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Artwork for Apple Core
Apple Core · Jul 14, 2024 · 48 min

AirPort - How Apple made wireless networking happen

In 1999, Steve Jobs needed one more product launch to complete the four-computer matrix he introduced on his return to the company three years earlier. That product was the iBook—a portable version of the hugely popular iMac G3. iBook had a striking design with eye-popping colors. But what really set it apart was AirPort, Apple’s proprietary version of WiFi, which ushered in the age of wireless computing. AirPort was such a revolutionary concept that Jobs wanted to prove no wires were required. So he persuaded VP of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, to jump from a great height while holding an iBook, during a live keynote event. Based on industry-standard WiFi technology, the story of AirPort's launch, development, and eventual demise, provides a valuable insight into how Apple thinks about emerging standards and adopts them in its products. LINKS iBook & AirPort launch at MacWorld New York 1999 https://youtu.be/Fve4x6VFiF8?si=CpzUPli3nrnXOJzi 49:20 iBook Introduction 1:03:20 "One More Thing" - AirPort 1:10:30 AirPort TV Ad 1:14:15 Phil Schiller's AirPort death drop AirPort Base Station Teardown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4vy5K7_FW4 AirPort Card Image @ Ashley Pomeroy 2020 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPort#/media/File:Apple_AirPort_7877.jpg

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In 1999, Steve Jobs needed one more product launch to complete the four-computer matrix he introduced on his return to the company three years earlier. That product was the iBook—a portable version of the hugely popular iMac G3.

iBook had a striking design with eye-popping colors. But what really set it apart was AirPort, Apple’s proprietary version of WiFi, which ushered in the age of wireless computing. 

AirPort was such a revolutionary concept that Jobs wanted to prove no wires were required. So he persuaded VP of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, to jump from a great height while holding an iBook, during a live keynote event.

Based on industry-standard WiFi technology, the story of AirPort's launch, development, and eventual demise, provides a valuable insight into how Apple thinks about emerging standards and adopts them in its products.

LINKS

iBook & AirPort launch at MacWorld New York 1999
https://youtu.be/Fve4x6VFiF8?si=CpzUPli3nrnXOJzi
49:20 iBook Introduction
1:03:20 "One More Thing" - AirPort
1:10:30 AirPort TV Ad
1:14:15 Phil Schiller's AirPort death drop

AirPort Base Station Teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4vy5K7_FW4

AirPort Card Image @ Ashley Pomeroy 2020
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPort#/media/File:Apple_AirPort_7877.jpg

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