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Gates' iPad Doubt vs. Surface Success
29 Jul
Summary
- Bill Gates initially dismissed Apple's iPad, predicting its failure.
- Microsoft later launched its own tablet, the Surface, in 2012.
- Microsoft had earlier commercial tablet failures before the Surface.
In the early 21st century, Microsoft's then-CEO Bill Gates publicly downplayed the potential impact of Apple's iPad upon its release. He suggested that users would likely desire physical interaction, making the tablet form factor less appealing. However, the iPad proved to be a resounding success.
Responding to the tablet trend, Microsoft launched its initial Surface device, Surface with Windows RT, in 2012. This move came after earlier, unsuccessful attempts by Microsoft to popularize tablets, including the Microsoft Tablet PC introduced in 2003. Despite these past failures and Gates' initial reservations, Microsoft's modern Surface Pro devices have established a significant presence in the competitive tablet market.
