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Today in History: Apple unveils Macintosh in iconic Super Bowl ad

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 22, 1984, during Super Bowl XVIII, Apple Computer unveiled the Macintosh, the first successful personal computer featuring a graphical user interface. The iconic "1984" commercial, directed by Ridley Scott, drew inspiration from George Orwell's novel and marked a pivotal moment in technology, showcasing Apple's innovative approach to personal computing.

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Story summary

On January 22, 1984, during Super Bowl XVIII, Apple Computer unveiled the Macintosh, the first successful personal computer featuring a graphical user interface. The iconic "1984" commercial, directed by Ridley Scott, drew inspiration from George Orwell's novel and marked a pivotal moment in technology, showcasing Apple's innovative approach to personal computing.