Apple's 8th employee still works at the company after joining aged 14
Published on Sep 21, 2025 at 4:00 AM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Sep 21, 2025 at 4:00 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Meet Chris Espinosa, who is Apple’s 8th employee, and he still works at the company after joining Apple at the tender age of 14.
Espinosa first joined in early 1977 when the tech empire was less of an empire and more of a start-up operating out of Steve Jobs’ parents’ garage.
The teen was actually warned against joining the company due to Wozniak and Jobs’ rule-bending natures by his science teacher, but he ignored the warning and has stayed until this day.
As a result, he had a hand in many iconic products, including Mac OS, Hypercard, AppleScript, Xcode, and many more specific devices and gadgets that have become icons of the tech industry since.
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Apple’s 8th employee still works at the company
Nothing quite says loyalty to your job like Chris Espinosa and his incredible tenure at the popular tech empire, Apple.
Espinosa was the eighth employee that Apple ever hired, and he started working there when he was still in high school.
Back in early 1977, the teen joined when the start-up was just a tiny company operating out of founder Steve Jobs’ parents’ garage.
The teen’s science teacher at his high school warned him against joining the tech company, having heard about rumors of the founders Wozniak and Jobs and their tendency to bend the rules.
Over the years, Espinosa has had many different roles in different departments and even took a brief break while he attended the University of California, Berkeley, but Apple welcomed him back straight after graduation.
He was only 14 when he joined Apple
Despite what his science teacher said, Chris could handle Wozniak and Jobs, even if he described Jobs as a ‘maniacal genius’ in a later interview.
As he aged, Espinosa’s work touched core software over the decades, including Mac OS, HyperCard, AppleScript, and even Xcode.
Espinosa’s compelling employment history shows true loyalty to a company, and he knows that he can definitely credit the current success of the tech empire, in part, to his tenure.
No one knows how long Espinosa plans to stay at the company, but he already has an iconic legacy and will be remembered as one of the greats who formed the foundations of the tech industry as we know it today.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
