Apple's innovations and changing technological fortunes

Steve Jobs (left) with the Apple Macintosh Credit: Press Association

Apple has come a long way since the company was formed in 1976. Here are some key dates in its long innovative history.

1976

Apple Computer is formed on April Fools' Day by Ronald Wayne, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs.

In the garage of the parents of Steve Jobs in Mountain View, California, Steve Wozniak built the first Apple computer.

The first Apple computer, The Apple l Credit: Press Association

1984

The Macintosh computer goes on sale.

Steve Jobs (left) with the Apple Macintosh Credit: Press Association

1993

Apple introduces the Newton, a hand-held, pen-based computer.

Apple's Newton handheld Credit: Apple/PA

1998

Apple unveils the iMac, a two-tone coloured computer and monitor.

The Apple iMac Credit: Press Association

2001

The first iPod goes on sale.

One of Apple's first iPods Credit: Press Association

2003

Apple launches the iTunes music store selling one million songs in the first week.

A Motorola phone with iTunes Credit: Press Association

2005

Apple expands the iPod line with the tiny Nano and an iPod that can play video.

The iPod nano Credit: Press Association

2007

Apple releases its first smartphone, the iPhone.

First version of the iPhone Credit: Press Association

2010

Apple sells 15 million iPads, its newest gadget, in nine months.

Some sceptics doubted if tablet technology would take off Credit: Press Association

2012

Launch of the iPhone5.

Customers looking at an iPhone5 inside the Apple Store Credit: Press Association