Meaning: The quote "A lot of people thought Steve Jobs was a CEO of Apple but he never was until he came back to Apple in 1997" by Andy Hertzfeld, a renowned inventor and software engineer, sheds light on a common misconception about Steve Jobs' role at Apple. This quote provides valuable insight into the history of Apple Inc. and the pivotal role Steve Jobs played in its development.

Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Inc. in 1976, along with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. At the outset, Jobs served as the company's chairman of the board and Wozniak as the president. However, in 1983, following internal conflicts and power struggles within the company, Jobs was removed from his position as head of the Macintosh division and subsequently left Apple.

During Jobs' absence from Apple, the company faced numerous challenges and changes in leadership. Despite his departure, Jobs remained a prominent figure in the tech industry and went on to found NeXT, a computer platform development company, and Pixar Animation Studios. His time away from Apple allowed him to gain important experience and insights that would later prove instrumental in the company's turnaround.

In 1996, Apple acquired NeXT, and as part of the deal, Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997. This marked a significant turning point for the company, as Jobs assumed the role of interim CEO. His return brought about a series of transformative changes that would ultimately redefine the company's trajectory and solidify his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the tech industry.

Under Jobs' leadership, Apple experienced a remarkable resurgence, characterized by the introduction of groundbreaking products such as the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Jobs' visionary approach to product design and marketing revolutionized the consumer electronics industry and propelled Apple to unprecedented levels of success.

Despite the common misconception that Steve Jobs was the CEO of Apple from its inception, it was not until his return in 1997 that he officially took on the role of CEO. This distinction is important in understanding the timeline of Jobs' leadership at Apple and the impact he had on the company's evolution.

Andy Hertzfeld, the author of the quote, is a respected figure in the tech industry, known for his contributions to the development of the Apple Macintosh and his involvement in various innovative projects. His firsthand experience working alongside Steve Jobs during the early days of Apple gives his quote added weight and credibility.

In conclusion, Andy Hertzfeld's quote serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of Steve Jobs' return to Apple in 1997 and the pivotal role he played in reshaping the company's trajectory. It dispels the misconception that Jobs was the CEO of Apple from its founding and highlights the significance of his leadership during a critical period in the company's history. Steve Jobs' legacy continues to resonate in the world of technology and business, and his story serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators.