Steven Sinofsky on Apple at 50, Microsoft, and the Future of Computing
Theo Jaffee speaks with Steven Sinofsky about Apple’s 50th anniversary and the evolution of personal computing over the last four decades. Drawing on his experience helping lead Microsoft through the Windows era, Sinofsky reflects on the cultural differences between Apple and Microsoft, the rise of the Mac, the history of Windows, and how product design, hardware integration, and software platforms shaped the modern technology industry. They also discuss the Apple Vision Pro, the new MacBook Neo, gaming, operating systems, and why some technology cycles seem to repeat themselves. Along the way, Sinofsky shares lessons from Windows, Surface, and Microsoft’s battles with Apple, offering a firsthand perspective on some of the most consequential product decisions in computing history. Resources: Find Steven on X: https://x.com/stevesi Find Theo on X: https://x.com/theojaffee Stay Updated: Find a16z on YouTube: YouTube Find a16z on X Find a16z on LinkedIn Listen to the a16z Show on Spotify