Here's Why There's a Bite in the Apple Logo: True Story Revealed
- Why does Apple’s logo have a bite taken out of it? There’s a clever reason behind it.
- Does the bite have some sort of deep meaning? You might be surprised.
- Apple’s famous logo was once… Isaac Newton under a tree?!
- A simple design choice or a nod to history? Here's the real truth behind the Apple logo.
The Apple logo is one of the most recognized symbols in the world today, but there's long been speculation about why it features a bite. Popular theories link it to Sir Isaac Newton or Alan Turing, yet the true origin of the bite is surprisingly straightforward.
A Look Back: The First Apple Logo
When Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, the company’s first logo was anything but sleek. Designed by Wayne, the logo depicted Isaac Newton under an apple tree, referencing his discovery of gravity. The elaborate illustration, which included a quote from poet William Wordsworth, was quickly replaced.
Photo via Novall Swift // The Apple logo has changed considerably over the years. The original logo, featuring Isaac Newton, is featured on the left.
Enter Rob Janoff, the designer who gave us the modern Apple logo. In 1977, Janoff was tasked with creating something simpler. He delivered the bitten apple we know today, a symbol that has remained consistent, save for a few color tweaks.
Why the Bite?
Despite wild theories—from nods to Turing’s tragic death with a half-eaten apple by his side, to biblical references of Adam and Eve—Janoff revealed the true reason was far more practical.
Lots of different fruits have a stem, are sort of round with a leaf dangling off of it. So the bite in the apple was initially meant to indicate that it was an apple, and not something else— Janoff told Forbes.
The bite was essential to distinguish the apple from a cherry or tomato at smaller sizes. Ironically, Janoff didn’t realize the connection between “bite” and the tech term “byte” until after he had presented the design, but that happy coincidence has only deepened its relevance in the computing world.
Photo via KPU // Another image showing the evolution of Apple's famous logo.
Apple's Rainbow: A Nod to Technology
When Janoff first presented his design, it wasn’t just about the bite. The original Apple logo featured rainbow stripes—a decision linked to Apple’s cutting-edge technology at the time.
The Apple computer was the only one that could show images in color— Janoff explained, referring to the brand's pioneering feature in personal computing.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Another little-known fact is that Apple released a clothing line, inspired by their classic rainbow Apple logo colors, in 1986.
Steve Jobs’ Reaction: Understated Approval
Janoff’s interaction with Apple’s co-founder was surprisingly simple. Unlike the exhaustive design processes at modern corporations, Jobs was quick to approve the design.
He was just starting, and so was I. I showed the logo to him, and he was like, 'Okay, that’s nice,'" Janoff recounted in Creative Bits.
It’s a testament to the early, scrappy days of Apple, long before it became a trillion-dollar behemoth. Jobs’ relaxed approval contrasts with today’s meticulous branding decisions.
The Evolution of the Logo
Although the logo has undergone color changes—transitioning from the original rainbow to today’s minimalist monochrome design—the fundamental shape has remained. The consistency of the logo over the decades reflects Apple’s brand philosophy: simple, clean, and timeless.
Photo via Quedat // Apple's modern logo, simply a black version of their classic rainbow logo, is now one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.
A Global Symbol of Innovation
Today, the Apple logo is not just a corporate emblem but a cultural icon. It represents not only one of the most successful tech companies in history but also a brand synonymous with innovation and modern, minimalistic design.
Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple started by selling the Apple I. The company gained significant traction with the release of the Apple II, and later, products like the iMac and iPhone solidified its place as a market leader. Under Jobs’ leadership, Apple revolutionized consumer technology, launching the iPod, iPhone, and iTunes.
From humble beginnings, Apple has grown into a $3 trillion tech giant, with its bitten apple logo standing at the forefront of global innovation.
A Bite into the Future
While the logo's bite may have started as a simple design feature, it now carries deeper meaning. Whether by coincidence or intention, the logo has become an inseparable part of Apple's identity.
In the words of one tech enthusiast:
Today I learned that the Apple logo contains an apple with a single bite because a small version of the logo would be indistinguishable from a cherry.— Shared by a Reddit user.
Others, though, still romanticize the alternative theories. One remarked:
I always assumed it represented Adam and Eve eating the fruit of knowledge.
Even with the official explanation out there, the mystery and intrigue surrounding Apple’s iconic logo persist, much like the company itself.
For those who still wonder why the Apple logo has a bite taken out of it, the answer is simpler—and more practical—than expected. But as with many things in life, it’s the stories we build around the facts that often leave the biggest bite.
A Brief Timeline of Apple’s Logo Evolution
- 1976: Apple’s first logo—Isaac Newton under an apple tree.
- 1977: Introduction of the rainbow-striped bitten apple.
- 1998: Shift to monochrome, coinciding with the launch of the iMac.
- 2001-present: Sleeker, more minimalist design, reflecting Apple’s modern aesthetic.
Recommended by the editors:
Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.Published to Apple Scoop on 13th September, 2024.
No password required
A confirmation request will be delivered to the email address you provide. Once confirmed, your comment will be published. It's as simple as two clicks.
Your email address will not be published publicly. Additionally, we will not send you marketing emails unless you opt-in.