The McDonald’s analogy: How Steve Jobs defined the difference between Apple and Microsoft
10. This is what Steve Jobs said about Microsoftpic.twitter.com/oAxKsWxP6a
— Lost Templesâ„¢ (@LostTemple7) August 3, 2025
Steve Jobs’ most vivid criticism of Microsoft came from his comparison of the company to McDonald’s. He saw both as giants that delivered mass-produced, “third-rate” products, suggesting that Microsoft’s software was the digital equivalent of fast food. Jobs’ central point was that Microsoft lacked “taste,” sacrificing the beauty and craftsmanship he valued for a focus on sheer functionality, thus failing to create a truly inspiring user experience