<ul><li>Microsoft is founded by childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen, becoming a major Apple frenemy.</li><li>Microsoft becomes a key developer of Macintosh software, then releases the Windows operating system.</li><li>Microsoft and Apple engage in a long-running feud over similarities in their products.</li><li>After years of legal battles, Apple drops lawsuits against Microsoft, leading to Microsoft's support of Apple and Apple's rise to dominance.</li></ul>

Today in Apple history: Apple frenemy Microsoft is born 50 years ago

Discover more