“This choice aligns with our strategy to concentrate all software development efforts on enhancing the Macintosh operating system,” stated Steve Jobs, then-interim CEO of Apple. “To achieve our ambitious goals, we need to unify our direction.”
The Exit of a Pioneer: The End of Newton MessagePad
The announcement regarding the discontinuation of the Newton was met with both disappointment and a hint of surprise. Many were saddened because after overcoming initial technical challenges, both the MessagePad and its OS had evolved into exceptional products.
Just four months prior to this announcement, Apple had launched its final version—the MessagePad 2100—which represented the pinnacle of development for this device. With improved memory capacity and faster processing capabilities combined with upgraded communication software, it showcased significant advances.
By this time, engineers at Apple had rectified notorious issues surrounding handwriting recognition functionality. The result was a handheld device remarkably useful in an era preceding widespread mobile internet connectivity.
A Shift in Direction: The Spinoff and Cancellation
The termination of the Newton project came as a shock to some given that just months earlier it had been spun off into an independent entity called Newton Inc., indicating optimism towards its maturation for mainstream success.
However, insiders weren’t entirely blindsided by this development; out of approximately130 staff members at Newton Inc., only about thirty continued their affiliation following Apple’s restructuring efforts around that same time. Many were transferred onto another clandestine project—the first-generation iBook.
Additonally worth noting is that Steve Jobs held reservations about the Newton after his return to Apple’s helm. This PDA was originally spearheaded by John Sculley—Jobs’ former adversary following Jobs’ ousting from apple in1985 over corporate disagreements. Even though Sculley did not oversee most iterations during its lifespan as CEO., he initially championed early-stage developments while leading.