Apple paid special tribute to its founder Steve Jobs on the anniversary of his death, on its website on October 5, 2012. A special two-minute video of Steve’s iconic portraits in black-and-white was aired on Apple.com homepage, followed by a special, heartfelt message by current Apple CEO Tim Cook.
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Cook’s message read:
[quote]
A message from Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
Steve’s passing one year ago today was a sad and difficult time for all of us. I hope that today everyone will reflect on his extraordinary life and the many ways he made the world a better place.
One of the greatest gifts Steve gave to the world is Apple. No company has ever inspired such creativity or set such high standards for itself. Our values originated from Steve and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple. We share the great privilege and responsibility yof caring his legacy into the future.
I’m incredibly proud of the work we are doing, delivering products that our customers love and dreaming up new ones that will delight them down the road. It’s a wonderful tribute to Steve’s memory and everything he stood for.
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Steve Jobs officially stepped down as CEO in August 2011, with COO Tim Cook taking over the helm. Just two months later, he died, leaving the world shocked. I remember that day vividly, as I joined the rest of the world in mourning of one of the world’s most influential people and icons. While most of us never knew Jobs, personally, he was always part of our lives as much as iPhones, iPods, iPads, iMacs and Macs have been.
One year on, Apple soldiers on with Tim Cook and its able, talented team of designers and engineers as it continues to be a Wall Street darling and break records. It’s the world’s most valuable company, with a record-breaking share price touching $700 per share. It’s multi-billion wad of cash will see it remain healthy for some years to come.
The recently launched iPhone 5 is a hit, despite teething issues with iOS 6’s maps. Mac sales are solid and continue to beat industry growth averages. Apple Retail Stores are doing extremely well worldwide.
Apple is healthy (some say extremely). If there was any doubt of how Apple would do in Jobs’ absence, the numbers should speak for themselves. Or should they?
One thing’s evidently clear though. Jobs’ legacy and DNA is very much ingrained and entrenched in Apple. Perhaps none as swashbuckling and fiery as its iconic former leader, but still very much the Apple we know. The Apple that creates great products that exude simplicity and elegance. Products that are synonymous with quality and attention to detail. Products that ‘just work’. Products that are just as much about tech and looks as they are about function. Products that are about user experience.
[quote]Design is not what it looks like. Design is how it works. (Quote from 2003 New York Times article about the iPod.)[/quote]
Steve Jobs will be remembered for a myriad of reasons for many. For me, it would be for his uncanny ability to see the future, his great storytelling prowess and for getting the world to “Think Different.” And you’ve got to be crazy to not remember him for giving us Apple, of course 🙂
As he once said (and this is my favourite Jobs’ quote by the way), “Sometimes in craziness lies genius.”
Indeed, Steve. Indeed.
Remembering Steve (February 26, 1955 – October 5, 2011)
