Fact check: Apple and Pixar have that old connection

1. Summary of the results

The connection between Apple and Pixar is well-documented and primarily centered around Steve Jobs, though it's more complex than a simple business relationship. Jobs purchased Pixar (then the Lucasfilm Graphics Group) in 1986 for $10 million ^[1], after leaving Apple in 1985. He served as Pixar's CEO and majority shareholder until its eventual sale to Disney in 2006 for $7.4 billion ^[2]. The relationship between the companies spanned approximately 25 years ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are missing from the original statement:

• While there was indeed a connection, Apple never directly owned Pixar - they remained separate entities with Jobs as the common link ^[2]
• The relationship was characterized by technological collaboration and mutual support rather than direct ownership ^[4]
• Jobs actually became a billionaire through Pixar, not Apple ^[5]
• The connection manifested culturally through numerous Apple references embedded in Pixar films ^[6]
• Jobs transformed Pixar from a struggling tech company into an animation powerhouse ^[5]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement oversimplifies what was actually a complex relationship:

• It might lead readers to assume there was a direct corporate connection between Apple and Pixar, when in fact the connection was primarily through Steve Jobs' leadership ^[2]
• The statement doesn't acknowledge that the relationship eventually ended when Disney acquired Pixar in 2006 ^[1]
• The use of "old connection" might understate the significance of the relationship, which was actually a crucial period that helped establish Pixar as a major player in animation ^[5]

The primary beneficiaries of this narrative would be:

• Disney, which ultimately acquired Pixar and benefits from its prestigious history
• Apple, which benefits from association with Pixar's success and innovation
• Pixar, which benefits from its connection to Apple's technological legacy