniak was the engineer, and Jobs was the businessman and visionary.

Why did Ronald Wayne leave Apple after 12 days?

Wayne was concerned about personal liability and the financial risk of a startup. He sold his one-third ownership stake back to Jobs and Wozniak for $800. His early departure meant he did not benefit from Apple's later success.

When did Apple stop being a garage company?

Apple moved out of Jobs's parents' garage in 1976 and rented office space as the company grew. By 1978, after receiving venture capital funding, Apple had a real office, manufacturing facilities, and dozens of employees. The garage period lasted only a few months.

What was the Apple I used for?

The Apple I was sold mainly to hobbyists and computer enthusiasts who wanted to build their own systems. It required buyers to add a keyboard, monitor, and power supply. The Apple II, released in 1977, was the first Apple computer designed for general consumers.