Why Did Apple Remove the Glowing Apple Logo on MacBook? Is It Coming Back?
- Apple quietly ditched the glowing logo starting in 2015—here’s what really went down.
- A super-thin MacBook caused more drama than you’d think.
- That glowing logo? It might not be gone forever, according to new patents.
- Miss that iconic glow? You’ll want to keep reading this.
When Apple released the 12-inch MacBook in 2015, it marked the end of an era: gone was the iconic glowing Apple logo. This design element had graced Apple’s notebooks since the late 1990s, becoming a hallmark of the brand. So why did Apple decide to retire this beloved feature?
The Thinness Factor
The 12-inch MacBook was a breakthrough in design, coming in at just 13.1 millimeters thick, which made it 24% thinner than the already sleek MacBook Air. But this ultra-slim profile came with significant compromises. To achieve such a slim design, Apple had to re-engineer several components of the MacBook, one of which was the keyboard, switching from the traditional scissor mechanism to the controversial butterfly design.
Photo via Apple Inc. // You can thank the 2015 ultra-thin MacBook for stealing your beloved glowing Apple logo.
But a major casualty of this pursuit of thinness was the glowing Apple logo. The logo, which had previously been a transparent cutout illuminated by the display’s backlight, was no longer feasible. With the thinner display, Apple encountered two key issues:
- Backlight Bleeding: In brightly lit environments, external light could pass through the translucent logo and create visible "hotspots" on the screen, leading to display imperfections.
- Structural Rigidity: The cutout weakened the structure of the already thin display. Apple removed the cutout and replaced it with solid metal, improving the laptop’s durability.
By closing off the display's chassis completely, Apple managed to eliminate both issues, but at the cost of the iconic illuminated logo.
Design Shifts and Branding
The original glowing Apple logo first appeared in 1999 on the PowerBook G3, a time when Apple was making its comeback under Steve Jobs. It was part of a larger strategy to boost brand awareness. The glowing logo was a statement, signaling to the world that Apple was back in the game, creating innovative products that were cool, bold, and eye-catching.
However, today’s Apple doesn’t need a glowing logo to stand out. The brand is now the most valuable tech company in the world, and its products dominate their respective markets. As a result, Apple has shifted to a more subtle design language across its product lineup.
For instance, the AirPods Max don't have an Apple logo visible, and the 24-inch iMac saw the removal of the logo from the chin for the first time since 2004. This evolution is a clear reflection of the company’s move away from overt branding and towards a more minimalist aesthetic.
Photo via Tom's Guide // Will the glowing Apple logo on MacBooks be making a comeback? Some analysts and rumor sites are saying yes.
Apple doesn’t need its logo to shine anymore—literally or metaphorically. The products speak for themselves.
The Glowing Logo Might Return
Interestingly, the glowing logo might not be gone for good. A 2022 patent filing suggests that Apple is working on a modernized version of the illuminated logo. According to the patent, the new logo would be a "backlit partially reflective mirror" that shines but also blocks interior components from view, potentially providing a new sleek look to future devices. This could hint at a return of the illuminated logo, but with a more refined and updated design. We all know Apple loves tugging on our nostalgic heartstrings, so will we see a return of the glowing Apple logo? Only time will tell.
A New Era of Apple Design
While some may miss the glowing Apple logo, its removal marks a new phase in Apple’s design evolution. The focus is no longer on aggressive brand visibility but on sleek, seamless design and performance. The thinness, durability, and minimalist aesthetic of recent MacBooks are reflective of Apple’s confidence in its brand and its products.
Though the iconic glow might have been dimmed, it’s hard to deny the impact it had. Apple products are now synonymous with innovation, and removing the glowing logo might be a signal that the company is ready to light the way with something new. Next, be sure to read our article on why Apple removed their iconic Apple stickers from product boxes starting this year.
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