Some of the best learning happens when you read stories about real people and real companies. Read them for ideas, for lessons, and inspiration. This week’s stories and strategies from real life are all about Apple as the company turns 40.

From Brandon Bailey: Apple at 40: Are its best years behind, or ahead?

“Apple turned 40 on Friday, and it’s a very different company from the audacious startup that Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched in a Silicon Valley garage in 1976. Today, the maker of iPhones and Mac computers is the world’s most valuable public corporation, with 100,000 employees and a new, multi-billion dollar headquarters in Cupertino, California, set to open next year. But despite its astounding financials – Apple reported $53 billion in profit on $233 billion in sales last year – some critics have suggested Apple’s best years are behind it, as it has struggled to come up with new products and match the phenomenal success it has had in recent years.”

From Michelle Quinn: Apple redefines 40

“In corporate America, 40 has got to be the new 80. Companies don’t live as long as they used to. Getting big does not guarantee there will be a future. In fact, as we have seen with many firms, the opposite is true. Success is more short-lived than ever. So how has Apple led the tech pack for so long? Its survival may be chalked up to a combination of lucky genes and good timing as much as perfect execution, constant innovation and key risk-taking.”

From Troy Wolverton: In 40 years, Apple’s had some big hits — and some awful misses

“Over its 40 years, that mindset has inspired the company to create some products that have been so revolutionary that they have become icons — the Mac, the iPod, the iPhone. It’s also led the company to release some products have been so bad that they’ve cost the company millions of dollars or become the butt of endless pop culture jokes. But even with its misses, Apple has often profoundly influenced the technology industry and the wider society.”

From Michael Simon: Apple at 40: Remembering when Steve Jobs went electric

“‘Every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything.'”

From Jennifer Booton: Apple at 40: Search on for post-iPhone revenue driver

“The company, formed by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne on April 1, 1976, turned 40 on Friday. Wall Street celebrated in a restrained manner, sending Apple shares up 0.9% to $109.99, the stock’s highest closing level since Dec. 16, 2015.”