The call from Steve Jobs

Lenny's PodcastAbout 2 min readJun 19, 2025Watch original
THE SUMMARYAI-generated

Key Concepts:

  • App Store rejection
  • Battery draining app
  • Direct communication from Apple executives
  • Impact of app store rules on developers

App Rejection and the Battery Draining App

The speaker, Sebastian, recounts an experience from when he was 16 years old. He received a phone call from a blocked number. Upon answering, the caller identified himself as "Steve from Apple." Steve informed Sebastian that his app would not be allowed on the App Store. The app in question was designed to drain the phone's battery.

The Conversation with "Steve"

Sebastian initially challenged the decision, stating that he had reviewed the App Store rules and found no prohibition against battery-draining apps. "Steve" responded by telling him to check again, indicating that a new rule had been added.

Realization of Speaking to Steve Jobs

Sebastian didn't immediately realize he had spoken to Steve Jobs. He initially thought it was just another employee named Steve at Apple. However, he later recognized the voice as being familiar.

Confirmation and Aftermath

After the phone call, articles began to surface about Steve Jobs and other Apple executives personally contacting developers to inform them of similar app rejections. This confirmed for Sebastian that he had indeed spoken to Steve Jobs. He expressed his satisfaction at having had a brief conversation with "quite the legend."

Conclusion

The anecdote highlights the direct involvement of Apple's leadership in App Store decisions and the impact of those decisions on developers. It also illustrates the evolving nature of App Store rules and the importance of developers staying informed.

AI summaries can miss context or contain errors. Check important details against the original video.

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