It's hard to believe it's been nearly three decades since I first stepped into the world of Macworld. The year was 1997, and Apple was facing a bleak future. Perilously close to going out of business, the company was in dire need of a turnaround. Steve Jobs had just returned to Apple and was working to instill faith in the brand.
The world was skeptical, but Jobs brought in an unlikely ally - Bill Gates - to help him convince the public that Apple would survive. The iconic "Think Different" ad campaign was a start, but it was only the beginning. My tenure at Macworld began with a sense of uncertainty, as our magazine existed to minimize the loss exposure of our publishing company in the event of Apple's demise.
Of course, 1998 brought about a turning point for Apple. The iMac's release marked a new era for the company, and Mac OS X soon followed. The magic of fashioning a new operating system from NeXTSTEP while maintaining Mac compatibility left many in awe, and it's a feat that still doesn't get enough credit.
Covering Apple during the early 2000s was like blasting off into space on a rocket. The company's fortunes flipped overnight, with the iPod, Mac revitalization, and Apple retail stores all contributing to its resurgence. The iPhone's success was the icing on the cake, and it's a testament to Steve Jobs's vision and leadership.
As the years passed, Steve Jobs's illness and death became a reality, but the consensus was again proven wrong. Tim Cook took the reins, and his era was marked by unprecedented growth and success, driven by the iPhone's popularity. Cook's focus on supply chain management, manufacturing innovation, and in-demand products made him the perfect leader for Apple's next chapter.
The moment the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus launched in September 2014 marked a turning point in Apple's history. It was also the launch of the Apple Watch, a product that would prove consequential during Cook's tenure. As I departed Macworld, I felt a sense of excitement for the future of Apple and the new opportunities that lay ahead.
Looking back, I've come to realize that my personal milestones have often coincided with Apple's pivot points. From arriving at Macworld when Apple was lost to departing just as it zoomed into the stratosphere, I've been fortunate to witness the company's transformation firsthand.
Today, we find ourselves at another pivot point, with John Ternus taking over as CEO. As someone who has had the chance to talk to him, I'm excited about the changes he might bring. A lifer at Apple, Ternus has a deep understanding of what makes the company's products special, and his perspective will be invaluable in navigating the challenges ahead.
As I prepare to say goodbye to More Color, I want to express my gratitude to everyone at Macworld for the opportunity to keep my name attached to this brand for 11 additional years. To my editor, Roman Loyola, who has been a constant presence throughout my career, I'm grateful for your guidance and support. And to all of you, I'm thankful for the chance to share my thoughts and insights with you over the years.
As I continue to explore new projects and opportunities, I'm excited to see what the future holds for Apple and the world of technology. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to seeing you all on the other side.
In the end, it's been an incredible ride, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it. As I embark on this new chapter, I know that the world of Apple will continue to evolve and thrive. And I'll be here, bleeding six colors, to share my thoughts and insights with you all.
