Apple hasn't fallen far from iTree

Apple, which turns 50 today, is much more than magical technology or a charismatic brand. It's the 'forever' beginning of change in the way we live and work.

A sassy biopic can easily be stitched from just the history sheets of product innovation. Apple Computer 1 (1976) was the very first accessible computer system with a video terminal. Macintosh 128K, incubated by the iconic 1984 TV commercial, defined the PC regime, while the LaserWriter, c. 1985, established the foundation for desktop publishing.

In 1998, Apple Mac G3 became the magic potion for mass market creativity. The very next year, iBook showed up as the company's pioneering consumer-centric laptop, imploring the best in each of us. iPod (2001) turned up as a lovable jukebox, and Apple TV (2007) was a fine convergence of technologies.

Designed by Jony Ive - now developing an agentic device for OpenAI - iPhone was the 2007 game-changer. Ive was a dramatic catalyst over timelines, no less influential than Steve Jobs. iPad (2010) and Apple Watch (2015) were fresh jewels in the continuum, continuing an awe-inspiring legacy of evolutionary excellence.

But, then, a product timeline, however spicy, can never be sufficient stimulus for a mega biopic. The brand story, when unfurled, is capable of Lifetime Achievement glories. Iconic campaigns include the deeply intellectual '1984', the motivational 'Think Different', the tongue-in-cheek 'Get a Mac' series, and the designer iPod silhouettes. These were showstoppers, almost as unique as the real product experience.

Apple has always been the quintessential empowerer, inspired perhaps by Jobs taking a catalysing course in calligraphy in college, a 'craft' seed for design development. Every Apple user feels better equipped to bring a unique acumen to meaningful life, as creator or consumer.

Those in creative industries carry a perceptible swag - a mind language more than body language, which gets reflected amply in routine engagement. Many pitches have been won by 'Apple Surplus', a perceptual edge in the outcome creation as a result of 'Brand Chutzpah'. Magnetic presence of an Apple device seems to be evidence of elevated calibre.

Apple deliberately positions itself beyond comparison. It has curated a formidable subset of 'us-too's, bolstered by the prolific penetration of both smartphone and broadband. Whether phone, laptop or tablet can be a matter of entertaining detail. But 'Apple' remains the crown that bears every jewel.

All of the above add up to an iconic brand benchmark, commencing with easy access and topped by delightful indulgence, courtesy our very own devices. Apple commanding a majestic premium, to justify demands of user imagery and not just realities of engineering acumen.

More than 25% of iPhone production is now routed out of India, making the latter a multifaceted stakeholder. iPhone also enjoys a 28% share in the local smartphone market. Fresh launches merrily attract PDS-like queues outside ever-expanding stores. In many ways, the 'upgrade' story that unifies India's thriving consumer economy continues to be fuelled by every iPhone upgrade.

50 yrs on, Apple is experiencing record-breaking global business performance, exceeding $416 bn in revenue for FY25, with strong 2026 growth driven by iPhone services (over $100 bn in 2025). As of early 2026, there are 2.5 bn active devices. Globally, the $3.7 tn pole-position valuation may be under nagging threat from Nvidia. But the Apple aura is magnificently intact.

On its own steam, the company's AI future is hinged on 'Apple Intelligence', a privacy-first, on-device AI system deeply integrated into iPhones, Macs and wearables. By 2026, Apple aims to have its own version of an agent-like Siri, as well as perhaps the odd robotic device. As ever, customer-centric intelligence is the driving agenda.

Many brands have happily mesmerised global and local belief systems. But none has demonstrated the staying-cum-questioning power of Apple. 'Staying', as in propelling a 50-yr legacy with performance and passion. 'Questioning', as in constantly bringing out the very best in each of us.