The first commercially successful personal computer was the Apple II, launched in 1977. Designed by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, it featured an innovative combination of hardware and software that made it accessible to home users and small businesses. Its user-friendly design included a color display and open architecture, allowing for software development and hardware upgrades. The Apple II's success helped establish the home computing market and influenced future personal computer designs. Its impact on both technology and business continues to resonate in today's computing landscape.