In the narrative surrounding Steve Jobs, several key figures emerge who played vital roles in shaping Apple's journey. The cofounder of Pixar, who had notable disagreements with Jobs, contributed significantly to the animation industry but faced challenges working alongside such a intense personality. His innovative ideas were sometimes at odds with Jobs' visionary but demanding approach.

Other important individuals include Burrell Smith, a talented but troubled hardware designer from the original Mac team, whose struggles with schizophrenia in the 1990s highlighted the personal battles faced by creative minds in tech. Avadis "Avie" Tevanian also left a mark, influencing Apple's software direction after collaborating with Jobs at NeXT. Additionally, James Vincent, a music-loving Brit, partnered with creative talents Lee Clow and Duncan Milner, showcasing the collaborative spirit that characterized Apple's creative endeavors.