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.

1998

January 6

• At the Macworld Expo in San Francisco, Apple Computer shows Mac OS 8.1, and QuickTime 3.0. [2605.293]

January

• At the Macworld Expo, Microsoft unveils the final version of the Internet Explorer 4.0 web browser for the Mac OS. It is available for free. [1137.34]

January 9

• New Line Cinema releases the film Wag the Dog to theaters in the USA. An Apple PowerBook Duo 280c laptop computer appears in a close-up. [2569]

January 27

• Apple Computer shifts development and distribution of ClarisWorks from Claris back to Apple, and renames it AppleWorks. Claris is renamed FileMaker, with primary focus the FileMaker Pro software. 30 Claris employees are laid off. [1559] [1590.23] [2605.159,293] (February [1886.71])

January 29

• An auction is held for Power Computing assets. [2605.257]

February 2

• Apple Computer makes CompUSA its exclusive national retailer. [2605.293]

February

• Apple Computer releases QuickTime 3.0 for the Macintosh. [1590]

February 27

• Apple Computer ceases development of its Newton operating system and Newton OS-based products. [768.6] [1886.71] [2605.202,293]

(month unknown)

• Sales of Apple Computer's MacOS 8 to date: over 2 million. [1158.9]
• Apple Computer reduces the price of the 20th Anniversary Macintosh to US$3999 to sell out remaining units. [1589.24]
• Apple Computer releases the MacOS 8.1 operating system. [1158.9]

March

• Apple Computer and Microsoft announces they will merge their two Java implementations into one Mac OS Runtime for Java. [1589.83] [1598]
• In New York City, New York, the Seybold conference is held. Apple Computer's Steve Jobs unveils the 300 MHz Power Macintosh G3, demonstrates a 400 MHz G3 processor with copper wiring, and 15.1-inch Apple Studio Display desktop LCD screen. [1591.25]

January-March

• (January to March) Apple Computer ships 650,000 computers. [851.17]

May 6

• At the Flint Center Theater, Steve Jobs introduces the Apple Computer iMac computer. It features 233 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 512 kB backside cache, 32 MB RAM, 4 GB EIDE hard disk, ATI Rage IIc with 2 MB SGRAM video, 15-inch built-in monitor, 66 MHz PCI system bus, 10/100 BaseT Ethernet, IrDA infrared port, 33.6 kbps modem, two USB ports, 24X CD-ROM drive, and Bondi Blue case. Price is US$1299. (About 6 million are sold in the next four years.) [755.9] [762] [851.24] [1105.103] [1205.35] [1248.17] [1417.142] [2605.295]
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh PowerBook G3 portable computer. It features 233 to 292 MHz PowerPC 750 processor, 12.3-14.1-inch TFT display, 0-1 MB Level 2 cache, 32-192 MB SDRAM, 2-4 MB SGRAM video memory, 2-8 GB IDE hard drive, 20X CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, 10Base-T Ethernet, ATI Rage LT video controller, 16 bit stereo sound, 32-bit CardBus interface, external VGA output. Size if 12.7 x 10.4 x 2 inches; weight is about 7 pounds. The system runs for about three hours on lithium-ion batteries. Systems are custom built to customer specifications. This is the first Apple computer with new solid-colored Apple logo. [1102.107] [2605.12]
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May 11

• Apple Computer announces that 1 million copies of QuickTime 3.0 have been downloaded from its Web site. [1598.26]

May

• At the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple Computer announces it has licensed Symantec's just-in-time Java compiler for integration into the Mac OS Runtime for Java. Apple also announces a new operating strategy, combining work on Rhapsody with the current Mac OS, under new name Mac OS X. [755.9] [1559] [1598] [1880.20] [1886.71] [1918.45]

June

• IBM's Microelectronics Division ends participation in the PowerPC alliance. [2605.70]

August 15

• Apple Computer begins shipping the iMac to retail outlets in the US. Price is US$1299. (278,000 units are shipped in the first six weeks.) [793.4] [826.14] [944.74] [1094.23] [1248.21] [1559] [1628.24] [2605.295]

August 28

• Apple Computer releases the iMac in Japan. Price is 178,000 yen (US$1227). [1559]

September 21

• Apple Computer releases the AppleWorks 5 software suite. Price is US$99; upgrade price is US$79. [1559]
• Filemaker releases the Filemaker Pro 4.1 software for Macintosh computers. Price is US$199; upgrade price is US$149. [1559]

October 14

• Apple Computer introduces the Mac OS 8.5 operating system. Release date is set for October 17. Price is US$99. [1559]

October 17

• Apple Computer releases Mac OS 8.5. [1559] [2605.296]

December 11

• Warner Bros. Pictures releases the film You've Got Mail to theaters in the USA. An Apple Powerbook laptop computer is used throughout the film. [2078]

October-December

• Market share of personal computers in the USA during October to December: Compaq Computer 18.1%, Dell Computer 12.8%, Gateway 9.1%, IBM 9.1%, Hewlett-Packard 7.2%, Apple Computer 4.5%. [1559]

Year

• Personal computer market share in Canada based on sales for the year: Compaq 21.5%, IBM 19.6%, Dell 10.2%, Hewlett-Packard 7.0%, Toshiba 4.7%, Apple Computer 4.0%, Packard Bell NEC 3.3%, Seanix 2.8%, Acer 1.6%, Sidus 1.5%. [1439.21]
• Market share of personal computer shipments in the US during the year: Dell Computer 13.2%, Compaq Computer 16.7%, Gateway 8.4%, Hewlett-Packard 7.8%, Apple Computer 4.6%. [1559]
• Shipments of Apple Computer iMac computers worldwide during the year: 800,000. [843.6] [1094.23] [1559]

1999

January 5

• At Macworld Expo, Steve Jobs announces the release of new iMac computers in five bright colors. Each includes 266 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 32 MB RAM, 15-inch monitor, and 6 GB hard drive. Price is US$1199. [1094.28] [1501.12] [1559] [1886.71] [2605.296]
• At the Macworld Expo, Apple Computer introduces new Power Mac G3 series computers. They feature two-tone blue/white polycarbonate translucent cases with a handle on each corner, keyboard, mouse, two USB ports, two FireWire ports, 300 to 400 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 100 MHz system bus, up to 1 GB RAM, ATI Rage 128 graphics card, 4 PCI slots, 10/100BaseT Ethernet, hard drive, CD or DVD drive. Prices start at US$1599-2999. [1094.67] [1501.12] [1559] [2201.16]
• At the Macworld Expo, Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 4.5 for Macintosh. [1094.27] [1559]

January 6

• At the Macworld Expo, Connectix releases the Virtual Game Station software for the Apple Macintosh computer, allowing users to play Sony PlayStation video games on their computers. Price is US$49. [1559] [2135.16]

January

• At the Macworld Expo, Apple Computer debuts Mac OS X Server operating system. It incorporates the Mach microkernel, BSD 4.4 version of Unix, Apache web server, and WebObjects. Price is US$995. [1094.28] [1559]
• Apple Computer releases Mac OS 8.5.1 operating system. [1094.29]

(month unknown)

• Best Buy drops the Apple Computer iMac line from its stores. [1761.45]

March 16

• Apple Computer releases Mac OS X Server 1.0 and a preview version of Mac OS X for developers. [1918.45]

April

• Apple Computer releases the Final Cut Pro software for the Macintosh. [1886.71]

April 20

• The Fox Broadcasting Company airs the Futurama TV show in the US. In a law court scene, the judge closely resembles an original Apple Macintosh computer. When the computer freezes, someone suggests "Try control-alt-delete". [1926]

April 22

• In the US, Connectix ceases shipping its Virtual Game Station software for the Apple Macintosh computer, complying with a federal court order. Sony filed a trademark and patent infringement lawsuit against the company in January. The software allows Sony PlayStation games to be played on Apple computers. [1559]

May

• Apple Computer introduces the PowerBook G3/333 portable computer. It features 333 MHz G3 processor, 64 MB RAM, ATI Rage LT Pro graphics controller with 8 MB RAM, 14.1-inch active matrix display, Ethernet, 56 kbps modem, 512 kB Level 2 cache, 4 GB hard drive, 24X CD-ROM drive. Weight is 5.9 pounds; thickness is 1.7 inches; price is US$2500. [1026.77] [1072.35]

May 10

• At the Apple Computer's Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple introduces Mac OS 8.6. [2605.297]

May 16

• The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A cyber-cafe shows several color-cased computers, a reference to the Apple Computer iMac computers. [1972]

June 1

• Apple Computer releases the Power Macintosh G3/350, /400, and /450 computers, with updated PowerPC G3 processors. All include Mac OS 8.6. [1072.47] [1559]

June 9

• Apple Computer ships QuickTime 4 software for the Macintosh. This release adds MP3 audio support. [1072.28] [1559]

June 29

• La Salle Gallery in San Francisco sells an original Apple I computer with user manual, keyboard, and cabinet, at auction for US$18,000. [2605.7]

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer introduces the PowerBook G3/400 portable computer. It features 400 MHz G3 processor, 64 MB RAM, ATI Rage LT Pro graphics controller with 8 MB RAM, 14.1-inch active matrix display, Ethernet, 56 kbps modem, 1 MB Level 2 cache, 6 GB hard drive, DVD-ROM drive. Price is US$2499. [1072.35] [1718.32]

July 1

• In San Jose, California, Apple Computer files a lawsuit against Future Power and parent company Daewoo over the recently introduced E-Power personal computer that looks nearly identical to the Apple iMac. [1559] [2605.298]

July 21

• At the MacWorld trade show, Apple Computer's Steve Jobs shows the iBook portable computer. It features 12.1-inch TFT display, 300 MHz G3 processor, 4 MB ATI Rage Mobility graphics chip, CD-ROM drive, 32 MB RAM, modem, USB and 10/100Base-T Ethernet ports, 3 GB hard drive, keyboard, Mac OS 8.6, V.90 modem, AppleWorks software, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, and comes in a translucent cover in tangerine or blueberry colors. Battery power lasts about six hours. Price is US$1599; weight is 6.6 pounds; size is 2 x 13.5 x 11.6 inches. [974.9] [1026.32] [1103.53] [1592.64] [2201.18] [2605.297]

July

• At the Macworld trade show, Apple Computer introduces the AirPort wireless networking system, based on the IEEE 802.11b standard. [1259.22] [2201.19]

July 21

• At the Macworld trade show, Steve Jobs announces the Halo: Combat Evolved game for Mac and Windows computers. [2565.99]

August 19

• Apple Computer files a complaint against eMachines for copying the look of the iMac with the eOne computers. [2605.298]

August 31

• At the Seybold conference in San Francisco, California, Apple Computer unveils the Apple Cinema Display, a 22-inch LCD flat-panel display. Price is US$3999. [925.37] [1559]
• Apple Computer releases the Power Mac G4 computer. It features a 400 MHz PowerPC G4, 64 MB RAM, CD-ROM drive, 10 GB hard disk. Prices start at US$1599. [925.37] [1026.77] [1559] (September [1883.58] [1886.71] [2201.16])
• Apple Computer iMac computers sold to date: 2 million. [1103.34] [1559]

September 3

• In Iowa, Microware Systems files a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against Apple Computer, claiming trademark violation by Apple of Microware's "OS-9" operating system. Microware seeks Apple's earnings from the sale of Mac OS 9, and an order refraining Apple from using the name in advertising. (The Court dismissess the lawsuit in March.) [1559] [2605.280]

September

• Apple Computer begins shipping the iBook computer. [1127.66] [1559]

September 20

• Tokyo District Court issues a preliminary injunction against eMachines for the eOne computers copying the look of Apple Computer's iMac computers. [2605.298]

October 3

• The Fox Broadcasting Company airs the Futurama TV show in the US. A university campus dormitory in year 3000 includes what appears to be an original Apple Computer Macintosh computer. [1927]

October

• Apple Computer introduces the updated iMac computer. It features 350 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 64 MB RAM, 6 GB hard drive, two USB ports, v.90 modem, Ethernet port, 512 kB L2 cache, 24X ATI Rage 128 VR 2D/3D graphics accelerator with 8 MB video RAM in AGP 2X slot, Mac OS 8.6 operating system, CD-ROM drive, in a blueberry colored case, for US$999. [1026.70] [1103.34] [1717.36]
• Apple Computer introduces the iMac DV computer. It features 400 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 64 MB RAM, 10 GB hard drive, two 400-Mbps FireWire ports, v.90 modem, Ethernet port, ATI Rage 128 VR 2D/3D graphics accelerator with 8 MB video RAM in AGP 2X slot, 512 kB L2 cache, DVD-ROM drive, iMovie software, in a choice of five case colors, for US$1299. [1026.70] [1103.34]
• Apple Computer introduces the iMac DV Special Edition computer. It features 400 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 128 MB RAM, 13 GB hard drive, two 400-Mbps FireWire ports, v.90 modem, Ethernet port, ATI Rage 128 VR 2D/3D graphics accelerator with 8 MB video RAM in AGP 2X slot, 512 kB L2 cache, DVD-ROM drive, iMovie software, in a gray graphite textured case, for US$1499. [1026.70] [1103.34]

October 22

• Apple Computer releases the Mac OS 9 operating system. [1103.34] [1559] [1648.54] [1721.29] [1880.20] [1886.71] [1897.131] [2605.279]

October-December

• Shipments of Apple computers during October to December: 1.35 million. [1735.44]
• Market share of personal computer shipments in the US during October to December: Dell Computer 16.8%, Compaq Computer 16.1%, Hewlett-Packard 10.2%, Gateway 9.2%, IBM 5.5%, Apple Computer 3.9%. [1559]

Year

• Market share of personal computer shipments in the US during the year: Dell Computer 16.6%, Compaq Computer 16.1%, Gateway 8.9%, Hewlett-Packard 8.8%, IBM 7.3%, Apple Computer 4.4%. [1559]
• Market share of personal computer shipments worldwide during the year: Compaq Computer 13.9%, Dell Computer 10.5%, IBM 8.2%, Hewlett-Packard 6.7%, NEC 5.5%, Fujitsu Siemens 5.5%, Apple Computer 3.4%. [1559]
• Market share of home personal computers in the US for the year: Compaq Computer 19.0%, Hewlett-Packard 16.1%, EMachines 11.0%, Packard Bell NEC 7.3%, Apple Computer 7.1%, other 24.2%. [1748.108]
• Shipments of Apple Computer iMac computers worldwide during the year: 2 million. [1559]

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