Photo — Steve Jobs: Matthew Yohe (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Michael Dell: Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Short Version
In October 1997, Dell founder Michael Dell suggested that struggling Apple should shut down and return its cash to shareholders. Newly returned Apple CEO Steve Jobs responded forcefully in private emails, internal employee meetings, and public keynotes, declaring 'we're coming after you buddy.' The rivalry continued for years until Apple's market capitalization surpassed Dell's in 2006.
Latest Development
Michael Dell reflects on Steve Jobs' legacy and past rivalry
On the tenth anniversary of Steve Jobs' death, Michael Dell spoke on CNBC's Squawk Box about Jobs' legacy as an incredible leader and noted that despite their public differences, the two had developed a friendship over time.
October 5, 2021 · Public statement
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
October 5, 2021
Michael Dell reflects on Steve Jobs' legacy and past rivalry
Public statementOn the tenth anniversary of Steve Jobs' death, Michael Dell spoke on CNBC's Squawk Box about Jobs' legacy as an incredible leader and noted that despite their public differences, the two had developed a friendship over time.
Source ↗January 13, 2006
Apple's market value surpasses Dell; Steve Jobs emails employees
Public statementAfter Apple's market capitalization reached $72.13 billion, passing Dell's $71.97 billion, Steve Jobs sent an email to Apple employees noting that 'Michael Dell wasn't perfect at predicting the future.'
Source ↗October 16, 2003
Steve Jobs uses Dell PC as a prop during Apple presentation
Verified eventDuring an Apple event introducing iTunes for Windows, Steve Jobs used a Dell laptop as a prop on stage to highlight the weight difference compared to Apple's notebooks.
Source ↗October 6, 1997
Michael Dell suggests Apple should shut down and return cash to shareholders
Public statementWhen asked at an IT conference what he would do to fix Apple, Dell CEO Michael Dell responded, 'What would I do? I'd shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders.'
Source ↗1997
Steve Jobs publicly and privately blasts Michael Dell
Public statementIn response to Dell's comments, Jobs sent Dell an email saying 'CEOs are supposed to have class. I can see that isn't an opinion you hold.' During an Apple employee town hall, Jobs reportedly remarked 'Fuck Michael Dell,' and later displayed Dell's face with a bullseye during a keynote while declaring 'we're coming after you buddy.'
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Historical. The dispute is historical following Steve Jobs' death in 2011. Michael Dell later described their relationship as a corporate rivalry that evolved into a personal friendship, publicly praising Jobs' impact on the technology industry.
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Sources
- 1.SourceMichael Dell reflects on Steve Jobs' legacy and past rivalry · Oct 5, 2021
- 2.SourceApple's market value surpasses Dell; Steve Jobs emails employees · Jan 13, 2006
- 3.SourceSteve Jobs uses Dell PC as a prop during Apple presentation · Oct 16, 2003
- 4.SourceMichael Dell suggests Apple should shut down and return cash to shareholders · Oct 6, 1997
- 5.SourceSteve Jobs publicly and privately blasts Michael Dell ·
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.