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Kara Swisher Says Steve Jobs Would Be "Horrified" by Apple's Trump Dealings

April 01, 2026 / 01:06

This episode discusses Apple's 50th anniversary, featuring personal experiences with Apple products and reflections on the company's history. Key topics include innovation, leadership changes, and future prospects.

The hosts share their first experiences with Apple, including one guest's memory of buying an iMac for his mother and investing in Apple stock during graduate school. They reminisce about the excitement surrounding Apple's product launches.

They also address controversies surrounding Tim Cook's decisions, such as his interactions with Donald Trump and other public figures. The discussion raises questions about how Steve Jobs would have reacted to current events.

Finally, the hosts speculate on Apple's future, considering the challenges of longevity in the tech industry and whether Apple can thrive for another 50 years.

TL;DR

Apple's 50th anniversary sparks discussion on its history, controversies, and future prospects.

Video

00:00:00
Apple is turning 50. I've covered them a
00:00:02
long, long time from when they declined
00:00:04
to now the biggest thing ever. I
00:00:05
remember standing in line for that phone
00:00:08
when it came out for the first time and
00:00:10
actually unboxing it myself and having a
00:00:12
real excitement about it. Scott, talk
00:00:14
about your experience. What's your first
00:00:15
Apple product?
00:00:16
>> My first Apple product was I bought
00:00:18
their stock in graduate school and I
00:00:20
bought an iMac, one of those colorful
00:00:22
rainbow colored iMacs for my mom
00:00:24
>> [music]
00:00:24
>> and then I I think I bought all their
00:00:25
products.
00:00:26
>> Apple's been up and down the chart in
00:00:28
terms of success, but it's always
00:00:29
actually been a really innovative
00:00:31
company and always doing things that are
00:00:33
surprising. They've made a lot of errors
00:00:34
at the same time. I didn't love [music]
00:00:36
Tim Cook giving the golden statue to
00:00:37
Trump or going to the Meloni premiere.
00:00:39
If Steve Jobs were here today, I think
00:00:41
he'd be horrified by the Trump stuff. I
00:00:43
don't think he'd have gone along and I
00:00:44
would have been fascinated to think what
00:00:46
he created. He was the most creative
00:00:48
person and always zigging when others
00:00:50
were zagging. Do you think they have
00:00:51
another 50 years? 50 years is a lot.
00:00:53
Very few companies survive 100 years.
00:00:55
You wouldn't bet on any company to
00:00:56
survive another 50 years, but if you
00:00:58
were to try and pick one, Apple would be
00:01:00
right up there.

Episode Highlights

  • The First iPhone Experience
    A nostalgic look back at the excitement of unboxing the first iPhone.
    “I remember standing in line for that phone.”
    @ 00m 05s
    April 01, 2026
  • Apple's 50th Anniversary
    Celebrating 50 years of innovation and impact in technology.
    “Apple's been up and down the chart in terms of success, but it’s always been innovative.”
    @ 00m 26s
    April 01, 2026
  • Steve Jobs' Legacy
    A discussion on how Steve Jobs would view Apple's current direction.
    “If Steve Jobs were here today, I think he’d be horrified by the Trump stuff.”
    @ 00m 39s
    April 01, 2026

Episode Quotes

Key Moments

  • First iPhone Excitement00:05
  • Legacy of Innovation00:26
  • Steve Jobs Reflection00:46
  • Future of Apple00:53

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