Newton, Inc.
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Fate | Discontinued |
| Headquarters | Cupertino, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Steve Sakoman, Michael Tchao, Steve Capps, John Sculley, Steve Jobs, Jonathan Ive |
| Products | Personal digital assistants (PDAs), Newton OS |
| Owner | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Parent | Apple Computer, Inc. |
The Newton series consisted of personal digital assistant (PDA) devices created and sold by Apple Computer, Inc. from 1993 until 1998. Recognized as one of the pioneering PDAs and the originator of the term itself, it was the first to incorporate handwriting recognition technology. Newton gadgets operated on a proprietary operating system, known as Newton OS. Unlike Apple's Macintosh line, this software was licensed to external manufacturers who also produced Newton-compatible hardware alongside Apple's own MessagePad models.
Initiated in 1987 under the leadership of Steve Sakoman, the project aimed to develop a tablet-style device capable of recognizing handwriting. Apple partnered with AT&T Corporation to create the energy-efficient AT&T Hobbit processor tailored for this initiative. After slow advancement and Sakoman’s exit in 1990, Michael Tchao and Steve Capps revitalized the effort by presenting it directly to CEO John Sculley. Apple further invested in Acorn Computers, which engineered an ARM6-based RISC CPU specifically for Newton's requirements. The platform was officially unveiled on May 29, 1992, with product shipments commencing on August 2, 1993.
The Newton encountered numerous obstacles both pre- and post-launch. Delays due to software defects and instability hampered initial distribution, while its handwriting recognition feature attracted unfavorable attention and ridicule. Despite improvements in hardware and updates including Newton OS version 2.0, sales did not meet Apple’s projections. Ultimately, the platform was phased out in 1998 during CEO Steve Jobs’ tenure. Although commercially unsuccessful, the Newton introduced innovative technologies that influenced subsequent Apple products like the iPhone and iPad.
Application software
Newton devices were equipped with built-in applications centered on personal data organization, such as Notes, Names, Dates, along with productivity utilities like calculators, unit converters (including metric and currency), and time-zone maps. Subsequent iterations of Newton OS enhanced these programs and introduced new ones including the Works word processor and Newton Internet Enabler. The system also accommodated third-party software such as QuickFigure Works (a lightweight spreadsheet), Pocket Quicken, NetHopper web browser, and Netstrategy EnRoute email client.
Newton applications supported import and export functions compatible with widely used desktop office suites and various PIM formats. These capabilities were facilitated by Apple's bundled Newton Connection Utilities and the separately marketed Apple Newton Connection Kit, which was compatible exclusively with Newton OS version 1.x devices.
Notes
The Notes app allowed users to compose brief documents containing either typed text or handwriting-recognized input, freehand drawings, "Shapes", and "ink text." In Newton OS 2.0, both Notes and Names incorporated "stationery," which were third-party plug-in extensions designed to enhance core application features.
A significant enhancement introduced in Newton OS 2.0 was a hierarchical, bullet-pointed, collapsible multi-line Checklist, functioning as an outliner tool for managing tasks and organizing "to do" lists. Each bullet could contain multiple lines of text and be nested under another bullet point to create structured outlines. Moving a bullet point also relocated its entire subtree. Tapping a parent bullet toggled expansion or collapse of its children with a "windowshade" animation effect. Before this native functionality existed, third-party solutions like Dyno Notepad (1993) provided similar outlining capabilities for Newton OS 1.x devices.
Contact Management
The Names application functioned as a contact manager, enabling synchronization of entries between the Newton device and personal information managers (PIMs) on Windows or Macintosh desktops. Inputting special dates such as birthdays or anniversaries in Names automatically generated recurring events within the Dates application. Each contact record contained a flexible notes section that supported text, handwriting input, Shapes, and Sketches. Developers had the ability to enhance Names by defining custom contact categories beyond the standard "people," "companies," and "groups," allowing for classifications like "client" or "patient." Additionally, Stand Alone Software, Inc. provided the Stationery Construction Kit, which allowed users to design personalized stationery without requiring extra software.
Calendar and Scheduling
Dates served as a comprehensive calendar tool incorporating event scheduling, meeting planning, alarms, and a built-in task list manager. It offered various viewing modes including list format, graphical day "time blocking," and grid layouts for week, month, or year perspectives. Similar to Names and Notes, Dates supported synchronization of data between the Newton handheld and desktop PIM applications running on Windows or Macintosh systems.
Device Models
Apple Devices:
- MessagePad (H1000, also known as OMP or Original MessagePad)
- MessagePad 100 (hardware identical to OMP but with updated system software)
- MessagePad 110
- MessagePad 120
- MessagePad 130
- eMate 300
- MessagePad 2000
- MessagePad 2100
Motorola Device:
Sharp Devices:
- Sharp ExpertPad PI-7000 (comparable to OMP)
- Sharp ExpertPad PI-7100 (equivalent to MessagePad 100)
Digital Ocean Devices:
- Tarpon
- Seahorse
Siemens Device:
- Siemens Note Phone
Harris Device:
- Harris SuperTech 2000
Operating System and Development Environment
NewtonScript was an advanced object-oriented programming language created by Apple engineer Walter Smith. Some developers expressed concerns regarding the $1000 price tag of the Toolbox development environment and the necessity to adopt a novel programming paradigm.
The Newton OS included a file system called Soup, which allowed for dynamic data storage and retrieval.
Project History and Duration
The Newton initiative was a trailblazer in establishing the personal digital assistant (PDA) category—a term introduced late in development by Apple's CEO John Sculley, who was a strong advocate of the project. Recognizing the demand for a powerful yet energy-efficient processor capable of advanced graphics processing, Larry Tesler partnered with Hermann Hauser, co-founder of Acorn Computers. This collaboration led to founding Advanced RISC Machines (ARM Ltd.), with Apple holding a 47% stake.
Renowned industrial designer Jonathan Ive contributed by creating a more compact device design.
While PDAs had existed earlier—such as the 1984 Psion Organiser—the Newton notably popularized the term personal digital assistant.
Apple’s former CEO John Sculley estimated that approximately $100 million was invested in developing the Newton.
Launch and Market Response
Upon release, the Newton was regarded as innovative but faced challenges due to its steep cost and unreliable handwriting recognition—the device’s hallmark feature. By 1993, the handwriting software remained unfinished and often misinterpreted user input, attracting significant negative media attention. This issue was humorously depicted in The Simpsons episode "Lisa on Ice", where the Newton transformed "Beat up Martin" into "Eat up Martha." Cartoonist Garry Trudeau also mocked the device in a Doonesbury storyline that emphasized its expense and accuracy problems. The misread phrase "Egg Freckles," derived from an attempted "Catching on?," became emblematic of Newton’s difficulties and was later incorporated as an Easter egg within the MessagePad. Apple even acknowledged this satire by presenting Trudeau with a MessagePad unit.
Despite enhancements introduced with Newton OS 2.0, commercial performance remained underwhelming.
Cancellation
Although the Newton achieved limited success within specific sectors such as healthcare, its market position was significantly undermined by the introduction of the Palm Pilot. Apple encountered difficulties repositioning the device, and following Steve Jobs's return in 1997, he decided to terminate the product line. Jobs criticized the Newton for its subpar performance, management shortcomings, and dependence on a stylus, which clashed with his preference for finger-based interaction. Confronted with substantial financial setbacks that jeopardized Apple's future, discontinuing the loss-making Newton became a crucial strategic decision. Additionally, Jobs was motivated by the fact that the Newton had been developed under his former competitor Sculley's leadership. Despite this, he acknowledged the innovative potential of its core technology and vision, eventually steering Apple toward multi-touch advancements that culminated in devices like the iPhone and iPad.
Newton post-cancellation
Prior to its discontinuation, the Newton initiative was separated into a fully owned Apple subsidiary named Newton, Inc.
There was ongoing speculation about Apple potentially launching a new PDA leveraging Newton technology or forming a partnership with Palm. Supporting this notion, Apple incorporated the "Print Recognizer" component from Newton 2.1’s handwriting system into Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar under the name "Inkwell", which allowed handwriting input through graphics tablets. Larry Yaeger, who originally developed Newton's recognizer software, also adapted it for Mac OS X. Patent disclosures indicated designs for tablet-style Macintosh devices. At a 2004 All Things Digital conference, Steve Jobs mentioned an unreleased "Apple PDA" that had been developed but never brought to market.
In September 2009, Michael Tchao—who initially introduced the Newton concept to John Sculley—returned to Apple and assumed the role of Vice President of iPad Product Marketing.
Emulation
Since 2004, the Einstein Project has produced an open source emulator for Newton devices compatible with various alternative operating systems such as Sharp’s Zaurus, Apple's Mac OS X, Nokia’s Maemo, Microsoft Windows, and the Pepper Pad 3. This emulator requires an original Newton ROM image to function. Starting in September 2010, Einstein extended support to iPhone and iPad platforms, and by March 2011 it also became operational on devices running the Android operating system.
Software development
Software creation for Newton devices has persisted even after their discontinuation, including programs like RSS feed readers.
In popular culture
The Apple Newton’s famously flawed handwriting recognition was humorously lampooned in The Simpsons season six episode "Lisa on Ice", where a misread memo comically highlights its limitations.
In the 1995 anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, handheld gadgets inspired by the Newton appear as part of NERV’s equipment lineup.
The 1995 movie Under Siege 2: Dark Territory features the Newton PDA prominently; protagonist Casey Ryback (Steven Seagal) uses it to access the train’s telephone system and send a fax, underscoring its role as a communication tool.
Within the 1998 interactive title The X-Files Game, the main character employs an Apple Newton for tasks such as note-taking, emailing, and navigation.
During Apple’s March 21, 2016 keynote presentation, a "40 Years in 40 Seconds" video commemorating Apple products notably struck through the Newton name as a symbol of its discontinuation.
An alternate-history version of the Newton MessagePad featuring a backlit display appears in season 3, episode 1 of For All Mankind during a briefing scene set in 1992.
See also
Newton programming resources
- Overview of the Newton Application Architecture
- Manual for the Newton Tool Kit (NTK) Integrated Development Environment
- Detailed Newton Application Architecture
- Beginner's guide to programming in NewtonScript with NTK
- Apple’s NewtonScript Programming Language Guide
- Newton Programmer's Guide for OS 2.0
- Addendum to the Newton Programmer's Guide for OS 2.1
- Newton Programmer's Reference for OS 2.0
- Engineering documentation for Newton OS 2.1
- In-depth explanation of prototyping in NewtonScript
- Specification guide for the Newton User Interface