Among the many mysteries we have about the world’s largest technology companies, a very common one is: Why is Apple’s apple bitten?
Given the name, it was evident what figure they had to choose for the logo, but why did its creator include such a small bite in the fruit?
On many occasions, the designer of the original proposal, Rob Janoff, has answered this question. He explained to Forbes that he materialized the idea of the bite to give scale to the graphic proposal.
With many round fruits with stems and leaves existing, he just wanted people to understand that it was an apple and not something else.
Even metaphorically, the concept served to indicate to the consumer that with each device of the brand they were going to get a great portion of knowledge.
Keep reading, today we dedicate this entry to the iconic multinational Apple and, specifically, to the history and legends surrounding its emblematic apple.
Table of contents
What is Apple?
Although there are many brands recognized for their innovative technological hardware and software proposals, Apple occupies a place in the top 3 worldwide. This is mainly because in 1984 it launched the first personal computer with a graphical user interface. Yes, the unforgettable Macintosh.
An economical alternative that revolutionized the industry at that time. On one hand, it had an improved design of the floppy drive. And, on the other hand, it integrated a hard drive that, despite being low cost, guaranteed data recovery in a faster and more reliable way. Since then, the company has cultivated a reputation that, to this day, is unsurpassed.
Its founders? Steve Jobs and Stephen Wozniak, two high school friends who one day, in 1976, decided to manufacture personal computers and by 1980 had more than 1,000 employees under their charge.
Evolution of the Apple logo
The apple has always been in the Apple logo. Were there changes? At first, the idea was totally different. In fact, the evolution is remarkable. The apple has appeared in different aspects. Sometimes, with a lot of color and, in other equations, bathed in black and different textures.
Evidently, we cannot leave you with this innocuous description. Immediately, we detail the transformation.
1976 – 1977 The first proposal
For its characteristics, the first Apple proposal did not last long. Even today, it would never have been designed the same way. The one in charge was the third co-founder of the company, Ronald Wayne.
His idea showed Isaac Newton sitting under a tree, just before an apple fell on him. Something was more striking. It was not only the name of the company, but a long message inscribed on the logo frame.
What did it say? Something like: “Newton… a mind that always travels through strange seas of thought… alone”. The logo was loaded, classic and, at first glance, had no relation to technology. Actually, it looked like a beer label.
1977 – 1998 Multicolor Apple logo
Luckily, Jobs intervened. He considered the proposal outdated and urgently needed a redesign, so he hired Janoff.
He took into account the unique selling proposition that made the company special. Which one? Apple had the only computer that showed images in color. Therefore, he decided to show a rainbow filling the apple. Steve accepted immediately.
1998 – 2001 Classic Apple logo design
During this period, the technical and design advances that the technology manufacturer had achieved were noticeable.
Computers were increasingly elegant and thin; also, silver or metallic. In this sense, it was evident that the logo had to adapt to the evolution. The color spectrum did not fit into this new ecosystem.
After a few years away from the company, Steve Jobs returned to renew the brand. He knew that the image was already engraved in the minds of consumers in terms of shape, but that other elements were disposable.
He changed the colors and opted for white and black. The result was noticed in the iMac, the first device to have this new and bold design.
2001 – 2007 Apple logo with depth
The drawing began to look very flat. It needed some character. For this reason, designers introduced a silver gradient that stood out for its depth. They coined it as the aquamarine or glass logo and it was so vivid that it stood out on any surface. It was so successful among customers that its use increased in the brand’s online channels.
2007 – 2017 3D logo
New developments kept appearing. Since 2007, the aquamarine color began to lose impact, so Apple added a chrome texture for a 3D logo. In addition, they placed a stripe across the figure. This, although conceived as a special touch, did not impress the fans much.
Actually, so much sophistication from those details positioned the brand as a more premium option. An idea that matched what the public perceived at that time: competitors’ products were less expensive than Apple’s devices. Even so, the logo survived more years than expected, lasting a decade.
2017 – 2024 The monochromatic logo
After so long, the company returned to its monochromatic beginnings. Any difference in sight? They chose chrome instead of jet black. This choice is the most versatile of all. It achieves a play of lights, offering a visual spectacle when the back of laptops and other equipment is illuminated.
What does the Apple logo mean? Why is Apple’s apple bitten?
Perhaps the fame of this logo is due, in large part, to the fame and trajectory that the company has cultivated over decades. Nevertheless, the merit of the design itself is undeniable, as it is a masterpiece for minimalist graphic arts. Here are three characteristics that support it.
Color
From its beginnings to our days, Apple has had an interesting chromatic journey. Among other things, it has demonstrated the power of corporate colors and the implications they have on the perception of a brand’s logo.
Both when the rainbow prevailed and when they used metallic, there was a specific reason according to the company’s goals. However, the use on different surfaces represented a complicated challenge to face. Therefore, Apple favored solid colors, as they are not only modern but more adaptable.
Bite
Many legends have fallen on the bite in the apple. None are true. Janoff described this design quirk as a way to avoid confusion with cherries and other similar fruits. He even said that it added a playful and distinctive plus that contributed to the memorability of the logo.
The Apple logo is timeless and universal
Despite the changes the Apple logo has undergone, it has undoubtedly withstood the test of time. In fact, each transformation has given more identity to the brand. It has become more minimalist and elegant, even when the basic elements remain unchanged.
This generated a coherence that, in the long run, encouraged user trust in the brand and recognition worldwide.
Is there a connection between Newton and the Apple logo?
Here we find one of the many legends surrounding Apple. We understand! As we said, the company’s first logo depicted the scientist in his most famous epiphany.
However, there is no other direct connection between Sir Isaac Newton and the company. Now, there is a fortuitous link we cannot dismiss: the theory of gravity. He saw the apple fall and discovered gravity.
Perhaps, Apple chose the fruit to reinforce the idea that it is a company of thinkers and innovators. What do you think?
Is it true that the Apple logo pays tribute to Alan Turing?
Do you know who is considered one of the fathers of artificial intelligence? Alan Turing. He was a British mathematician and computer scientist, remembered not only for the advances he promoted in this industry.
He was gay and in 1952 was prosecuted for homosexual acts. Consequences? Two years later, he committed suicide.
How? He ate an apple contaminated with cyanide. With this in mind, many people claimed that the Apple logo and the horizontal rainbow stripes were a tribute to his memory. Janoff explained that this theory surprised him and that it was based on absolutely no truth.
Why is Apple’s apple bitten? an identity
Definitely, many more devices created by Apple will appear. However, their logo will always remain intact. With changes? It is possible that at some point they decide to refresh their features, colors, and textures.
But, this will not alter the link that exists between the company, its image, and its customers or followers of technological innovations.
So, Why is Apple’s apple bitten? Although Rob Janoff himself clarified that it was an idea to singularize the apple, without a doubt, it is the brand’s most emblematic mark.
