Unsung Apple heroes

Everyone knows that Steve Jobs saved Apple in the late 1990s.

But do you know who saved Apple before Steve Jobs could save it?

That person is among more than a dozen unsung heroes who helped propel the company these last five decades.

As Apple celebrates its 50th birthday, here are some of the company’s most important but lesser-known contributors.

Also in today’s newsletter:

There’s an easily overlooked change to Apple’s fastest chips yet — the M5 Pro and M5 Max — that makes them ideal for local AI.
A hot new rumor out of Korea spills details on an upcoming OLED iMac, but it’s coming when now?
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: Just in time for the anniversary itself, David Pogue’s great new book about Apple just went on sale for more than 30% off. #affiliate
Speaking of deals, we rarely see discounts on Apple’s peripherals. But today you can save big on the Magic Mouse and the Magic Keyboard.
I know this is heresy, but I’ve seen Paul McCartney in concert, and I came away unimpressed. He’s better than Alicia Keys, though! Who would be your ideal artist to play Apple’s 50th birthday party? Take today’s poll below.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

The other geniuses: 16 unsung heroes from Apple's first 50 years

We look beyond Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Jony Ive and Tim Cook to 16 unsung heroes from Apple's first 50 amazingly successful years.

M5 Pro and M5 Max vs. M4 Pro and M4 Max: How big is the performance jump?

Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max chips promise big performance gains over the M4 generation. Here’s how the latest Apple silicon stacks up.

Here's when Apple plans to release the first OLED iMac

Apple is exploring an iMac with a gorgeous OLED display, but will it be too expensive to appeal to average buyers?

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

Block ads and data trackers forever with this top-rated service

Snag a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard family plan. The iOS and Mac ad blocker also protects your privacy on Android and PC.

Will Paul McCartney play Apple Park for Apple's 50th finale?

It would be a fitting finale for the iPhone giant's 50th anniversary.

Save 19% in rare deal on Apple Magic Mouse

Do not miss a rare Apple Magic Mouse deal! Save on the sleek USB-C version for your Mac or iPad to give your setup a boost.

Save a sweet $20 on Apple's super-slim Magic Keyboard

This Apple Magic Keyboard deal lets you say goodbye to cables and enjoy a 19% discount on a brilliant wireless keyboard.

^{A message from}^{the Cult of Mac Deals team}

Price cut: This feature-packed iPad stylus costs just $34

This is not just a stylus pen; it’s a workflow upgrade. Simply press the Pencil Pro Ultra's Smart Switch to bounce between iOS and Android.

Apple's iPad keyboard case gets compelling new rival [Now shipping!]

The new Brydge Max 11.0 is a premium iPad keyboard case that offers enhanced productivity and stunning design.

5 times Apple turned failed products into huge successes

Apple's greatest talent is turning niche products into mainstream hits. Here are five brilliant examples of trash into triumph.

Apple has serious plans for Siri! [Cult of Mac podcast No. 13]

This week on the “Cult of Mac” podcast: New details emerge about a major upgrade that would transform Siri from a laughingstock to a legitimate AI.

Today in Apple history: Apple goes to war with The Beatles again

On March 30, 2006, a court case began that pitted Apple Computer against Apple Corps, aka The Beatles' record label. It fueled an epic fight.

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!

^{A message from MarketBeat}

Nuclear Stocks Are Surging - These 7 Lead the Pack

For years, investors ignored nuclear.

Now energy demand is rising, supply is tight, and governments are backing buildouts.

Yet parts of the sector still trade as if nothing changed.

The 7 Top Nuclear Stocks to Buy Now report highlights companies leading this rally and positioned to benefit as momentum builds.

Send My Free Report

Tweets of the day

— # (#)

Wallpaper of the day

— # (#)

One more thing ...

❝

The way out is not to slash and burn. It's to innovate. That's how Apple got to its glory, and I think that's how Apple could return to it.

— Steve Jobs, 1996.

Today’s poll

Who would you like to see play at Apple's 50th birthday party?

Results from Friday’s poll: Did you own a Mac clone?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.