Many large companies use symbols to convey messages that are more potent than words. Apple’s logo is a powerful emblem that embodies not only the essence of the brand but also the spirit of innovation and a vision for modern technology. This brand’s logo is a testimony to the brand’s legacy, expertly influencing perceptions of the power of a simple symbol. The logo’s simple yet distinctive design has successfully established a new aesthetic appeal and value, capturing the essence of a strong branding approach. The Apple logo is an example of an iconic logo, especially for a brand that embodies the values of technological innovation, regardless of the length of time taken to accomplish them.
Most iconic logos convey more than just aesthetic value, reflecting their unique philosophical perspective. The philosophy serves as the foundation for connecting visual shape to the brand’s values, vision, and identity. Without it, a logo is merely a typical image that may be visually appealing but lacks emotional impact.
Furthermore, the brand’s philosophical value helps create an emotional relationship with the audience. This is what happens to the Apple logo. It becomes iconic not only because of the shape but also because of its value and message. Therefore, we will be learning more about the Apple logo, its history, evolution, and philosophy in this article. More than just common knowledge, understanding the Apple logo can be an inspiration for whoever wants to dive deeper into the world of design, branding, or business.
Table of Contents
The Apple logo, like many other well-known symbols around the world, has a rich history. Who would have imagined that a simple icon of a bitten apple, which has become popular all over the world, was actually a complicated illustration at first?
The name “Apple” was chosen by Steve Jobs in 1976 because it was simple, memorable, and it sounded friendly. The inspiration came into his mind when Steve Jobs visited an apple farm in Oregon while doing a dietary program based on fruits. Aside from personal reasons, Jobs thought that the name “Apple” was practical because it appeared before the competitor, Atari, in the search using alphabetical order. As a result, Apple has emerged as one of the world’s most influential brands.
In the same year, 1976, Ronald Wayne, one of Apple’s co-founders along with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, designed a classic illustration depicting Isaac Newton leisurely sitting under an apple tree with one apple almost falling to his head. Newton’s discovery of gravitation inspired this scene, aligning with Apple’s innovative spirit at that time. Decorative frames surrounded the logo, featuring a quote from William Wordsworth: “Newton: A mind forever voyaging through strange seas of thought alone.” Despite its profound meaning, the design was considered too complicated and hard to use; therefore, it had a brief lifespan before being replaced with a bitten apple logo developed by Rob Janoff in 1977.
Albeit meaningful, the first logo by Ronald Wayne seemed too complicated and difficult to memorize. As a result, the logo only survived for a year. Thereafter, Steve Jobs asked for help from American graphic designer Rob Janoff to design a new visual identity for Apple. In 1977. Apple finally replaced its original logo with Janoff’s design. The bitten apple logo looked much simpler, more memorable, and more flexible to use. Some popular theories exist behind the bitten apple logo, but the brand does not acknowledge them all. Here are some of the popular theories:
One of the most popular theories mentions that the bitten apple symbol is a form of respect for Alan Turing, a scientist known as the father of computer science and modern computing. Turing played an important role in cracking the Enigma code in World War II. Tragically, cyanide poisoning ended his life when he ate an apple. The story was assumed to be the inspiration for why the Apple logo represented a bitten apple. The brand wanted to pay tribute to Turing’s contribution to computer science. Although Rob Janoff denied the theory, it was still very popular.
There is also a theory that links the bitten apple with the story of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis. The bite on the apple is seen as a symbol of the quest for knowledge, the courage to go beyond limits, and the consequences of a major decision. This interpretation aligns with Apple’s philosophy as a company that encourages innovation and brings new breakthroughs. Thus, the bitten apple logo not only serves as a brand identifier but also as a universal symbol of the spirit of knowledge and exploration.
Rob Janoff strongly denied all theories that related the Apple logo to Alan Turing or the story of Adam and Eve. He explained that all those theories emerged because people wanted to look for a more profound meaning behind the design. According to Janoff himself, the bitten apple logo was purely inspired by its practical function and relevance, not as a religious symbol or a form of tribute to a certain figure. Choosing an apple as the main shape was also mainly based on the brand’s name, Apple.
Apple reflects the evolution of the company in presenting innovation through its logo changes. As technology advances and design trends change, it is crucial for Apple to transform its logo. Each transformation has its own meaning and strategy that strengthens the Apple image as the global tech company.
As previously mentioned, Ronald Wayne, one of Apple’s co-founders, designed the first logo. The design features Sir Isaac Newton seated under an apple tree, with an ornate decorative frame and a lengthy quote. Despite its philosophical significance, the logo did not last long because it was not fully functional.
In 1977, Steve Jobs asked a graphic designer named Rob Janoff to design a new logo for Apple. Since then, the bitten apple icon featuring rainbow colors has represented Apple’s creativity, diversity, and capability to produce computers with colorful screens. This logo became the brand’s visual identity for more than two decades and the very first memorable logo of Apple.
When Steve Jobs rejoined Apple in the end of the 1990s, the company did some big restructuring in many aspects, including its visual identity. The company then replaced the rainbow logo with the monochrome version. This simplified version represented a change of direction Apple would take to create a more modern, elegant, and minimalist design.
In the 2000s, Apple started introducing an aqua style, or glossy style, with a 3D effect. This logo was in harmony with the Mac OS X operation system, which shows a shiny and transparent interface. The design in this logo emphasized the premium, futuristic feel.
During the era of the iPhone and iPod, Apple once again modified the logo by adding a chrome or glass effect. The metallic shine in this logo gave an impression of elegance and luxury, making it harmonious with the Apple products’ design, which mainly were made with aluminum. This logo strengthened the image of Apple as the high-class technology company.
Since 2013, Apple has used a more basic flat design with no shine or shadow effect. This logo is quite versatile, able to be utilized in various types of media, including digital and physical products. Additionally, this logo accurately reflects Apple’s views on devotion and simplicity. Until recently, this flat logo in black, white, or silver has served as the company’s main visual identity.
The journey of the Apple logo evolution makes us learn that simplicity is stronger than complexity. The first logo with many intricate details cannot survive through time, while the simple symbol of a bitten apple can be a global icon. This evolution also shows the importance of adaptability in following the era’s development as well as consistency in maintaining visual identity. Additionally, this evolution represents knowledge and innovation, showing us that a symbol can function as more than just a marker but also as a reflection of the vision and mission of a brand.
In conclusion, the Apple logo not only reflects visual changes but also mirrors the company’s journey in asserting the identity and values it embodies. From the illustration of Isaac Newton to the simple bitten apple design, each evolution emphasizes that the strength of a logo arises
Unlock freebies for your creative projects. Explore a curated selection of fonts, graphics, and more - all absolutely free. Don't miss out, claim yours now!
Claim Free Freebies
