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Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was an American entrepreneur, inventor, and business executive best known as a cofounder of Apple Inc.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Steve Jobs was an American entrepreneur, inventor, and business executive best known as a cofounder of Apple Inc. He helped shape the personal computer, smartphone, digital music, and tablet markets through products such as the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. After leaving Apple in 1985, he founded NeXT and led Pixar before returning to Apple in 1997.

Early life and education

Jobs was born in San Francisco in 1955 and was adopted in infancy. He grew up in Cupertino, California, and attended college before dropping out.

Apple and the personal computer era

In 1976, Jobs helped found Apple, which introduced early personal computers that helped move computing toward the consumer market. Apple later became closely associated with products that defined modern consumer technology.

NeXT and Pixar

After leaving Apple, Jobs founded NeXT and later became a key leader at Pixar. Pixar went on to become one of the most influential animation companies in the world.

Return to Apple

Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 and played a central role in the company’s revival. Under his leadership, Apple launched products including the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

Legacy

Jobs is widely described as a major figure in the history of personal computing and consumer electronics. His work influenced product design, digital media, and mobile computing.

Key facts

  • Cofounded Apple Computer in 1976 with Steve Wozniak and, initially, Ronald Wayne.
  • Left Apple in 1985 and later founded NeXT, a computer company.
  • Led Pixar, which became a major animation studio.
  • Returned to Apple in 1997 and oversaw products including the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
  • Died in 2011 at age 56 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
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Canadian context

Apple products associated with Jobs, including the iPhone and iPad, have had widespread use in Canada and influenced Canadian consumer technology markets.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Steve Jobs?
Steve Jobs was an American entrepreneur and inventor who cofounded Apple Inc. and helped shape modern consumer technology.
What companies did Steve Jobs help build?
He cofounded Apple, founded NeXT after leaving Apple, and led Pixar before returning to Apple.
What are Steve Jobs’s best-known products?
He is closely associated with the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
When was Steve Jobs born and when did he die?
He was born on February 24, 1955, and died on October 5, 2011.
Did Steve Jobs work in animation?
Yes. He led Pixar, which became a major animation studio and produced influential films.
Why is Steve Jobs significant?
He is considered a key figure in the rise of personal computing, consumer electronics, and digital media.

References

  1. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/steve-jobs
    Supports: Basic biography, Apple cofounding, return to Apple, and death.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Steve-Jobs
    Supports: Birth and death details, Apple cofounding, major Apple products, and significance.
  3. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/steve-jobs
    Supports: Early life, Apple, NeXT, Pixar, and return to Apple.
  4. Britannica Money — https://www.britannica.com/money/Steve-Jobs
    Supports: Birth, death, founders, and overview of achievements.
  5. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/us/steve-jobs-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth name, dates, birthplace, and major products.