A Fun-Filled Prank by Apple Co-Founders
Back in the early days of Apple Inc., co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, along with their friend John Draper—better known as Captain Crunch—pulled off a memorable prank aimed at the Vatican. Armed with a blue box, the trio embarked on an audacious phone phreaking adventure.
The Blue Box Revolution
The blue box was a revolutionary device in its day. It enabled users to manipulate phone systems, allowing them to make free long-distance calls by imitating the tones used by telephone operators. This technique was a form of hacking the phone network, which was groundbreaking for the time.
The Prank's Execution
Deciding to escalate their prank, Jobs, Wozniak, and Draper made the bold choice to call the Vatican. They cleverly impersonated then-U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, showcasing their daring ambition.
Calling the Pope
In a funny recounting, Wozniak recalled, “I said, ‘Well, I’m Henry Kissinger with Richard Nixon at the summit meeting in Moscow, and we’d like to speak to the Pope.'” He humorously added, “I told the Pope ‘I’m just calling to make a confession.’” However, there was no actual conversation with the Pope. Jobs clarified later that their prank didn’t result in any direct communication.
The Aftermath of Their Call
Reflecting on their escapade, Jobs shared in a 1975 interview that they really caused quite a stir. Their prank was so effective that someone had to wake the Pope up! Ultimately, their ruse didn’t go as planned, as Vatican officials soon realized they were not actually talking to Kissinger, leading to laughter instead of a serious discussion.
The Inspiration for the Blue Box
The duo's intrigue with the blue box took off when Wozniak came across an eye-opening article in Esquire that detailed the exploits of phone phreaks who were outsmarting the major telephone companies. This inspired him to share his discoveries with Jobs, igniting an interest that guided both of them down a tech-oriented path.
Crafting the Blue Box
Initially, Wozniak and Jobs tried to build their own blue boxes using analog tone generator kits but found the analog circuits to be unpredictable. Eventually, Wozniak created a digital version utilizing computer chips, which allowed for much more reliable operations.
Expanding Their Exploration
Their collaboration deepened as they learned various blue boxing techniques from Captain Crunch. This partnership led them to sell their own blue boxes, unwittingly paving the way for innovative ideas that would eventually contribute to the creation of Apple Computer.
The Importance of Their Undertaking
While their blue boxing venture was both illegal and short-lived, it marked a significant phase in the partnership of Wozniak and Jobs. They sold around 40 to 100 blue boxes at $170 each before the authorities caught onto their activities, forcing them to end this chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly was the blue box?
The blue box was a device that let users make free long-distance calls by manipulating telephone systems, effectively allowing them to hack the phone network.
Who are the co-founders of Apple Inc.?
The co-founders of Apple Inc. are Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, with John Draper also significantly involved in their early pranks.
What prank did Jobs and Wozniak pull on the Vatican?
They used the blue box to prank the Vatican, impersonating Henry Kissinger in an attempt to speak with the Pope.
Did they ever get to speak with the Pope?
No, while they stirred up a lot of chaos, they did not actually manage to speak with the Pope during their prank.
How did Wozniak become interested in phone phreaking?
Wozniak's interest began when he read an article in Esquire about the exploits of phone phreaks who were outsmarting the telephone companies.
