How the iMac saved Apple

The iMac was a transformative force in a stagnant computing world of the mid-1990s. When Steve Jobs returned to a struggling Apple in 1997, he, along with designer Jony Ive, created a plan to shake up the industry. The iMac was a bold move, contradicting the PC industry's norms with its self-contained unit and vibrant, translucent blue-green plastic design.

The iMac was not just a rule-breaker in aesthetics. Jobs made decisions that shocked the industry but set the stage for future innovation. The iMac ditched compatibility with old ports and embraced the then-nascent Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. This move sparked controversy but ultimately paved the way for the USB revolution.

The iMac's design was so successful that it inspired a new generation of product designers to use colorful, semi-translucent plastic in their creations. The iMac's influence extended beyond just computers; it shaped the design of consumer products across industries.

In another bold move, the iMac did away with the 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, a standard feature in all computers of the time. This decision was seen as heresy, but Apple saw it differently. They believed that the future was in the internet and that files could be shared via email.

The iMac was sold as an internet appliance, and this was a stroke of genius. Its compatibility with the internet, coupled with its stylish design and ease of use, made it an attractive choice for families looking to get online.

The iMac's success had a profound impact on Apple's future. It allowed Apple to rebuild its product line, open Apple Stores, create the iPod, and set the tone for the next 25 years. The iMac was not just a product; it was a revolutionary icon that reshaped computing.

The original article: https://www.theverge.com/23830432/imac-twenty-five-years-ago-saved-apple