Photocopied packet of the “Annual Report Notes, 9/22/83,” three pages, 8.5 x 11, containing notes from Steve Jobs and John Sculley who discuss the strategic presentation of Apple’s annual report for 1993. These notes provide rare insights into Jobs and Sculley’s vision for Apple’s future, their reflections on the competition with IBM, and the emphasis on Apple’s technological advancements and aesthetic values. A sampling of highlighted quotes from Jobs and Sculley:
Jobs on Product Presentation:
“He doesn’t want a glossy, ‘people’ thing. People at Apple are in touch with the industry.”
“Lisa technology is the technical foundation of this company – will lead us through the 80’s.”
“Will bring this technology down into other 68,000 future systems.”
Sculley on Product Development and Manufacturing:
“Great product designs.”
“Able to bring a product to market in one year, not three.”
“Great manufacturing knowhow.”
Discussion on Competition and Strategy:
Jobs: “Let’s not knock ourselves. By normal standards, we have done well. We’ve grown another Apple in one year.”
Sculley: “We don’t want to come out and talk about it in print. Ala Osborne. We would like to show how Lisa technology can even trickle down into Apple 2, by featuring the Mouse. Sculley wants to show the Apple 2 with a Mouse.”
Strategic Vision and Apple’s Mission:
Sculley: “We want to market high-cost technology and translate it into our products for individuals in a low-cost high-quality easy-to-use fashion. This technology statement is so critical that will make whatever investment at the expense of short-term results.”
Jobs: “Last year – we haven’t lost our spirit. And we are sophisticated.”
Jobs: “This year – one long letter from the President and the Chairman. No glossy ‘people’ photographs, etc. No ‘Gentleman Quarterly’ shit.”
In fine condition.
Accompanied by various inter-office memos and schedules related to the preparation and expenses of the 1983 annual report. These include: a Form 10-K Report (Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 1983), submitted to the SEC, detailing Apple’s financial status, stock information, and shareholder details; a revised schedule for the annual report (November 4, 1983); an annual report expenses memo (November 15, 1983), and an annual report quantity memo (November 4, 1983).
From the collection of Dennis Gobets.
