Looking back

Looking back is not in Apple’s DNA.

When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, he donated the company’s massive, 2,000-box corporate archives to the Stanford University Libraries.

As Jony Ive was putting together his book, Designed by Apple in California, his team had to buy a bunch of their own products on eBay to photograph.

And I don’t recall Apple ever celebrating its birthday, even on big jubilee anniversaries.

Apple doesn’t have a single nostalgic bone in its body, which is very apropos for the company perhaps most associated with inventing the future.

But Apple’s upcoming 50th anniversary is different. For the first time, Apple is going to look back over the last five decades and celebrate some of its biggest milestones.

It looks like, in the run-up to April 1, Apple will celebrate its own achievements.

It kicked off today with a nicely written letter from Tim Cook, which is highlighted prominently at the top of Apple’s homepage, a pretty unusual move. I liked seeing Tim’s signature, which looks awfully like a Preview signature.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Cult of Mac writer David Snow just reviewed his brand-new M4 iPad Air. He writes that the upgrade from his old iPad is a bigger difference than he expected.
This is a super-interesting rumor: The upcoming folding iPhone will transform into a pseudo-iPad when opened up. Makes a lot of sense!
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: Eero makes superb mesh Wi-Fi gear, and this router three-pack is down to just over $200 — a nice 30% discount.
We also review a new and very nice-looking power bank from Twelve South, a company that’s long made great Apple accessories.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Apple turns 50: Tim Cook thanks users in heartfelt anniversary letter

As the company plans celebrations, Tim Cook posted an Apple 50th anniversary letter looking back with gratitude and ahead with excitement.

Why my new M4 iPad Air is such a meaningful upgrade [Review]

The midrange tablet can be a very worthwhile upgrade for many users, especially when bumping up screen size.

Folding iPhone may take a major step toward iPad-style productivity

Multitasking features reportedly will include split-screen capabilities for improved productivity.

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Score a deal on the just-launched M4 iPad Air — while it lasts!

You can already get a deal on the 2026 M4 iPad Air with savings on both 13-inch and 11-inch versions in a range of specs and colors.

iPhone 18 Pro may skip a price hike — and that's a bigger deal than you think

Memory shortages are pushing smartphone prices higher, but Apple appears ready to hold the line.

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This $40 AI tool is your secret weapon for landing a job faster

Automate your resumes and cover letters, then track your opportunities and ace your interview prep, with AI job search tool FirstResume.

Today in Apple history: Apple market cap breezes by Walmart

On March 12, 2010, Apple moved into third place among publicly listed U.S. companies. Soon the Apple market cap would hit the top.

This great-looking MagSafe iPhone battery is built for life on the go [Review]

The slim Twelve South PowerCapsule MagSafe power bank adds hours of battery life to your iPhone. We did hands-on testing.

Cult of Mac’s buyback program

We pay top dollar for used Apple gear

Sell your old iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more through Cult of Mac. Free shipping, fast payment!

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Tweets of the day

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Wallpaper of the day

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One more thing ...

❝

We were young, and we learned that we could build something, ourselves, that could control billions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure in the world. It was an incredible lesson. I don’t think there would have been an Apple computer, had there not been blue boxing.

— Steve Jobs, 1995.

Today’s poll

Should Apple celebrate its birthdays?

Results from yesterday’s poll: Just how screwed are makers of low-cost Windows PCs?

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