- Categories:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Tags:
- AppreciationBrandTechnology
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every January 24
- Holiday emoji:
- 💻
Macintosh Computer Day celebrates a pivotal moment in tech history every January 24. This day honors the 1984 introduction of the very first Macintosh computer, which revolutionized personal computing. Explore its enduring influence, share your favorite Mac memories, and appreciate the innovation that continues to shape our digital world.
Want to sponsor Macintosh Computer Day? Learn how
Expected Macintosh Computer Day Deals
While specific 2027 promotions are still emerging, Macintosh Computer Day often inspires tech retailers and software developers to offer special deals. Look for discounts on Mac-compatible accessories from Logitech, creative software bundles from Adobe and Affinity, and perhaps even refurbished Mac deals from resellers like OWC. Peripherals from Razer and Corsair might also see price drops. Apple itself may highlight its history with special content. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 24 approaches.
Platform Guide for Macintosh Computer Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MacintoshComputerDay. Share photos of your current Mac setup, a vintage model, or your favorite software.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #MacintoshComputerDay. Join discussions about the Mac’s impact, share tech news, or post your favorite Mac fact.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #MacintoshComputerDay. Discuss how the Mac has influenced professional workflows or your career.
Macintosh Computer Day Hero
Steve Jobs
History of Macintosh Computer Day
The Macintosh project began in 1979 when Jef Raskin, an Apple employee, proposed a user-friendly, cost-effective computer for the average consumer. He wanted to name the computer the McIntosh, after his favorite type of apple, but the spelling was changed to “Macintosh” for legal reasons. In September 1979, Raskin was permitted to start hiring for the project and he on-boarded his long-time colleague, Brian Howard. Later on, he would hire Steve Jobs as project lead, sealing the future of Apple computers in technological history. However, in a 2013 interview, Steve Wozniak implied that he had led the initial design and development phase of the Macintosh project. He temporarily left the company after experiencing a traumatic airplane crash in 1981, at which point Jobs took over. In that same interview, Wozniak stated that the original Macintosh ‘failed’ under Jobs and that it was not until Jobs left that it became a success. He credited the Macintosh’s ultimate success to people like John Sculley “who worked to build a Macintosh market when the Apple II went away.” Reaching a 300 million valuation almost overnight, Apple became the fastest-growing company in U.S. history. With over 50 companies salivating for a bite of the Apple, one company stood out above the rest — IBM. And so began one of the most ruthless rivalries in corporate history as many promising competitors drastically fell by the wayside.
Macintosh continued in a formidable battle against IBM, but decades later Apple would take over the industry with the introduction of iPhones and iMacs in one of the biggest and longest emerging comebacks in the history of any industry.
Macintosh Computer Day timeline
The Macintosh project begins.
The Macintosh is introduced by a $1.5 million George Orwell-inspired Ridley Scott television commercial masterpiece titled “1984” that airs during the third quarter of Super Bowl XVIII.
Apple takes advantage of the new Motorola technology that allows for a faster machine and introduces the Macintosh II at just under $5,500.
Apple introduces its new iMac, which is an all-in-one computer with a characteristic translucent plastic case.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Macintosh Computer Day
Local tech businesses, creative agencies, and software developers can honor Macintosh Computer Day by hosting open houses or workshops showcasing Mac-based workflows. Offer special discounts on Mac-related services or accessories, or organize a retro gaming event featuring classic Mac titles. Highlight your team’s use of Mac technology in your marketing to connect with the creative community.
Macintosh Computer Day FAQs
When is Macintosh Computer Day?
In 2027, Macintosh Computer Day will be observed on Sunday, January 24, 2027. This date commemorates the unveiling of the first Macintosh, a machine that revolutionized personal computing and inspired generations of innovators.
What made the original Macintosh revolutionary?
Its “desktop metaphor” and integrated design, coupled with a powerful marketing campaign, established a new paradigm for personal computing. It democratized access to advanced features previously reserved for specialists.
How many Macs has Apple sold since 1984?
Apple’s Mac business consistently generates billions in revenue annually, with tens of millions of units shipped in recent years. This enduring popularity underscores the lasting appeal of the Macintosh platform.
Is Macintosh Computer Day an official holiday?
This day is a grassroots celebration within the tech community, honoring a milestone in computing rather than a government-mandated observance. It’s a day for reflection on technological progress.
Macintosh Computer Day Activities
Get a new computer
If you’re in the market for a new laptop or desktop computer, Macs are an excellent choice. Look at some of the reasons people love them and see if it’s the right choice for you!
Learn more about Mac
The “Steve Jobs” movie is great and it provides a lot of information about the history of Macintosh that you might find fascinating. We recommend giving it a look!
Share your love
Post a selfie on social media using your favorite Apple product and share!
5 FACTS ABOUT MACS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR PROCESSOR
The Macintosh wasn’t Apple’s first computer
The homemade Apple-I was released in 1976. Of the 200 that were produced, only six are believed to still be working and one sold for around £407,000 at auction in May 2012.
Ronald Wayne drew the first logo
Ronald Wayne drew the first Apple logo and the Apple I computer user manual. He sold his stake for $1,500 after just two weeks to settle a debt. It would have been worth $22 billion today.
Steve Jobs left Apple for a while
Less than 18 months after introducing the Macintosh, Steve Jobs was ousted as Apple CEO in 1985 following a power struggle with the board of directors. He would not return until 1996.
The software updates had unusual names
Until very recently, all Mac OS X software updates were named after big cats.
An Apple computer was named after Jobs’ daughter
The extremely expensive Apple Lisa, which predated the Mac, was named after Steve Jobs's daughter Lisa.
Why We Love Macintosh Computer Day
It stands for individuality!
For a long time, Macs have represented the youth going against the grain, embracing their creative side, and doing something different — that’s why we love Macs.
Their marketing is iconic
Anyone in the field of marketing can’t let Apple commercials go unnoticed. They are historically impactful and an iconic component of pop culture, which is part of what makes them so cool.
They’re reliable
Macs are well-made and well-respected products, loaded with a whole bunch of great software you’d have to buy separately on any other PC.
Macintosh Computer Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 24 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 24 | Monday |
| 2029 | January 24 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | January 24 | Thursday |
| 2031 | January 24 | Friday |
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