Chronology of Apple Computer Personal Computers

Copyright © 2006-2024 Ken Polsson
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URL: http://kpolsson.com/apple/

References are numbered in [brackets], which are listed here. A number after the dot gives the page in the source.

Last updated: 2023 October 25.


1994

January 5
  • Apple Computer announces eWorld, an online service for Apple tech support and a virtual shopping mall. It is to replace AppleLink. [583.35] [2605.150]
January
  • Apple Computer shows its first PowerPC product, an upgrade board with a 66 MHz PowerPC 601 microprocessor, for many of Apple's Centris and Quadra Macintosh computers. [583.34] [1597.86]
  • Shipments of Apple Computer Macintosh computers hits 1 million for the previous four month period, for the first time. [46]
  • Apple Computer announces that it will license its System 7.x operating system to other hardware companies. [75]
January (month)
  • Top selling Macintosh computer game in the USA during the month: SimCity 2000. [1509.184]
February
  • Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh LC 575 and LC 550. [46]
  • Apple Computer introduces QuickTime 2.0, with interactive television, music and full-screen video support. [46] (released in June [884.65])
February (month)
  • Top selling Macintosh computer game in the USA during the month: SimCity 2000. [1510.176]
(month unknown)
  • Apple Computer releases the Apple Color StyleWriter Pro 360dpi color ink jet printer. [429.37]
  • Apple Computer ships Macintosh Application Environment 1.0 for the HP-UX operating system with the Motif interface, and the Solaris operating system with the OpenLook interface. [429.37]
  • Shipments of Apple Computer Newton MessagePad 100 systems in the first five months: 80,000. [337]
March 4
  • Apple Computer introduces the Newton MessagePad 110 handheld computer. It features 1 MB RAM, 20-MHz ARM610 processor, and runs on four AA batteries. Remote data transfer rate is 38.5 kbps. Battery life is five times that of the Model 100. Price is US$599. [46] [271.N7] [337] [429.36]
  • Apple Computer introduces an improved Newton MessagePad 100. It is physically identical to the previously released model, but contains improved software in ROM. Price is US$499. [46] [271.N7] [337] [429.36] [2605.196]
March 14
  • Apple Computer introduces the Power Macintosh 6100/60 computer. It features a 60 MHz PowerPC 601 processor, 68LC040 emulation ROM, 8 MB RAM, 160 MB hard drive, 14-inch monitor, SCSI, Ethernet, 1 NuBus slot, System 7 operating system. Price is US$2209. [337] [856] [46] [75] [140] [205.97] [384.48] [397.12] [429.92] [507.36] [538] [548.159] [588.39,58] [589.41] [592.21] [625.26] [693.209] [881.81] [1597.86] [2605.70,235] (April [550.39])
  • Apple Computer introduces the Power Macintosh 7100/66 computer. It features a 66 MHz PowerPC 601 processor, 68LC040 emulation ROM, 8 MB RAM, 250 MB hard drive, 1 MB video RAM, 14-inch monitor, SCSI, Ethernet, 3 NuBus slots, System 7 operating system. Price is US$3379. [46] [75] [140] [205.97] [337] [384.48] [397.12] [429.92] [507.36] [538] [548.159] [588.39,58] [589.41] [592.21] [625.26] [693.209] [881.81] [1205.36] [1597.86] (April [550.39])
  • Apple Computer introduces the Power Macintosh 8100/80 computer. It features a 80 MHz PowerPC 601 processor, secondary external cache, 68LC040 emulation ROM, 8 MB RAM, 250 MB hard drive, 2 MB video RAM, 14-inch monitor, SCSI, Ethernet, 3 NuBus slots, System 7 operating system. Price is US$4869. [337] [46] [75] [140] [205.97] [384.48] [397.12] [429.92] [507.36] [538] [548.159] [588.39,58] [589.41] [592.21] [625.26] [693.209] [881.81] [1597.86] (April [550.39])

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  • Apple Computer introduces an upgrade card for Macintosh computers using a 68040 processor. The card includes a PowerPC 601 processor running at 66 or 80 MHz, a Level 2 cache, and 4 MB ROM. Price is US$699. [337]
March
  • Apple Computer releases the System 7.1 operating system for the Macintosh. [140]
  • Apple Computer discusses its next-generation operating system, code-named Copland, due for release in 1995, and Gershwin for 1996. [1559] [1721.29] [1880.20] (February [1597.86])
  • Apple Computer ships the Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible. It features a 40 MHz Motorola 68LC040 chip and a 25 MHz Intel 486SX chip, for US$1580. [77]
May
  • Apple Computer introduces the 500 series of PowerBook computers (520, 520c, 540, 540c). All use clock-doubled Motorola 68LC040 microprocessors, at speeds of 50/25 MHz or 66/33 MHz. Prices range from US$2270 to US$3760. [46] [542.143] [739.110] [739.130]
  • Apple Computer introduces the PowerBook Duo 280 and 280c. The 280c features a 33 MHz 68LC040, and 8.4-inch LCD display. [46] [542.143] [589.56]
May 16
  • At the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple Computer distributes CDs of beta release of Dylan programming language for the Macintosh. [2605.196]
(month unknown)
  • IBM and Motorola show a 120 MHz PowerPC 601 processor running in a prototype Power Macintosh. [588.33] [244]
June
  • Apple Computer discontinues the DOS Compatible Card after only 2.5 months of offering it. [588.33] (March [592.39])
  • Apple Computer demos a prototype DOS compatibility card for the Power Macintosh. It uses a 50 MHz 486DX2 and has support for networks and SoundBlaster. [715.31]
  • Apple Computer unveils System 7.5 operating system. [46] [542.187] [1597.86] [1880.20]
  • Apple Computer introduces new Macintosh 630 computers, and the PowerBook 150. [46]
June 20
  • Apple Computer launches eWorld, its new online community, to Macintosh users in the US. [46] [2605.150]
(month unknown)
  • Apple Computer introduces the "Houdini" board, the DOS Compatibility Card for the Quadra 610, with a 25 MHz 486SX processor. The entire inventory of 25,000 boards sells out in a few months. [204.166]
  • Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh PowerBook 540c. Code-name during development was Blackbird. It features a 9.5-inch diagonal active-matrix 640c480 LCD panel, 320 MB hard drive, 33 MHz 68LC040 processor. [589.54]
August 24
  • Folk singer Bob Dylan files suit in US Central District Court of California in Los Angeles for trademark infringement of Apple Computer's Dylan programming language. pple quickly settles out of court, licensing use of the trademark name. [2605.196]
September 7
  • Apple Computer announces its intention to license the Macintosh operating system in 1995. A Mac OS logo is announced, which will be used to identify Mac application programs and Mac-compatible systems. [861.31] [881.81] [936] [1241.34] [1886.69] (November [184.102])
September
  • An appeals court agrees with the June 1993 ruling against Apple Computer in its March 1988 suit against Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard. [548.338]
  • Apple Computer files an appeal of its suit versus Microsoft with the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. [2605.173]
September 19
  • Apple Computer announces it would initially sign up a maximum of six Mac licensees, with no restrictions imposed on them. [2605.252]
July-September
  • Apple Computer computer shipments in the US for the past three months: 641,000. [1528.34]
(month unknown)
  • Apple Computer officially names its Macintosh operating system "MacOS". [724.31]
October
  • Apple Computer expands its Macintosh Performa 6100 line with five new computers based on the PowerPC. [46] [207.34]
  • Apple Computer releases the Newton MessagePad 120 in Germany. [2605.197]
  • Intuit ships Quicken 5.0 for the Macintosh. Price is US$49.95. [1241.132]
  • Apple Computer ships System 7.5 operating system for the Macintosh. [392.45] [592.106]
November 7
  • Apple Computer, Motorola, and IBM announce that they will create a computer platform to run all major operating systems, except the Intel x86-based Microsoft Windows 3.1 and successors. Apple Computer will port the Mac OS to this platform, and license other vendors to create Mac-compatible computers. IBM will port OS/2 and AIX, SunSoft will port Solaris, Motorola will port Windows NT, and Novell will port NetWare. [184.102] [397.12] [881.76,81] [739.128] [936] [2605.252]
November 9
  • Gilbert Frank Amelio is elected to the board of directors of Apple Computer. [2605.263]
November
  • Reply Corporation begins shipping the DOS on Mac PC coprocessor card for the Macintosh. The technology is licensed from Apple Computer. [592.39]
  • Apple Computer debuts the Power Macintosh 8100/100, the industry's fastest, most powerful personal computer. [46] [1886.69] (8100/110 [98] [140])
  • Apple Computer delivers QuickTime 2.0 for Windows. [46]
  • Apple Computer ships the Power Macintosh Upgrade Card for Entry-Level Macintosh for US$599. [592.96,179]
December 13
  • Apple Computer licenses PowerMac technology to Bandai. [2605.252]
December
  • Apple Computer sues San Francisco Canyon Company claiming unauthorized use of Apple Computer's QuickTime code to speed up Microsoft's Video for Windows product. [548.362] [652.28]
  • Apple Computer demonstrates a PCI-based Power Macintosh using a 120 MHz PowerPC 604 processor. [265] (November [592.35])
December 16
  • Apple Computer signs a licensing agreement with Power Computing, allowing the company to produce Macintosh-compatible computers. [764.31] [821] [2605.252] (March 1995 [653.65]) (September [764.30] [1597.86])
December
  • Apple Computer signs a licensing agreement with Radius, allowing the company to produce Macintosh compatible computers. [764.31] [821] (January 5, 1995 [2605.253]) (September 1994 [764.30] [1597.86]) (March 1995 [653.65])
December 19
  • Apple Computer files a write of certiorari with the US Supreme Court asking justices to review the case of Microsoft copyright infringement in Windows. [2605.173]
Year
  • Market share of home personal computers in the US for the year: Packard Bell 32.4%, Apple Computer 14.7%, Compaq Computer 11.5%, IBM 6.1%, Gateway 5.5%, other 29.8%. [1748.108]
  • Desktop computer market share: Apple Computer: 12%, Packard Bell: 12%, Compaq Computer: 11%, IBM: 9%, Dell: 6%, Gateway 2000: 5%, Hewlett-Packard: 3%, Digital: 2%, AST: 2%, Acer: 2%, Other: 36%. [284.104]
  • Market share of personal computers worldwide during the year: Compaq Computer 10.3%, Apple Computer 9.4%, IBM 8.5%. [1659.D7]
  • World market share of multimedia computers: Apple Computer 22.9%. [884.33]
  • US shipments of Apple Computer personal computers for the year: 1,165,000. [585.47]
  • US market share of personal computers: Compaq Computer 12.5%, Packard Bell 11.4%, Apple Computer 11.6%, IBM 9.0%, Gateway 2000 5.2%, Dell Computer 4.2%, Hewlett-Packard 2.4%, Acer America 2.4%, Toshiba 3.6%, AST Research 3.9%, others 33.7%. [585.47]

1995

January
  • Apple Computer ships QuickTime VR, bringing virtual reality to Macintosh and Windows-based personal computers. [46] (May [884.65])
  • Radius Incorporated demonstrates the first Power Macintosh clone, using Apple Computer's licensed System 7 operating system. [101]
January 19
  • Apple Computer announces it has shipped the 1 millionth Power Macintosh computer or upgrade. [46] [654.15] [1656.D4]
January
  • U.S. retail market share for personal computers: Apple 13%. [496]
January 30
  • Apple Computer announces availability of the Newton MessagePad 120 in the US. It includes Graffiti hardwriting recognition software by Palm Computing, and Newton OS 1.3. [46] [271.N7]
(month unknown)
  • Apple Computer ships an updated "Houdini" board, the DOS Compatibility Card for the Power Macintosh. For US$740, it gives a 486DX2/66, sound, and 800x600 SVGA graphics. [204.166]
February
  • Apple Computer extends its December 1994 lawsuit against San Francisco Canyon Company to include Microsoft and Intel. Microsoft removes the disputed code from Video for Windows, and releases version 1.1e. [548.362]
February 21
  • The US Supreme Court refuses to hear Apple Computer's "look-and-feel" copyright suit against Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard. [1037.33] [1886.70] [2605.174]
March
  • Apple Computer launches QuickTime On-Line, an Internet World Wide Web server. [46]
  • Apple Computer signs a licensing agreement with DayStar Digital, allowing the company to produce Macintosh compatible computers. [653.65]
April
  • Apple Computer announces the Power Macintosh 5200/75 LC for the education market, using the 75 MHz PowerPC 603 processor. [46] [104]
  • Apple Europe introduces the Power Mac 6200 series in Europe. [178.33]
  • Apple Computer debuts the Apple Workgroup Server 9150/120 computer, using a 120 MHz PowerPC processor. [888.98]
  • Apple Computer introduces the new Apple CD 6003 quad-speed CD-ROM player. [46]
May
  • Apple Computer and DayStar Digital announce joint development of the Apple MP API for multiprocessing Apple Macintosh applications. [1034.59]
  • Apple Computer unveils the next generation of its Mac OS at its Worldwide Developers Conference. [46]
  • Power Computing, the first company to license Apple Computer's Power Mac technology, begins shipping its first Power Mac clones. [178.35] [764.30] [639] [1597.86] (August [454.32])
  • Apple Computer ships System 7.5.2 for the Macintosh, with PCI bus support. [392.45]
June
  • Apple Computer introduces its first PowerMac system using Intel's PCI bus, the Power Macintosh 9500, available with a 120 MHz or 132 MHz PowerPC 604 CPU. The 9500/120 with a 1 GB hard drive costs US$5000. The 9500/132 with 2 GB drive costs US$5800. Code-name during development was Tsunami. [125] [145] [622] [1034.59] [1597.86] (August [673.24])
  • Apple Computer introduces its first color laser printer, the Color Laser Printer 12/600PS. The 600x600 dpi printer comes with 12 MB of RAM, uses a Canon-based engine, and costs about US$7,000. [124]
  • Shipments of Apple Computer Power Mac computers and upgrade cards to date: 2 million. [179.33]
  • Apple Computer demonstrates the user interface of its Copland operating system. [1721.29]
July
  • U.S. retail market share for personal computers: Apple 8%. [496]
  • Apple Computer introduces the Power Macintosh 7200/90, with 90 MHz PowerPC 601 processor, 500 MB hard drive, 4X CD-ROM, 16 MB RAM, and 2 MB video RAM. [859.77]
  • Apple Computer introduces the Power Macintosh 7500/100, with 100 MHz PowerPC 601 processor, 500 MB hard drive, 4X CD-ROM, 16 MB RAM, and 2 MB video RAM. [859.77]
  • Apple Computer introduces the Power Macintosh 8500, with a 120 MHz PowerPC 604 processor, 16 MB RAM, 1GB hard drive, 24 bit video I/O, three PCI slots, and 4X CD-ROM drive. Price is about US$4000. [114] [673.24] [541] [859.77]
July 28
  • Columbia Pictures releases the film The Net to theaters in the USA.
    • The game Wolfenstein 3D is played/debugged on a Macintosh computer.
    • Several types of Apple Macintosh computers are used throughout the film.
    [2342]
(month unknown)
  • Apple Computer announces the Performa 6116CD computer. It features 60 MHz PowerPC 601 processor, 8 MB RAM, 700 MB hard drive, 2X CD-ROM drive, 14-inch monitor, external modem, one NuBus slot, and keyboard. Price is about US$1900. [541]
  • Apple Computer announces the Performa 5200CD computer. It features 75 MHz PowerPC 603 processor, 8 MB RAM, 800 MB hard drive, 4X CD-ROM drive, fax/modem, and built-in monitor. Price is about US$2000. [541]
August
  • Apple Computer introduces the Power Macintosh 7200 computer. It features a 75 MHz PowerPC 601 processor, 8 MB RAM, 500 MB hard drive, 4X CD-ROM drive, three PCI slots, SCSI and Ethernet connectors. Price is about US$1700. Price for 90 MHz is US$1900. [114] [673.24] [541]
  • Apple Computer introduces the Power Macintosh 7500, with a 100 MHz PowerPC 601 processor, 16 MB RAM, 500 MB hard drive, 2 MB VRAM, 4X CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, Ethernet, and three PCI bus slots. Price is US$2700. [114] [673.24] [852.129] [541]
  • Apple Computer introduces QuickDraw 3D. [870.95]
  • Apple Computer releases an update to QuickTime, adding support for animation tracks. [884.65]
August 25
  • Apple Computer releases the PowerBook 5300 series. [739.130] [1205.36] [2605.237] (early 1995 [926.35])
(month unknown)
  • IBM begins shipping 117 MHz PowerPC 603e processors to Apple Computer. [469]
September 14
  • Apple Computer recalls all PowerBook 5300 computers to exchange Sony-manufactured lithium-ion batteries for nickel-metal-hydride batteries, due to two fires in early units white charging. [2605.237]
September 15
  • United Artists releases the film Hackers to theaters in the US. Various personal computers are used throughout the film to control television programming, a supercomputer, traffic lights, building lights, and more. Apple Computer products appear (3.5-inch disk drive, portable computer, windowing software). [1992]
October
  • Apple Computer announces it will phase eWorld over to an Internet system. [2605.151]
November 9
  • Apple Computer buys 5.1 percent of America Online for $12.5 million. [2605.149]
November 14
  • IBM, Apple Computer, and Motorola release the PowerPC Platform specifications, called the Common Hardware Reference Platform (CHRP). It encompasses support for Macintosh System 7, Windows NT, AIX, Solaris, NetWare, and OS/2. Windows 3.x and Windows 95 are excluded. [283.56] [433.15] [439.12] [1559] [1597.86] [2605.253] (November 1994 [64.31])
November
  • At Fall Comdex, Apple Computer unveils the Newton 2.0 operating system, with ability to synchronize data with Windows and Mac OS applications, screen rotation, and revised handwriting recognition. [2605.198]
November 17
  • IBM, Apple Computer, and Hewlett-Packard dissolve Taligent Inc. [259.5] [398] [399.32] [2605.71]
  • Apple Computer ships a beta test version of its "Copland" operating system to 50 key application developers. [1880.20] [2605.273]
  • Apple Computer abandons release of Dylan programming language due to the success of Java. [2605.197]
December
  • The IEEE Standards Board accepts Apple Computer's FireWire design as IEEE 1394-1995 Standard for a High Performance Serial Bus, dubbed IEEE 1394. [834.28] [1272.102] [1776.38]
October-December
  • Oct-Dec Apple Computer ships 1.3 million computers. [851.17]
Year
  • Worldwide Apple Computer shipments of personal computers for the year: 4.7 million. [521.10]
  • Computer animation market share for the year: non-Apple personal computers 66.5%, Unix workstations 14.5%, Apple Macintosh 19%. [832.14]
  • Worldwide personal computer market share for the year: Compaq Computer 10%, IBM 8%, Apple Macintosh 7.8%. [521.10]
  • Shipments of multimedia computers for the year: Apple Computer 4 million. [884.33]
  • Multimedia computer market share: Apple Computer 18.8%. [884.33]
  • Shipments of Apple Computer personal computers in the US for the year: 2,504,000. [585.47] [521.10] [630.14]
  • Personal computer market share in the US for the year: Compaq Computer 12.2%, Packard Bell 11.3%, Apple Computer 11.1%, IBM 8.3%, Gateway 2000 5.1%, Dell Computer 4.6%, Hewlett-Packard 4.5%, Acer America 3.6%, Toshiba 3.5%, AST Research 2.4%. [585.47] [521.10] [630.14]

End of 1994-1995. Next: 1996.

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A list of references to all source material is available.


Last updated: 2023 October 25.
Copyright © 2006-2024 Ken Polsson (email: ken@kpolsson.com).
URL: http://kpolsson.com/apple/
Link to Ken P's home page.

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