In the early 1970s, the idea of an ordinary person owning a computer sounded absurd. Computers back then were more like aircraft carriers or nuclear power plants than household appliances – vast machines housed in data centres operated by teams of specialists, serving governments, universities and large corporations.

Then came Apple.

Founded on April 1 1976 by “college dropouts” Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the Silicon Valley startup did not invent computing. What it did was arguably more important: it helped turn computing into a personal technology.

Before Apple, computers were largely sold in kit form. Jobs saw that people wanted them pre-assembled and ready to run. The earliest Apple I units, featuring handmade koa wooden cases, now sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

As an early Apple adopter and app developer, here’s my selection of the company’s (and Jobs’s) most significant technological achievements over the last 50 years.

Apple II – beige yet distinctive

Early personal computers were more curiosities than practical tools. The Apple II, launched in June 1977, introduced something new: style. Even its colour – beige! – was distinctive, contrasting with the black metal boxes common at that time.

The use of colour graphics was both new and exciting, and the keyboard felt satisfying to use. A simple speaker, with only a single-bit output, was ingeniously coaxed into producing tones and even speech-like sounds. The design revolution stretched as far as the packaging: Jerry Manock, Apple’s first in-house designer, placed the machine in a moulded plastic case which looked sleek and professional.

The mouse – a whole new way of interacting

By 1979, the 24-year-old Jobs – sensing that tech giant IBM was catching up with Apple – went looking for the next big thing. The photocopier company Xerox, wanting pre-IPO shares in Apple, offered a visit to its nearby research labs as an inducement. Jobs realised that researchers such as Alan Kay at Xerox’s Palo Alto research centre were creating the next generation of computing interfaces.

Central to this was a device invented by Kay’s mentor, Douglas Engelbart, at Stanford University in the mid-1960s and nicknamed “the mouse”. Engelbart’s vision of computers as machines to augment the human mind inspired Kay and colleagues to create graphical displays in which users interacted with scrollbars, buttons, menus and windows.

Macintosh – dawn of the modern product launch

Jobs thought anyone should be able to use a computer. In January 1984, the first Apple Mac pushed this idea to new extremes. The traditional need for obscure computer commands (and manuals) vanished. Early adopters such as myself felt we just knew how to do everything.

But the Mac’s launch was not just another technological leap for Apple. It also inspired the now-familiar cultural moment of the modern product launch. Following a teasing Super Bowl advert directed by Ridley Scott, Jobs used a 1,500-seat theatre on January 24 to create a stage performance centred on a single charismatic presenter. Jobs let a small, square and still-beige computer (then known as Macintosh) out of its bag – and it began speaking for itself, to rapturous applause.

Pixar – Jobs’s side hustle

In its first decade, Apple grew at an exceptional rate – but it also came close to financial collapse on several occasions. This led to one of the most dramatic moments in Apple’s history when, in May 1985, the company forced Jobs out.

A year later and now in charge of the startup NeXT Inc, Jobs bought a division of George Lucas’s film company which was soon rebranded as Pixar. Its RenderMan software generated images by distributing processing across multiple machines simultaneously.

Pixar, jokingly referred to as Jobs’s “side hustle”, would become one of the world’s most influential (and valuable) animation production companies, having released the first fully computer-animated feature film in Toy Story (1995).

iMac – a meeting of minds

After a failed attempt to develop a new operating system with IBM, Apple eventually bought Jobs’s company NeXT. In September 1997, he returned to Apple as interim CEO with the company “two months from bankruptcy”. The move, though welcomed by many Apple users, terrified some of its employees. Jobs quickly began firing staff and shutting down failed products.

During this restructuring, he visited Apple’s design studio and immediately hit it off with young British designer Jony Ive. Their meeting of minds led to the 1998 candy-coloured translucent iMac. Essentially smaller, cheaper NeXT machines, iMac (the i stood for internet) also kicked off another Apple habit: abandoning ageing technology. The floppy disk drive was ditched in favour of a CD drive – a move heavily criticised at the time, but later widely copied.

iPod – 1,000 songs in your pocket

For Apple, computing was always about more than, well, computing. In 2001, the company began focusing on processing sound and video, not just text and pictures. By November that year, it had released the iPod – a personal music player capable of storing “1,000 songs in your pocket”, compared with a maximum of 20-30 on each cassette tape in a Sony Walkman.

The iPod used an elegant “click wheel” to operate the screen. Music was synced through a new application called iTunes. By 2005, people were using iTunes to manage audio downloaded automatically from the internet using a process called RSS. This in turn put the pod in podcasting.

iPhone – a computer in everyone’s hands

By 2007, many mobile phone companies had approached Apple about merging the iPod with their phones. Instead, on January 9, Jobs unveiled Apple’s most ambitious product yet: a combined phone, music player and Mac computer – all at the size of a handset with no physical keyboard and huge screen.

Most media “experts”, from TechCrunch to the Guardian, predicted the iPhone would bomb. Steve Ballmer, then CEO of Microsoft, mocked the US$500 price tag, saying nobody would buy it. In fact, 1.4 million iPhones were sold by the end of the year – and over 3 billion more since then. This truly put a computer into everyone’s hands – and opened the door to social media as we know it today.

App Store’s software revolution

By mid-2008, the iPhone enabled third-party developers the chance to to create a dizzying range of new applications. At the same time, the App Store – launched on July 10 2008 – addressed one of the most complex problems: how to distribute and commercialise these “apps”. Historically, they were often copied and distributed freely. The App Store changed this, using strong encryption to ensure the copy sold could only be used by that specific user, thus eliminating software piracy.

By establishing the first (eponymous) App Store, Apple changed the way people discover and purchase software. This led to an explosion of apps and a simple but powerful idea: whatever you wanted to do, someone, somewhere, had already built it. Apple captured this shift in a slogan that became part of everyday language: “There’s an app for that”.

Time and again, this extraordinary company has anticipated the value of opening up computing to everyone. Happy birthday, Apple.

The weather rules include atmospheric electricity, types of cloud, specifically cumulus and disturbed weather like rain or strong winds.

Using a percentage chance of a violation of the rules, launch weather officers use a combination of meteorological and climatological data, local knowledge, and experience to forecast this probability.

Lightning is one of the biggest risks, but it is not only the natural lightning from a thunderstorm – or cumulonimbus cloud – that forecasters will be concerned about.

Rocket-induced lightning from an enhanced atmospheric electric field is also a major risk.

“Some types of clouds, even if they’re not producing lightning, carry an electrical charge where a rocket passing through them at high speeds with a trail of exhaust can act like a lightning rod and trigger a lightning strike,” said Burger.

This rocket-induced lightning can be triggered much more easily than natural lightning.

Other events, external such as heavy rain, strong winds, high or low temperatures or extreme weather can also jeapordise a rocket launch.

Throughout a countdown the launch weather officer must be clear and convinced that none of the weather criteria are violated in order to give the weather ‘go’ call for launch.

Ahead of the Artemis launch window, the 45th Weather Squadron will not only be looking at conditions at Cape Canaveral but also in other areas such as potential recovery sites in the North Atlantic where “the weather is not particularly favourable at this time of year” in case things go wrong.

With the peak in the solar cycle, they will also be keeping an eye on solar activity and enhanced radiation which could affect the astronauts.

Fed-up islanders warned their “lifeline transport network is currently broken” with eight of CalMac’s largest ferries currently out of action.

Chaos on Scotland’s ferry network has left islanders unable to return home for Easter for “the first time in 20 years”.

Eight of CalMac’s 15 largest ferries are currently out of action ahead of one of the busiest weekends of the year for travel – including the brand new Glen Sannox, which only entered service last year.

Fiona Hyslop, the SNP Transport Secretary, was today forced to admit the west coast ferry network faced “significant disruption”.

She said: “I want to assure all those impacted by the current shortage of ferries on the west coast island network that the Scottish Government and CalMac are urgently working closely to resolve these issues. Our shared priority is to ensure minimum disruption, and to restore services as quickly as possible.

“Work is being delivered at pace to bring the MV Glen Sannox back into service and introduce the MV Isle of Islay into service, alongside other actions to ensure we are able to provide services for passengers. This includes ensuring clear and effective communication to customers is prioritised.”

Michael Buchanan, a senior BBC journalist based in London, is among those whose travel plans have been scuppered.

He said: “For the first time in 20 years, we’re not able to get to Barra for Easter as huge CalMac disruption means it’s not possible to get there. Eight out of 15 of their largest ferries are out of action.

“This isn’t a problem that just happened – it’s been brewing for many years. Our inconvenience is annoying but minor in comparison to the economic costs for many small businesses who count on this week as the start of their season. Their lifeline transport network is currently broken.”

Anas Sarwar said transport issues hitting Scotland’s central belt in the same way as ferry disruption would be a “national scandal”.

The Scottish Labour leader took his party’s election campaign to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis on Monday, where he pledged to cut bureaucracy in the ferry network by merging operator CalMac with ferry procurement body Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) to form a new agency.

The new body would also include representatives of islands on their board.

The announcement comes during a period of “unprecedented” pressure on CalMac.

Sarwar said a government he runs would “get the basics right”.

“We seek to meet the needs and aspirations of islanders,” he said. “But, right now, that’s simply not good enough and islanders see it every single day. Why should they have to accept this as tolerable?

“If this was a train service between Glasgow and Edinburgh, it would be fixed by now, it’d be a national disgrace and a national scandal and people would not be tolerating it.

“Why are we asking islanders to tolerate this mess?”

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US President Donald Trump has warned that the Iran war could still escalate.

Oil prices spiked after the US president said he was considering a military operation to seize Iran’s Kharg Island, a crucial part of the country’s export infrastructure.

As a result of rising oil prices, several airlines have confirmed that the cost of travel will increase.

Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed

These are the latest updates from some of the major airlines that operate in the area.

Qatar Airways travel update

Qatar Airways told passengers: “Qatar Airways has published its latest revised schedule, reflecting the gradual increase in flights to and from Doha.

The latest update, valid until April 15, provides additional frequencies to more than 90 destinations across Qatar Airways’ global network.

“All flights to and from Doha continue to operate through dedicated flight corridors. These routes are established in close coordination with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

 “Passengers who currently hold a confirmed booking on a flight to one of the destinations listed in the new schedule will be contacted with new flight information.

“Please be sure to check the Qatar Airways website or app and ensure your contact details are correct and updated.”

You can view the 90 destinations here.

Qantas travel update

Qantas has told passengers who will be affected by changes to flights that they will be contacted as soon as possible.

In a statement on March 26, the airline said: “We’re closely monitoring the evolving situation and any potential impact to our flights. The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority.

“Flights from Perth to London are currently operating via Singapore for a fuel stop due to adjustments required on flight paths.  The return service will continue to operate direct from London to Perth.

“We’re also making adjustments to our international schedule to operate more flights between Australia and Europe. The updated schedule will come into effect progressively for flights from mid-April and run until mid-July.

“As a result of the changes, flights to Paris will originate in Sydney and operate via Singapore instead of Perth. The return service will continue to operate direct from Paris to Perth until May.”

Emirates travel update

Following the partial reopening of regional airspace, Emirates is operating a “reduced flight schedule”.

The airline said: “We continue to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.

“We would like to thank you for your understanding and patience.

“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority and will not be compromised.”

Customers due to travel within the next seven days are being contacted directly by Emirates.

British Airways travel update

In their latest update from March 16, British Airways told its passengers it has extended the temporary reduction in its flying schedule due to “continuing uncertainty”.

A statement from the airline said: “Due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, and to provide more clarity to our customers, we’ve extended the temporary reduction in our flying schedule in the region.

“We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are directly in touch with affected customers to offer them a range of options.

“Since the situation in the Middle East began, we’ve helped thousands of customers return home and operated eight relief flights from Muscat in Oman.

“We are also operating additional flights to and from Singapore (x4) and Bangkok (x3) and continue to review options to bring back more customers who have been disrupted.”

He said: “It’s the reality of end of the season and the end of March; the reality of having players in European matches and more than just one competition with all the cups going on.”

Tuchel picked an expanded 35-man squad for the Uruguay and Japan games at Wembley.

He split his players into two camps across the fixtures, the first made up primarily of fringe players and the second of more regular players.

“We have players in camp that have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern,” said Tuchel.

“The players needed and deserved the mental break from football. We could see the energy with which they came back into camp and to reconnect now in the new environment.

“We want them to perform in their clubs, but the reality is it’s our last camp before we leave to America, so we want to reconnect to our principles.

“It’s disappointing but I’m not upset with the players. I’m not angry.

“I got the feeling that everyone was desperate to come. Some of the injured players even stayed to do their treatment. That shows they want to be around the group.

“No-one left straight away. It’s a good spirit and that’s how it should be.”

The World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico runs from 11 June to 19 July.

England will play friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica in June.

They open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June and face Ghana on 23 June and Panama on 27 June.

The BBC has confirmed the Call the Midwife prequel series will replace the traditional festive special

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Devotees of Call the Midwife won’t have to wait long for exciting new episodes.

The BBC drama’s fifteenth series recently concluded with the poignant passing of Sister Monica Joan, leaving audiences heartbroken.

Nevertheless, viewers can anticipate thrilling new instalments arriving on their screens before year’s end, as creator and writer Heidi Thomas has announced a prequel series set during the London Blitz in Poplar, East London.

Drawing on the memoirs of renowned nurse and midwife Jennifer Worth, Call the Midwife was orginally set in 1957, when the National Health Service was a relatively new institution, with recent episodes chronicling the early 1970s.

The forthcoming series will, however, turn back time to World War II and showcase younger incarnations of cherished characters Sisters Julienne, Monica Joan, and Evangelina, previously played by Jenny Agutter, Judy Parfitt, and Pam Ferris, reports the Mirror.

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When will the Call the Midwife prequel broadcast?

Programme executives have now revealed there won’t be the customary festive offering from Nonatus House this year, as no Christmas special is planned, The Sun reports.

Heidi Thomas disclosed at a recent press gathering: “No, there won’t be a Christmas special this Christmas, not in the traditional mould. This is really just a very temporary pause in the usual pattern.”

Instead, the Call the Midwife prequel, titled Sisters In Arms, will take pride of place during the Christmas period. The three-part mini-series will supplant the traditional festive episodes, concentrating on the formative years of Nonnatus House.

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Heidi described the new series as being about “strong women above all else”, as they’re forced to navigate a world beyond their control, while the men are sent off to war or overseas, reports Radio Times.

She also revealed that while she has “never run out of stories for our midwives”, the prequel emerged after she found herself “yearning to delve into the deeper past” than the years 1957 to 1971, which the show has chronicled, the BBC teases.

“The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary – filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy,” she added.

Not only will there be a prequel broadcast later this year, but the beloved show will also transition to the big screen, set in 1972 abroad. However, a release date for the film has not yet been announced.

Call the Midwife is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

The globally renowned expert has shared some simple steps people can take

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A world-renowned doctor has revealed some straightforward methods to ‘take back your health’, as increasing numbers of us face chronic illness and disease.

Dr Mark Hyman, a prominent medical expert and educator, frequently posts updates for his millions of social media followers. In his most recent Instagram post, he began: “The system isn’t broken. It’s working exactly as designed. Your food is designed to be addictive. Your environment is loaded with toxins that disrupt your biology.” The doctor continued by explaining that he believes chronic illness has now become “the norm”.

To tackle this, he suggests five straightforward steps. Dr Hyman added: “Eat real food. Move your body. Sleep like it matters. Drink water. Connect with real humans. This is the medicine that works.” Finishing his post, he stated: “Once you understand what your body needs to function the way it was designed to, you can start to feel better.

“Start with the simple fundamentals, they are often the most powerful and are foundational to how your body heals and repairs. When you create the right conditions, your body has an incredible capacity to restore balance.”

The recent update comes after a previous post where Dr Hyman outlined what he consumes daily to “feel 26 at 66”. His daily diet features foods including eggs, feta, and a burger. You can read more here

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PALU, Indonesia (AP) — Rescue teams raced Monday to find 27 people missing after a passenger boat sank in rough seas on its way to a remote village in eastern Indonesia.

The boat, the Nazila 05, was carrying 27 passengers and crew members when it departed Taliabu Island in North Maluku province just after dusk on Sunday. It was bound for Kema, a coastal village in the same province, said Muhammad Rizal, who heads the search and rescue office in Central Sulawesi’s Palu city, near where the boat sank.

He said the incident was first reported to authorities on Monday morning by the ship’s owner, Rifani Samatia, after the Nazila 05’s captain contacted him to report that the vessel’s bow had broken after it was hit by high waves during rough weather. About 30 minutes later, the captain reported that the vessel had sunk.

“All 27 people aboard managed to evacuate using a longboat before the ship went down,” Rizal said, “However, their current location remains unknown.”

A search-and-rescue team was dispatched using a rescue vessel, supported by navigational equipment and communication tools, a helicopter and assisted by local fishers, Rizal said.

He said the Nazila 05 was frequently used to transport tourists and was also known locally as a fishing or small passenger vessel.

Indonesia is an archipelago with more than 17,000 islands, where boats are a common form of transportation. With lax safety standards and problems with overcrowding, accidents occur frequently.

Former New York Marathon winner Albert Korir has been banned for five years after admitting to doping.

The 32-year-old Kenyan tested positive for CERA – a potent blood-boosting substance and modern variant of EPO – across three out-of-competition tests in October 2025.

All of Korir’s results since October will now be disqualified, including his third place in the New York marathon last November.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) stated that his ban will expire on 7 January 2031, with Korir benefiting from a one-year reduction by admitting to the violations.