​Warren Buffett’s journey from analog to Apple: How world changed since he took over Berkshire in 1965​

In 1965, the concept of the internet was still science fiction. ARPANET, the precursor to the internet, wouldn’t arrive until 1969. Fast-forward to today, and 5.3 billion people access the web daily. Interestingly, Warren Buffett—once wary of tech—now owns a massive stake in Apple, showing how even the most traditional investors can adapt to the digital revolution. (Representative image)

Before Facebook, Instagram, or X, people in 1965 got their updates from newspapers, television, or local chatter. Fast-forward to today: 4.9 billion people consume content through social media. Yet, Buffett, rooted in old-school values, largely avoids this digital frenzy, preferring personal interactions over likes and retweets. (Representative image)

Back in 1965, if you wanted cash, you had to queue at a bank counter. The first ATM came in 1967, and today, digital wallets dominate the payments landscape. Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, especially through its insurance ventures, has quietly benefited from the shift to cashless finance. (Representative image)

In 1965, sending a message meant licking a stamp and waiting days. Email wouldn’t appear until the 1970s. Today, over 333 billion emails are sent daily. Despite the digital shift, Buffett famously remains old-school—preferring personal phone calls over an overflowing inbox. (Representative image)

Getting lost in 1965 meant wrestling with a fold-out map. GPS didn’t debut until 1978, but now services like Google Maps are indispensable. Buffett’s major investments in railroads like BNSF reflect how modern navigation continues to reshape logistics and commerce. (Representative image)

In 1965, the phone was stuck to the wall or you’d drop a dime into a payphone. Today, 7 billion smartphones power the world’s connectivity. Buffett’s massive bet on Apple shows how even a tech-averse investor saw the value in the mobile revolution. (Representative image)

McDonald’s was still a novelty in 1965, and the happy meal hadn’t yet arrived. Today, McDonald's serves billions globally through 40,000 outlets. Buffett’s affinity for fast food led to investments in chains like Dairy Queen, blending nostalgia with savvy business. (Representative image)

In 1965, artificial intelligence was confined to science fiction and chalkboards. Today, AI models like Grok 3 can write poems and analyse data in seconds. Buffett, however, continues to shy away from such frontier tech, favouring steady value plays over speculative leaps. (Representative image)

The 1965 airwaves were filled with Frank Sinatra, and the counterculture movement hadn’t yet taken off. By 1969, Woodstock changed music forever. Today’s mega-festivals like Coachella dominate pop culture. Buffett, ever the pragmatist, skipped the flower power and stuck with Cherry Coke. (Representative image)

Moviegoers in 1965 enjoyed local theatres and drive-ins. Now, the entertainment industry is dominated by billion-dollar blockbusters and streaming giants like Disney+. Berkshire’s media investments over the years tapped into this seismic shift in how we consume stories. (Representative image)

In 1965, philanthropy was mostly low-profile. Fast-forward to 2025, and Buffett’s Giving Pledge has enlisted 240 billionaires to donate at least half their fortunes. Buffett himself has pledged nearly all of his $168 billion net worth, reshaping what legacy means in the modern era. (Representative image)