What's With Apple's Logo? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Technology

What's With Apple's Logo?

The unexpected origin story behind the bitten fruit.

70
What's With Apple's Logo?

So, what's the story behind Apple's logo? An apple seems to have little to do with phones, computers and tablets, so the idea must have come from somewhere interesting for it to stick. Many theories circulate on where the famous apple came from... and they're not what you'd expect,

If you Google the story behind the famous fruit, you get the following general explanation: that the apple logo symbolizes knowledge. What it doesn't say in those 3 sentences is that the real inspiration is a lot more difficult to decode: several theories have persisted as to the meaning behind the bitten apple. But what's the truth?

1. The tree of knowledge of good and evil

Perhaps the most haunting of explanations, this inspiration behind Apple's logo opens up a whole new can of worms. If the apple truly symbolizes the apple bitten by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, surely this access to "knowledge" isn't all beneficent. What knowledge do Apple and other technological developments provide – and is it favorable to be so connected to the web, social media, and the like? Of all possible explanations, this is surely the most unsettling.

2. Newton's experiments on gravity

A bit of a lighter take on the Apple origin, it is also rumored that Apple originally designed its logo to allude to Isaac Newton's experiments on gravity. A tale of insight, genius, and progress, this concept is certainly possible. But, beyond the cuteness of this idea, what does technology truly have to do with gravity?


3. Homage to the creator of Apple AI

Alan Turing, a pioneer in AI, laid much of the valuable groundwork for Apple technology back in the 50s. However, as an unrecognized and mistreated homosexual, he faced jail time and hanging for his sexuality. He would found dead, lying next to a bitten apple laced with cyanide.

4. Punning on "byte"

Another simple explanation, perhaps the designer of the apple logo had come up with the apple-image on his own, designing the bite on the apple as a play on words with "byte" a technological term for a unit of digital memory. A fun and simple image, this backstory lacks the intensity of the others, but is a fair possibility.

So, what of these is the true backstory?

Unfortunately for you and I, the truth is not so simply ascertained – Rob Janoff, who designed the logo, says that he hadn't designed the logo intending to allude to the Bible, or any other of the above explanations. They were all happy coincidences (even the 'byte'). He designed the apple with a bite on the right side, not for story purposes, but "for scale", to show that the fruit was not a cherry. (seriously... that's it??) However, Steve Jobs chose to remain silent on the matter, never explaining away any of the long-held theories about the origin of the apple logo. Perhaps – albeit frustrating – there is some beauty in the uncertainty.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

4816
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774789
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

1411
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments