Jobs did indeed make the Macintosh into a low-cost competitor to the Lisa, one with incompatible software. Making matters worse was that neither machine was compatible with the Apple II. With no one in overall charge at Apple, there was no chance of keeping Jobs in harness.
Steve Jobs transformed the Macintosh into a more affordable alternative to the Lisa, although this resulted in incompatible software between the two systems. This lack of compatibility extended to the Apple II as well, creating additional confusion for users and developers.
At the time, Apple lacked a clear leadership structure, which contributed to the inability to manage Jobs effectively. Without someone in a position of authority, there was little oversight to keep Jobs focused and aligned with the company's broader goals.
