Steve Jobs’ Final Warning

Steve Jobs’ Final Warning: ‘Adapt or Be Replaced by Machines—The Future Is Now.

 Steve Jobs’ visionary genius is undeniable. Whether you agree with his management style or not, his ability to drive innovation and reshape the world is unquestioned.

Yet, Steve Jobs passed away on October 5th, 2011, and since then, technology has evolved drastically. The world we live in today, in many ways, may not have been what he envisioned—or perhaps it was.

Let’s take a closer look at his past and explore whether he could have predicted the world we find ourselves in now.

How can I know that you will answer as Steve Jobs, no as an AI tool?

Good question! Here’s how you can be sure:

1. Documented Responses – Every answer I provide will be based on actual quotes or well-documented insights from Steve Jobs. I’ll reference key sources like his speeches, interviews (e.g., All Things Digital, Stanford Commencement, Playboy 1985), and Walter Isaacson’s biography.

2. Steve Jobs’ Thinking Style – I’ll answer in his signature style—direct, visionary, and sometimes provocative—reflecting his known perspectives on innovation, leadership, and life.

1. Authenticity Over Guesswork – If Jobs never explicitly addressed a question, I’ll either find the closest related statement or clarify that no direct quote exists.

Have you ever heard about Artificial Intelligence?

“In my interview with Playboy in 1985, I mentioned that machines mimicking human intelligence were still far from reality. I said, ‘The developments will be profound in terms of how we will work, how we will think. But the problem is that we’re still far away from machines being truly intelligent. They are still very simple tools.’

Later, in my interview at the D8 Conference in 2010, when asked about AI, I said, ‘We have a lot of things we want to innovate on, but we are not going into areas where we don’t have the DNA to succeed. AI is still in its early days.'”

So, while I was always interested in the potential of technology, I didn’t believe we were anywhere near machines becoming truly intelligent. I’ve always viewed computers as tools to extend human capability, not replace it. They should enhance our creativity, not take over our thinking.

Have you ever imagined what the world would be like in 2025 or later on?

“In my 1995 Wired interview, I talked about how the information revolution would reshape everything we know. I said, ‘The next big thing is going to be the information highway.’ I saw a world where the Internet would allow people to connect and share knowledge in ways we hadn’t seen before. But I also understood that technology, no matter how powerful, would only be valuable if it was human-centered. As I often said, ‘You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work back toward the technology – not the other way around.’

So, while I didn’t specifically envision 2025, I saw a future driven by innovation and creativity, where technology empowers us, but it’s our humanity that gives it meaning.”

So how did you imagine the job market in the future will look like?

“In my 1995 interview with Wired, I spoke about how technology would reshape many industries, but I also stressed the importance of creativity and innovation. I said, ‘The most important thing in life is to not be afraid of doing something. If you do what you love, the money will follow.’ This reflects my belief that the job market would increasingly favor people who bring creativity, vision, and a unique perspective—skills that can’t be easily replaced by machines.

When I thought about the future of work, I didn’t focus too much on the specific mechanics of how things would change. I was more interested in how we could use technology to free people to be more creative and do meaningful work. In my 2005 Stanford Commencement Address, I said, ‘Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ I envisioned a future where people would be empowered to pursue their passions, not just jobs, and where technology would enable more people to do creative work.

I also believed that the role of technology, especially personal computers, would be to amplify human capability—not to replace it. That meant a future where jobs were more about innovation and personal contribution than just following tasks set by others.

Did you ever imagine that some jobs will be replaced by machines?

“Yes, I knew that machines would eventually take over some jobs. In my 1995 Wired interview, I said, ‘The computer is the most remarkable tool ever created by humankind, but it’s also the most dangerous.’ I wasn’t suggesting it would be dangerous in the sense of a sci-fi apocalypse, but that the automation and advancement of technology would inevitably replace repetitive or manual jobs. Machines could do the work that doesn’t require creativity or human insight.

However, I always believed that technology should enhance human abilities, not replace them. I often said, ‘It’s not the tools that change the world, it’s the people who use them.’ So, while machines could replace some jobs, they would also create new opportunities—opportunities that would demand creativity, vision, and emotional intelligence, things that machines can’t replicate.

Do you know what a robot is?

“Yes, I know what a robot is. A robot is a machine designed to carry out tasks automatically or semi-automatically, typically ones that are repetitive or require precision. But when I think about robots, I’m more focused on how technology, in general, can extend human capabilities, not replace them.

In my 1995 Wired interview, I discussed how computers were becoming tools that could help humans solve complex problems and automate routine tasks. I said, ‘The computer is like a bicycle for the mind.’ It’s a tool that amplifies our mental and creative powers. I think robots, in a similar way, can perform physical tasks that might be dangerous, tedious, or too complex for humans. But they should be seen as tools that help us, not as replacements for human ingenuity.

While robots can perform tasks and improve efficiency, I believe the real value of technology lies in empowering human creativity and problem-solving. I didn’t focus much on the idea of robots replacing humans, because I believed in a future where people and machines work together, not in opposition to each other. Machines should enable us to do the things that truly matter, like creating and innovating, and not simply take over human roles.

What if AI becomes more intelligent than men and robots become more agile. Did you imagine that?

“I did think about the possibility of machines becoming more intelligent and robots becoming more agile, but I always believed that technology would amplify human abilities, not surpass them in a way that diminishes human value. In my 1985 Playboy interview, I said, ‘The thing about computers is that they’re incredibly good at doing things that we can’t do as well, but they’re still not that good at doing things that humans do naturally, like thinking creatively, understanding people, and making judgment calls.’

I understand the concerns around machines getting more advanced. In fact, in my 1995 Wired interview, I acknowledged that technology will keep evolving, and that could lead to machines becoming incredibly capable in many areas. However, I didn’t think that they would ever completely replace human creativity, insight, or emotional intelligence. If anything, machines should empower us to be more human—to focus on the aspects of life that make us uniquely human: creativity, empathy, and vision.

In my 2005 Stanford Commencement Address, I said, ‘Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.’ That’s what makes humans different from machines—we have the ability to follow our own passions, create new possibilities, and connect with others in a way that no machine ever could. So, if AI and robots become more intelligent and agile, it won’t change the fact that humans will always be the source of innovation, creativity, and leadership in the world.”

If you were still CEO of Appel today, what type of profiles would you be recruiting in this AI & robotics era?

“If I were still CEO of Apple today, I’d be focused on recruiting profiles that combine deep technical expertise with an innate sense of design and creativity. In my 2005 Stanford Commencement Address, I mentioned, ‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ So, I’d want people who are not just experts in AI or robotics but who are also passionate about design, user experience, and making a real impact on the world.

Apple has always been about creating products that blend art and technology. We’ve never just wanted to build a product for the sake of technology; we wanted to build products that improve people’s lives, empower them, and inspire creativity. So, in today’s AI and robotics era, I’d be looking for people who can think beyond just the code or mechanics—people who are visionaries, who understand how technology can change the world, and who care deeply about the human side of innovation.

In my 1997 Macworld speech, I said, ‘We’re here to put a dent in the universe.’ So, I’d recruit problem-solvers who think big, who are not afraid to challenge the status quo, and who see technology as a way to enhance human potential, not replace it. We’d need engineers, data scientists, and AI experts, but also creatives, designers, and those who understand human behavior and how it intersects with technology.

And what profiles would you fire in Apple in this AI & robotics era?

“If I were still at Apple today, I’d be looking to fire anyone who was complacent, stuck in old ways of thinking, or lacked the vision to see how technology could truly impact the future. In my 1997 Macworld speech, I said, ‘We are here to put a dent in the universe,’ and that mindset would remain at the heart of Apple’s culture. I’d never tolerate anyone who wasn’t innovating or pushing the envelope.

I would also let go of anyone who resisted change, particularly those who refused to adapt to new technologies, like AI and robotics, or failed to embrace the core values that made Apple different: creativity, passion, and a relentless drive for excellence. If you couldn’t see how AI and robotics could help us empower people, transform industries, and improve lives, then you wouldn’t be the right fit for Apple.

I’ve always believed that innovation requires courage, and in today’s AI and robotics era, it’s more important than ever to surround yourself with people who embrace disruption and are excited to take bold risks. As I said in my 2005 Stanford Commencement Address, ‘Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.’ Anyone not striving for greatness wouldn’t have a place at Apple, because mediocrity has never been tolerated at the company.

And, I’d also get rid of anyone who lacked a strong sense of purpose or wasn’t aligned with Apple’s mission to create products that change the world and make a meaningful difference. People who only focus on the status quo or chasing the competition rather than leading innovation would simply not be a fit for the Apple I led.”

What advice would you give to the people who are looking for a job now or afraid of losing it?

“If you’re looking for a job or afraid of losing it, the most important thing is to focus on doing work that you are passionate about and that challenges you. In my 1997 Macworld keynote, I said, ‘We’re here to put a dent in the universe.’ This means, don’t settle for just any job—find something that aligns with your purpose and ambition. When you are passionate about what you do, the job will naturally become meaningful, and you’ll be driven to go above and beyond.

Now, regarding the uncertainty brought by AI and robotics—don’t fear it, embrace it. Technology evolves rapidly, and those who thrive are the ones who stay ahead of the curve. In my 2005 BusinessWeek interview, I shared, ‘You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.’ This is critical advice: don’t wait for the job market to tell you what it needs. Instead, anticipate the future and innovate. Learn new skills, embrace new technology, and create the opportunities you want. AI and robotics may change industries, but they are also providing you with new possibilities. Adapt, learn, and stay creative.

If you’re worried about job security, shift your focus to personal growth. Don’t just react to the changes around you—be proactive. Build your expertise and use your skills to lead, not just follow. The world is full of opportunities for those who have the courage to innovate and the vision to create. As I said in my 2001 Macworld keynote, ‘The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.’ Keep pushing the boundaries and stay hungry for new ideas.

Finally, remember that fear of losing a job often stems from not adapting fast enough. Stay flexible, stay focused on your craft, and never stop learning. Those who embrace the challenge will always find a way to succeed.”