Gallery: Remembering the Apple Newton's Prophetic Failure and Lasting Impact

  • Image may contain Cell Phone Electronics Mobile Phone Phone Computer HandHeld Computer Screen Monitor and Display
    01

    20130802-APPLE-NEWTON-317edit

    The original Apple Newton MessagePad. *Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED*
  • Image may contain Brochure Paper Advertisement Flyer and Poster
    02

    20130802-APPLE-NEWTON-327edit

    The Newton promised a simple, portable, use-everywhere experience. *Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED*
  • Image may contain Text
    03

    20130802-APPLE-NEWTON-076edit

    A look into the potential future of the Newton. *Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED*
  • Image may contain Text Page Brochure Advertisement Paper Flyer and Poster
    04

    20130802-APPLE-NEWTON-066edit

    Newton's marketing materials promised a device that could take notes as well as any pad of paper--and in fact even better. *Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED*
  • Image may contain Electronics Electronic Chip and Hardware
    05

    20130802-APPLE-NEWTON-310edit

    A Newton prototype--the challenges of creating a pocket-sized device were immense. *Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED*
  • Image may contain Electronics Computer Hardware Computer Hardware and Electronic Chip
    06

    20130802-APPLE-NEWTON-102edit

    Newton prototype detail. *Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED*
  • Image may contain Advertisement Poster Brochure Paper Flyer Human and Person
    07

    20130802-APPLE-NEWTON-267edit

    Despite its failure to catch on, Newton created a splash in computing circles. *Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED*
  • Image may contain Human Person Electronics Phone Mobile Phone Cell Phone and Text
    08

    20130802-APPLE-NEWTON-118edit

    Although paltry now, 2MB of expandable memory was plenty in 1993. *Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED*
Read More
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100
Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your Blood
With almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.
Adrienne So
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
These Are Our Favorite Standing Desks to Liven Up Your Workstation
Take your home office to new heights with our favorite motorized standing desks.
Nicole Kinning
The Best MagSafe Grips for Getting a Handle on Things
Keep your phone firmly in hand and add some personality with these comfortable, durable, and nifty smartphone grips.
Louryn Strampe
The Best Game Controller for Every Kind of Player
A great gamepad instantly levels up your play. These are our top picks for Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Brad Bourque
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh
The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
We break down the current iPad lineup to help you figure out which of Apple’s tablets is best for you.
Luke Larsen
Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick
From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
Matthew Korfhage