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Computer industry

Apple Discontinues Newton Operating System and Products

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Apple's decision to discontinue the Newton operating system and Newton OS-based products marks a significant shift in the company's strategy to focus on extending the Macintosh operating system. According to Steve Jobs, Apple's interim CEO, this move is aligned with the company's plan to focus all its software development resources on the Macintosh operating system. Apple will continue to market and sell its current inventory of MessagePad 2100 and eMate 300 computers, as well as provide support for their installed base of users. The company aims to transition to Mac OS-based products, beginning in 1999, and is committed to working with customers and developers to ensure a smooth transition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple will discontinue further development of the Newton operating system and Newton OS-based products, including the MessagePad 2100 and eMate 300.
  • The decision is consistent with Apple's strategy to focus on extending the Macintosh operating system.
  • Apple will continue to market and sell its current inventory of MessagePad 2100 and eMate 300 computers, as well as provide support for their installed base of users.
  • Apple aims to transition to Mac OS-based products, beginning in 1999, to serve the affordable mobile computing market.
  • The company is committed to working with customers and developers to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Apple will continue to provide support for users of Newton-based products, ensuring a seamless transition to Mac OS-based products.
  • The eMate, a pioneering product in the affordable mobile computing market, will continue to be supported by Apple.
  • Apple is committed to its original mission of bringing the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons, and consumers worldwide.

Statistics:

  • Apple will stop developing the Newton operating system and Newton OS-based products.
  • The MessagePad 2100 and eMate 300 will be marketed and sold until the current inventory is depleted.
  • Apple will provide support for its installed base of Newton users until they transition to Mac OS-based products.
  • The transition to Mac OS-based products is expected to begin in 1999.
  • Apple's goal is to serve the affordable mobile computing market through Mac OS-based products.
  • The company has a user base of over 140 countries around the world.

Sources:

  • Apple Computer, Inc. (press release)
  • Apple's Interim CEO, Steve Jobs (statement)
  • Apple's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 26, 1997
  • Apple's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 26, 1997

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