Steve Jobs resigns from Apple

On 16/09/1985, Steve Jobs resigned as Chairman of Apple Inc., ending his formal leadership role at the company he had co founded in 1976. The resignation followed months of internal conflict between Jobs and Apple CEO John Sculley, whom Jobs had recruited from PepsiCo in 1983. Tensions escalated during 1985 as Macintosh sales fell short of expectations and disagreements emerged over product direction, management style, and company strategy. In May 1985, Sculley sought support from Apple’s board of directors to reorganize management of the Macintosh division. The board backed Sculley, removing Jobs from day to day operational control and leaving him with the largely symbolic position of chairman. Following the decision, Jobs retained the title but had limited responsibilities. During the same period, Jobs attempted to regain influence within the company, including efforts to reorganize leadership while Sculley was traveling, but the attempt did not succeed. On 13/09/1985, Jobs informed Apple’s board that he planned to leave the company and pursue a new venture. He formally submitted his resignation on 16/09/1985. Shortly afterward, Jobs founded NeXT Inc., focusing on high end workstations for education and business markets. His departure marked the end of his first tenure at Apple, which lasted nine years from the company’s founding through the early Macintosh era.