A Look Back at Apple’s iPad Unveiling: Steve Jobs’ Outburst
!back in 2010, Steve Jobs reacted strongly to a tweet that emerged from one of Apple’s most awaited devices—the iPad. The tweet was composed by Alan Murray, the executive editor at The Wall Street Journal, and quickly vanished from social media.
The Controversial Tweet That Sparked Fury
Jobs’ fierce dedication to maintaining the narrative surrounding the iPad is understandable considering his visionary approach towards Apple’s public image. When Murray tweeted about the device on February 4 during an exclusive presentation with select staff from the Journal, Jobs wasn’t amused by this indiscretion.
Murray later confided to Valleywag about his predicament saying, “I would love to discuss this matter further but can’t.” Shortly after posting it, he deleted the tweet which was believed to have been done under pressure from a visibly upset Jobs.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights on Job’s Reaction
Valleywag reported that several insiders suggested that Murray’s decision to erase the tweet stemmed directly from an irate response by Jobs himself. Moments after its publication during Apple’s showcase of technology for specific media representatives, it raised eyebrows and immediately ignited discussions within tech circles.
!Alan Murray’s now-deleted tweet reads: “This tweet sent from an iPad. Does it look cool?”
Credit: Alan Murray
Another Early Glimpse of the iPad
Just a week prior to this incident at The Wall Street Journal event, popular television host Stephen Colbert provided another sneak peek into what would become one of gadget history‘s most coveted items—the prelaunch iPad—when he mentioned it onstage at the Grammy Awards.
In reflecting upon that moment later on with journalists he stated enthusiastically, “When they announced it [Apple], my immediate reaction was ‘I need one!’ So I asked them if I could use one during my opening act at the Grammys.” Although Colbert had grand plans for using it live on stage before millions of viewers across America and beyond—as he vividly put—it wasn’t his property; once his segment concluded backstage personnel retrieved it immediately.
Apple’s insistence on preserving confidentiality around their products has always highlighted their commitment toward securing brand integrity even before official launches took place!
