Inspired by the calculator interface designed by Steve Jobs for the first-generation Macintosh in 1984, and incorporating the classic pixel icon art of Susan Kare, this app allows you to create a truly unique and personalized calculator experience.
👋Hi everyone, I'm Xiaofeng, and I'm thrilled to introduce "Calculator 1984" to you all.
A few years ago, when I first saw a video of the Macintosh interface, I whimsically wondered why no one had adapted that cool calculator interface to mobile. In 2024, the 40th anniversary of the Macintosh release, I revisited "Steve Jobs: A Biography" and was struck by the fact that Jobs himself had designed that calculator interface. Surprisingly, no one had replicated it, so I thought, why not give it a try? After all, it's just a calculator.
"Calculator 1984" is not just any calculator. It replicates the classic interface and appearance of the calculator designed by Jobs for the first-generation Macintosh in 1984, complete with pixel fonts, buttons, and shadows that exude a vintage and retro vibe. This is our tribute to the iconic Macintosh.
In addition to honoring this classic, I wanted to give users a chance to express themselves and showcase their uniqueness. Thus, "Calculator 1984" introduces a Sticker feature with a series of classic pixel-style stickers designed by Susan Kare—from the iconic Macintosh Dogcow and Bomb to a youthful Steve Jobs portrait. Each sticker is a nod to Macintosh culture, making each user's "Calculator 1984" uniquely their own. I hope users enjoy using these artistic stickers to personalize their calculators, turning them into a personal statement piece.
I find this project incredibly cool—it's a fusion of elements: running an ultra-low-res, pixel-style app from 40 years ago on the most modern and refined Macs and iPhones, and customizing a traditionally neutral (stiff?) calculator with stickers that reflect personal taste and cultural identity. This blend of old and new, rational and personal, is deeply fascinating.
I hope both Apple enthusiasts and fans of pixel and retro-tech styles will find something resonant in this product.
Hope you love it—it's completely free!
It really takes me back to the days when I first saw the Macintosh. I love the design and I'm glad you brought it back to the modern era.
I love the idea of bringing the classic Macintosh calculator to modern devices. The stickers are a nice touch too.
This is a classic calculator and i can design it in my own way which is very intresting and having a joyful experience
Congrats Xiaofeng on launching Calculator 1984! 🎉 What a nostalgic and innovative tribute to the classic Macintosh interface. Love the fusion of retro style and personal expression with the sticker feature. Well done! 👏🚀
