Apple vs. Microsoft: The Rivalry That Shaped the Tech Industry (1976-2024)
- Apple and Microsoft have been at it for decades—and they’re not slowing down.
- From Windows to the iPhone, this rivalry has pushed the tech world to new heights.
- Want to know what’s next in the Apple vs. Microsoft saga? Big things are coming in 2024.
The technology landscape has been shaped by some of the most competitive and transformative rivalries in history. But none perhaps has been as enduring—or as impactful—as the battle between Apple and Microsoft. For decades, these two titans have fought to define the future of computing and innovation. From their humble beginnings to today’s cutting-edge technologies, their rivalry continues to drive the industry forward, shaping how we live, work, and interact with tech.
Photo via Business Insider // Steve Jobs and Bill Gates smiling at eachother during a sit-down interview.
A Rivalry is Born: The Early Days (1970s - 1980s)
In the mid-1970s, the seeds of this epic rivalry were sown. Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in a now-legendary Silicon Valley garage. Their early success with the Apple II made them pioneers in the personal computer space. But across the country, Bill Gates and Paul Allen had already formed Microsoft in 1975, focusing initially on developing software, most notably the groundbreaking MS-DOS operating system.
During this era, Apple focused on hardware innovation, while Microsoft established itself as a leader in software development. It wasn't long before their interests collided, sparking what would become one of the most infamous rivalries in tech history.
Photo via App Economy Insights // Apple's market cap versus Microsoft's market cap (shown in trillions, 2023).
The Rise of Giants: 1980s to Early 2000s
As the 1980s progressed, Microsoft launched Windows, a software innovation that would forever change the computing landscape. Apple, with its release of the Macintosh in 1984, brought the first mass-market graphical user interface (GUI). While Apple pioneered revolutionary user experiences, Microsoft surged ahead in market share with its operating system, which became the standard on millions of personal computers around the globe.
Photo via The Original PC Doctor // 1970s and 1980s: Microsoft Windows PC (left) vs. Apple Macintosh (right).
Microsoft Ascends
Throughout the 1990s, Microsoft’s dominance in the software world was indisputable. With the combination of Windows and Office, it became an indispensable part of everyday computing for businesses and consumers alike. Meanwhile, Apple was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Steve Jobs had been ousted from his company, and Apple was struggling to maintain relevance in a market dominated by Microsoft.
That all changed when Jobs returned to Apple in 1997. His comeback led to one of the most dramatic corporate turnarounds in history, with Apple launching the iMac, iPod, and eventually the iconic iPhone in 2007. Apple's products captured the imagination of consumers and set the stage for a new chapter in its rivalry with Microsoft.
The Mobile Revolution: Apple Leads, Microsoft Struggles (2000s to 2010s)
As the 2000s unfolded, Apple led the charge in the mobile revolution. The introduction of the iPhone in 2007 fundamentally changed how we interacted with technology, creating a whole new category of smart devices. The iPhone’s success was staggering, and its ecosystem of apps, music, and services flourished under Jobs' guidance.
Microsoft, however, struggled to find its footing in this new mobile world. The company’s Windows Phone operating system never gained the traction it needed to challenge Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. Despite innovative hardware like the Surface and breakthroughs in enterprise software, Microsoft couldn't keep pace in the consumer smartphone market. By the mid-2010s, it had largely exited the mobile space, but its focus had shifted to another arena: cloud computing.
Photo via Threads // The Microsoft Windows Phone was seen as a market failure.
The Cloud Wars: Microsoft’s Bet Pays Off
Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, who became CEO in 2014, Microsoft underwent a significant transformation. The company doubled down on cloud computing with its Azure platform, becoming a dominant force in enterprise cloud services. Meanwhile, Apple continued to thrive, bolstered by its iPhone sales and growing services business.
The rivalry shifted once more, with both companies now playing to their strengths. Apple remained the undisputed leader in consumer technology, while Microsoft reigned supreme in cloud infrastructure and enterprise software.
What’s Next: The Battle Continues in 2024 and Beyond
Both Apple and Microsoft are set to release major products in the coming years, each aiming to redefine their respective markets.
Apple’s 2024 Lineup:
- iPhone 16 – Already released.
- Apple Watch 10 – Already released.
- New iPads (iPad mini 7 and iPad 11) – The new iPad mini 7 was recently released. We are still waiting on the 11th-gen iPad.
- M4 MacBook Pro – Unreleased. Likely release date at the very end of October or beginning of November 2024. Expected to include design updates and a boost in processing power.
- Apple Glasses – Unreleased. Likely release in 2025 or beyond. Rumored to bring augmented reality (AR) to everyday users, possibly revolutionizing how we interact with digital content.
Microsoft’s 2024 Outlook:
- Windows 12 – Unreleased. Likely release date between July and October 2025. Anticipated improvements in productivity, security, and seamless integration across devices.
- Surface Pro 9 – Unreleased. Continued refinement of Microsoft’s popular 2-in-1 device.
- HoloLens 3 – Unreleased. It's unclear if Microsoft will continue this product line. However, if they do, HoloLens 3 is expected to push the boundaries of AR with enhanced holographic capabilities.
Both companies are also heavily invested in AI. Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI has seen ChatGPT integrated into its suite of productivity tools, while Apple takes a more privacy-centric, on-device approach to AI integration, also leveraging tools from OpenAI.
Conclusion: A Rivalry That Will Never End
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the rivalry between Apple and Microsoft remains as fierce as ever. Each company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, driving technological progress in ways that profoundly shape the world we live in. From personal computing to cloud services and AI, the competition between these tech titans ensures that the future of technology will be exciting—and fiercely competitive—for years to come.
Recommended by the editors:
Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.Published to Apple Scoop on 18th October, 2024.
No password required
A confirmation request will be delivered to the email address you provide. Once confirmed, your comment will be published. It's as simple as two clicks.
Your email address will not be published publicly. Additionally, we will not send you marketing emails unless you opt-in.