Apple's iDecade: The Comeback That Changed Everything

In May 1998, about ten months after his return, Steve Jobs declared Apple was back on track, introducing the internet-focused iMac. He had found the company in product disarray, but his leadership initiated a decade of significant product successes.

Jobs had previously criticized Apple's lack of innovation, stating in 1995 that he had a plan to rescue the company but was not being heard. Upon his return, he streamlined product lines, empowered the design team, and initiated a focus on essential consumer and professional products.

The colorful and distinct iMac, launched in August 1998, sold 800,000 units in its first five months, becoming the U.S.'s best-selling computer. This success occurred despite its unconventional design and reliance on USB ports.

Apple's fortunes dramatically improved after the iMac's launch. The period from May 1998 to January 2007, dubbed the 'iDecade,' saw the debut of game-changing products like the iBook in 1999 with built-in wireless networking, and the revolutionary iPod in October 2001.

Further innovations included Mac OS X in March 2001, a foundational operating system. The iPod evolved significantly, with Windows compatibility added in 2002 and the introduction of the click wheel by 2004. By 2006, Apple transitioned to Intel chips with the MacBook Pro.

Though Apple had some misses, like the Xserve and AirPort lines, its focused, design-led strategy under Jobs and Jony Ive proved largely unstoppable. The groundwork for future innovations, including the iPhone, was laid during this period.

The 2007 launch of the iPhone marked another inflection point, transforming Apple from a computer maker into a global technology giant. This era, often called 'Peak Apple,' demonstrated unparalleled innovation and business success.