Apple Inc. AAPL co-founder Steve Jobs once dramatically rejected the first iPod prototype by dropping it into an aquarium.
What Happened: This incident was recounted by former Apple employee Amit Chaudhary on Quora.
As per Chaudhary, during the initial presentation of the iPod prototype, Jobs examined the device and deemed it too large. Despite engineers’ assertion that further miniaturization was impossible, Jobs remained unconvinced.
“Jobs was quiet for a moment. Finally, he stood, walked over to an aquarium, and dropped the iPod in the tank,” Chaudhary recounted.
He quoted Jobs saying, “Those are air bubbles … That means there’s space in there. Make it smaller.”
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Why It Matters: The iPod, released on Oct. 23, 2001, marked a pivotal moment for Apple, transforming the company and the personal electronics market.
The device’s launch was a significant milestone, leading to the development of various iterations, including the iPod Mini in 2004, the iPod Nano in 2006, and the iPod Touch in 2007.
The iPod’s success played a crucial role in Apple’s growth, contributing to its expansion into new business segments. The product’s influence extended beyond its lifecycle, laying the groundwork for future innovations like the iPhone and iPad.
Although Apple announced the discontinuation of the iPod in May 2022, its legacy continues to impact the company’s trajectory and the broader technology landscape.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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