What's With Apple's Logo?
Start writing a post
Technology

What's With Apple's Logo?

The unexpected origin story behind the bitten fruit.

69
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.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

64123
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

41802
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

963007
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments