Apple Discontinues Development of Newton OS
CUPERTINO, California--Feb. 27, 1998--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced
it will discontinue further development of the Newton operating system and
Newton OS-based products, including the MessagePad 2100 and eMate 300.
"This decision is consistent with our strategy to focus all of our software
development resources on extending the Macintosh operating system," said
Steve Jobs, Apple's interim CEO. "To realize our ambitious plans we must
focus all of our efforts in one direction."
Apple is committed to affordable mobile computing, pioneered by the eMate,
and will be serving this market with Mac OS-based products beginning in
1999.
Apple will continue to market and sell its current inventory of MessagePad
2100 and eMate 300 computers, as well as to provide support for their
installed base of users. The Company is committed to working with its
customers and developers to ensure a smooth transition to Mac OS-based
products.
Apple Computer, Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s
with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with
the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original mission - to bring
the best personal computing products and support to students, educators,
designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons and consumers in over 140
countries around the world.
The statements in this document regarding future products and strategy are
forward looking and subject to risk and uncertainty. Potential risks and
uncertainties include, without limitation, the demand from consumers and
businesses and competitive factors. For a detailed discussion of factors
that may affect the Company's operating results, interested parties should
review the Company's SEC reports, including Apple's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended September 26, 1997, as well as the Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended December 26, 1997.
Press Contacts Tami Begasse Apple Computer, Inc. (408) 974-3156 email:
begasse@apple.com
Katie Cotton Apple Computer, Inc. (408) 974-7269 email:
katiec@apple.com