5 Books To Read To Help You Become the Next Steve Jobs

Posted on 8/21/2025, 11:06:24 AM

When people think of Steve Jobs, they think of innovation, design, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He wasn’t just the co-founder of Apple—he was a visionary who reshaped entire industries. From the personal computer to digital music, smartphones, and animated films, Jobs showed the world what happens when creativity meets technology.

But here’s the truth: Steve Jobs wasn’t born with all the answers. He learned, studied, and refined his thinking over decades. One of the best ways you can follow in his footsteps is by reading the books that shaped his mindset and the books that reflect his approach to leadership, innovation, and life.

If you dream of becoming the next Steve Jobs—or at least unlocking a little bit of his genius—these five books will set you on the right path. And if you don’t have hours to spare, you can use a book summary app to quickly grasp the lessons and apply them to your own journey.

1. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen

Clayton Christensen’s groundbreaking book is a must-read for anyone serious about innovation. It explains why big companies, despite being well-managed and customer-focused, often fail when new technologies emerge.

Jobs understood this better than anyone. While other companies doubled down on what was already working, he embraced disruption—launching the iPod when CD sales were still strong, the iPhone when the iPod was at its peak, and the iPad when laptops still dominated.

Why you should read it: This book will teach you to think beyond improvements and focus on revolution. If you want to disrupt an industry like Jobs, you need to master the logic of innovation.

2. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

No book brings you closer to Jobs himself than Walter Isaacson’s biography. Based on exclusive interviews with Jobs, his family, and colleagues, it paints a vivid portrait of a man obsessed with perfection and willing to push people beyond their limits to achieve it.

This biography isn’t just about Apple; it’s about the philosophy behind Jobs’ success. His passion for design, love for simplicity, and belief in “making a dent in the universe” were principles that anyone can apply to their own work.

Why you should read it: If you want to think like Steve Jobs, you need to understand his vision, his contradictions, and his unique way of blending art with technology.

3. Zero to One by Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and one of Silicon Valley’s most influential investors, lays out a framework for building groundbreaking companies. Instead of competing in crowded markets, Thiel argues for creating something entirely new—a concept Jobs embodied at Apple.

Jobs didn’t build just another computer, another MP3 player, or another phone. He built entirely new experiences that redefined industries.

Why you should read it: This book will teach you how to escape competition, embrace bold ideas, and go from “zero to one” by creating the future—not copying the present.

4. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Steve Jobs was known for being a perfectionist, but behind the scenes, Apple relied heavily on experimentation and iteration. Eric Ries’ The Lean Startup captures this approach, showing how startups can continuously test, learn, and adapt to create products people actually want.

Think of the early iPhone prototypes. They weren’t perfect, but Apple tested, refined, and innovated until the product reached Jobs’ uncompromising standard.

Why you should read it: If you’re building a company or launching a product, this book will help you avoid wasted time and resources while staying aligned with your vision.

5. Creative Selection by Ken Kocienda

For a behind-the-scenes look at how Jobs inspired innovation at Apple, this book is unbeatable. Written by Ken Kocienda, a former Apple engineer, it details the creative process behind the iPhone, Safari, and other iconic products.

The book highlights Apple’s culture of prototyping, teamwork, and constant refinement—practices that Jobs demanded to ensure excellence.

Why you should read it: This book gives you insider knowledge of Apple’s innovation process and shows how you can apply similar methods to your own projects.

How to Learn Faster with a Book Summary App

These books are filled with wisdom, but let’s face it—reading five 300+ page books takes serious time. That’s where a book summary app comes in. With one, you can:

• Get key insights in 10–15 minutes instead of hours.

• Revisit important lessons anytime for a quick refresh.

• Absorb multiple perspectives quickly so you can act faster.

• Stay consistent with reading habits even with a busy schedule.

Apps like Sumizeit make it easy to digest knowledge on the go, whether you’re commuting, working out, or taking a quick break.

If Steve Jobs were alive today, there’s a good chance he’d be using a book summary app to learn faster and stay ahead.

Final Thoughts

Steve Jobs believed that great innovators live at the intersection of technology and the humanities. To think like him, you need to read, learn, and challenge the status quo.

By diving into The Innovator’s Dilemma, Steve Jobs, Zero to One, The Lean Startup, and Creative Selection, you’ll gain powerful insights into innovation, leadership, creativity, and execution. And with the help of a book summary app, you can unlock these lessons faster and apply them directly to your life and business.

The next Steve Jobs won’t come from copying Apple. It will come from someone—maybe you—who reads deeply, thinks differently, and dares to change the world.