25 years and one day ago, Apple put up the famous 1984 ad, just days before the launch of the first Macintosh. The ad was lauded by many as a masterpiece and with its theme of the underdog’s battle with Big Brother, became a signature representation of Apple computers over the years.
It was aired once and only once on 22 January 1984 during the Super Bowl XVIII and two days later on 22 January, Apple introduced the Macintosh. Prior to that, Steve Jobs introduced this ad at a keynote with this passage:
bq. It is now 1984. It appears IBM wants it all. Apple is perceived to be the only hope to offer IBM a run for its money. Dealers initially welcoming IBM with open arms now fear an IBM dominated and controlled future. They are increasingly turning back to Apple as the only force that can ensure their future freedom. IBM wants it all and is aiming its guns on its last obstacle to industry control: Apple. Will Big Blue dominate the entire computer industry? The entire information age? Was George Orwell right?
Watch the introduction by the young and feisty Steve Jobs and the ad in this clip:
