Three decades ago, Apple released its Macintosh personal computer. It was sleek, compact and ahead of its time. It was unlike any other computer on the market and was the definition of high tech. It was also the beginning of the iconic keynote presentations from Apple’s late CEO and founder Steve Jobs who captivated the audience with the new products. Apple was about as disruptive as it gets across the computing, music and mobile device industries. It went head to head against tech giant IBM and continues to be an inspiration to technology leaders with its high standards for design, functionality and innovation.

While the company keeps releasing new products like integrated payment solutions, iOS in cars and wearable tech, we celebrate its 30th anniversary by recognizing the following major products that have impacted us all.

• Music – Before the iPod, most people carried mp3 portable devices or personal CD players. The 2001 launch changed how we listened to music. The tagline “1,000 songs in your pocket” was bold, simple and resonated with the music lover in all of us. Apple didn’t just stop with how music was stored and played by consumers: the company organized digital audio and video in their iTunes library, too. It made finding, downloading and purchasing digital files easier, creating millions of loyal fans in the process.
• Smartphones – The word itself has become synonymous with the iPhone. The phone’s original release keynote heard gasps from the audience while Steve Jobs demonstrated its glass touch screen, smooth page transitions and elegant design. Much like the iPod, the iPhone opened a whole new business ecosystem with downloadable apps. The iPhone set the standards at another level for future phone manufacturers, even forcing a few to the verge of collapse. Apple announced that its App Store hit 60 billion cumulative downloads late last year and continues to grow at a steady pace, proving the continued power of the smartphone.
• Operating system – Microsoft Windows, with its fast execution and delivery to market, was unable to match Apple’s obsessiveness in creating the perfect operating system for its users. The OS X operating system, known for its elegance, ease of use and simple interface, features such as the Spotlight search function, Cover Flow-style Finder, iChat instant messaging and video conferencing software as well as suite of productivity tools have won praise from critics and users alike.

Apple has literally become an icon of innovation. Its products, user experience, customer service and retail stores are all the reflection of the founder’s brilliance and mission to move us forward with technology.

What’s your favorite thing about Apple? Let us know on Twitter @ARTEMIA_Comm!