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Apple stands as one of the most influential companies worldwide.
The brand has earned a loyal customer base by delivering high-quality products with innovative designs.
However, Apple’s journey wasn’t always smooth. The company encountered numerous challenges and setbacks before rising to its current global status.
A key element of Apple’s brand identity is its iconic logo.
But what is the story behind Apple’s famous logo?
When was Apple established?
Apple Inc. was established in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. Just two weeks later, Wayne sold his share for $800.
During that era, technology was still emerging, and computers were bulky and complex. Apple’s mission was to create more user-friendly and portable computers, making technology accessible to everyone.
How did Apple get its name?
There are various theories surrounding the origin of Apple’s brand name. Some of the most popular speculations include:
- One popular theory suggests that the brand name was inspired by Eve’s bite from the forbidden apple in the biblical story.
- One theory suggests that the brand name was inspired by the legend of Nymphus, who attained immortality by consuming a golden apple.
- Alan Turing, often called the father of modern computing, is believed to have died after consuming a poisoned apple.
- Inspired by the well-known proverb, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” this theory suggests a connection to health and innovation.
- Some believe that the three founders chose the name to give the brand a more casual and approachable identity.
- Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak wanted the Apple brand name to appear before Atari in phone books.
In reality, Steve Jobs named Apple because he liked the fruit. He followed a fruitarian diet and came up with the name after visiting an apple orchard.
How did Apple develop its original brand identity?
Apple’s original logo, designed in 1976 by co-founder Ronald Wayne, depicted Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree, reading.
The Evolution of the Apple logo
Apple’s logo has evolved over the years. Below are the key milestones in its transformation. Watch the following video for a detailed overview of the Apple logo’s journey.
1976
The first Apple logo, designed by Ronald Wayne, depicted Isaac Newton sitting under a tree, reading a book, just before an apple fell on his head. A ribbon around the image displayed the company’s name.
Although artistic and distinctive, the logo did not align with Apple’s vision and quickly became outdated.
1977
Steve Jobs believed the original logo was outdated and difficult to reproduce on smaller products. To modernize the design, he hired Rob Janoff, a professional logo designer.
Jobs wanted a logo that reflected modern computer technology and complemented the name “Apple.” This led to the creation of a sleek, two-dimensional apple featuring rainbow colours, symbolizing the Apple II, the first computer with a colour display.
The bite in the apple was added to differentiate it from a cherry, as both fruits can appear similar in shape.
1984
The logo remained largely unchanged until 1984, but a significant update came with the launch of the Macintosh. Landor Associates redesigned it by removing the word “Apple,” resulting in the iconic logo we see today.
1998
In 1986, Steve Jobs was forced out of Apple after a disagreement with the company’s executives. However, he made a comeback in 1997 when the company was on the brink of bankruptcy.
One of Jobs’ key challenges was redefining Apple’s image, starting with the logo. He initially replaced the rainbow logo with a translucent sky-blue version for the first iMac. By 1998, he introduced a solid black logo to complement Apple’s sleek silver computer models, reinforcing the brand’s luxury appeal.
This change also reflected Jobs’ preference for skeuomorphism—a design style where digital elements resemble real-world objects. This approach made interfaces more intuitive and user-friendly.
For instance, a 3D trash can icon is instantly recognizable, even for those who don’t read the language or understand the text.
2001-2007
In 2001, Apple introduced MacOS 10.1 (Cheetah), featuring the Aqua Apple logo. This was also the year when iconic products like the iPod and iTunes were launched, marking a turning point for the company and driving record-breaking profits.
By 2007, Apple updated its logo with a chrome-textured design, aligning it with the sleek aluminium finish of its latest products.
2007-2015
Apple moved away from its glass-themed logo, opting for a clean and minimalistic flat design that seamlessly complements its products.
Today, the iconic Apple logo is instantly recognizable worldwide. Its flat design perfectly matches Apple’s low-carbon aluminium devices, enhancing their premium and elegant appeal.
Why is the Apple logo effective?
The Apple logo is now a symbol of modernity, reliability, and style, evolving alongside Apple’s innovative products.
Its simplicity and recognizability make it effective, even for those who don’t use Apple devices. The strong connection to the brand name ensures instant recognition.
Beyond its luxurious and credible image, Apple continues to offer high-quality, user-friendly, and portable technology.
7 Interesting Apple facts you probably didn’t know
Apple is more than just a popular brand—it has a fascinating history! Here are some interesting facts about Apple that you might not know:
1. Apple holds more cash reserves than the U.S. government at times. This powerful brand has even had twice the cash of the U.S. Treasury on certain occasions.
2. In 1986, Apple introduced a clothing line called The Apple Collection. Unlike the minimalist design Apple is known for today, this collection included shirts, accessories, and other items featuring the iconic rainbow logo.
3. Most Apple devices in advertisements display the time as 9:41. Initially, it was set to 9:42 to mark the moment Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone in 2007. However, in 2010, during the launch of the first iPad, the time was adjusted to 9:41.
4. In 2020, Apple had more than 140,000 employees worldwide.
5. The Apple iPad still lacks a built-in calculator app. According to rumors, Steve Jobs was unhappy with the original calculator design for the tablet in 2010. As a result, the iPad never included a default calculator app.
6. Apple continues to be one of the most successful and influential brands globally. As the company has expanded and innovated, its branding has also evolved.
How has your company evolved? Could it be the right moment to consider a rebrand?
Conclusion
The Apple logo carries a rich history and profound significance, representing the company’s transformation from its early beginnings to a global powerhouse. From the original Isaac Newton design to the sleek, minimalist look we see today, the logo has evolved alongside Apple’s innovation and cutting-edge products. Every design change reflects the company’s values and vision. As Apple continues to grow and adapt, its logo remains an enduring symbol of success and influence in the tech industry.
