Former President Jimmy Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981, passed away at the remarkable age of 100 on Sunday. Honored on Apple's website, Carter is celebrated for his post-presidential humanitarian efforts, which included building homes with Habitat for Humanity and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His presidency, particularly before he lost re-election in 1980 to Ronald Reagan, saw significant developments in technology, including the emergence of Apple as a formidable name in the personal computer market.
Under Carter's leadership, Apple launched the Apple II in 1977, marking a pivotal moment in computing history. This was one of the first successful mass-produced personal computers, setting the stage for Apple's rapid growth during Carter's years in office. Revenue soared from $775,000 in 1977 to over $118 million by 1980, laying the groundwork for Apple's future successes, including a staggering $391 billion in revenue for the fiscal year 2024.
Today, we honor President Carter's lifetime of service and his commitment to leaving the world better than he found it. May he rest in peace.
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When Carter took office, Apple had a mere three key executives, led by the co-founder. As his term progressed, the company went public on December 12, 1980. A $1,000 investment in 45 shares at the IPO price of $22 would now be worth over $2.7 million, showcasing the immense potential that Carter witnessed during his presidency. This public offering transformed many of Apple's early employees, including Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, into millionaires, cementing Jobs' status as a prominent figure in the tech industry.
Alongside Apple's tribute to President Carter, the legacy of his administration will forever be intertwined with the company's story.
