Why the Apple Watch Isn’t Called the iWatch: The Untold Story
- So, Apple’s smartwatch isn’t called the “iWatch”—but why?
- The story is a wild ride of legal skirmishes and trademark headaches.
- Picture this: a Fresno startup, a Swiss watchmaker, and a Dublin firm all playing a part in Apple’s naming saga.
- Apple’s battle with “iWatch” is a twisty tale of global trademark tiffs. Read on for the full story...
Apple’s unveiling of the Apple Watch 10 marks a new era in wearable technology with its brightest and largest display yet, advanced health features like sleep apnea detection, and an incredibly sleek design. Yet, the question of why Apple didn’t use the name “iWatch” for its smartwatch continues to intrigue tech enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
This detailed exploration delves into the reasons behind the Apple Watch’s naming and the complexities that led Apple to deviate from its iconic “i” branding.
The Legacy of the “i” Branding
Apple’s use of the “i” prefix has been a hallmark of its branding strategy since the late 1990s. This began with the release of the iMac in 1998, a product pivotal in rejuvenating Apple under Steve Jobs’ leadership. In fact, Apple has used the “i” prefix in quite a few of their products:
- iMac (1998): A compact personal computer in a plastic candy-colored shell.
- iPod (2001): A portable digital music player that changed how we listen to music.
- iPhone (2007): A groundbreaking smartphone that redefined mobile communication.
- iPad (2010): A tablet that created a new category in personal computing.
Photo via Digital Trends // When Apple announced the original Apple Watch in 2014, audience members and viewers alike were somewhat confused about the naming. People were (rightfully so) expecting it to be called iWatch.
The consistent use of “i” in these product names symbolized innovation and a seamless integration of technology with daily life. Thus, when Apple ventured into the smartwatch arena, many anticipated the company would continue this tradition with the name “iWatch.”
Trademark Challenges: A Global Puzzle
Apple’s plans to name its smartwatch the “iWatch” were stymied by a series of trademark issues spanning multiple continents. Here’s a detailed look at the trademark obstacles Apple faced:
1. OMG Electronics: A Fresno Startup
In August 2012, OMG Electronics, a startup based in Fresno, California, filed for the “iWatch” trademark. Despite a failed crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo that only raised $1,434 of its $100,000 target, OMG Electronics managed to secure the trademark. This early filing posed a significant hurdle for Apple, which was simultaneously working on its smartwatch.
2. Swatch’s Opposition: The iSwatch Argument
In the UK, Apple’s attempt to register the “iWatch” trademark was challenged by Swiss watchmaker Swatch. Swatch argued that the “iWatch” name would cause confusion with its existing “iSwatch” products. In October 2014, the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) ruled in favor of Swatch, citing substantial similarity between the smartwatch category and existing Swatch products. The IPO restricted Apple’s use of “iWatch” in the UK to software and computer peripherals only.
Photo via Swatch // Yes, Swatch really used their candy-colored, somewhat ugly iSwatch branding to try and stop Apple from using the iWatch name.
3. European Union: The Probendi Claim
Across the Channel, Dublin-based Probendi Limited had secured the “iWatch” trademark in the European Union as early as 2008. Probendi, which positioned itself as a network service business, firmly asserted its right to the name, making it clear that it would legally oppose any unauthorized use of “iWatch” for products similar to the Apple Watch.
4. China: A Tricky Landscape
In China, Apple faced a fragmented trademark landscape with several entities holding variations of the “iWatch” name. Some of these trademarks were expired, but others remained active. Additionally, a company had registered the similar-sounding “iWatching,” further complicating Apple’s efforts to secure the name in the Chinese market.
Legal Battles and Their Outcomes
Apple’s trademark battles weren’t confined to just one region. The complexities of global trademark laws meant that Apple had to navigate numerous legal challenges. For instance:
UK High Court Ruling:
In an appeal against the IPO’s initial decision, the High Court found that the similarity between the Apple Watch and Swatch’s products was minimal. This allowed Apple some leeway in using the “iWatch” name, though the company ultimately decided to go with “Apple Watch” for its branding.Swatch vs. Apple:
The feud between Swatch and Apple continued beyond the iWatch trademark issue. In 2017, Apple contested Swatch’s “Tick Different” marketing campaign, claiming it too closely resembled its iconic “Think Different” slogan. The Swiss court ruled in Swatch’s favor, citing a lack of confusion among Swiss consumers about Apple’s outdated slogan.
The Decision: Apple Watch
Faced with these trademark obstacles, Apple chose to break from its “i” naming convention and opt for the name “Apple Watch.” This decision, while deviating from the company’s established branding pattern, allowed Apple to launch its smartwatch without further legal entanglements. The Apple Watch brand has since become synonymous with cutting-edge wearable technology, focusing on features that enhance health, connectivity, and convenience.
Photo via Apple Inc. // The latest Apple Watch, called Apple Watch 10, is leaps and bounds ahead of the original model. A decade later though, the design remains mainly unchanged, at least from a quick glance.
Key Features of the Apple Watch 10
With the Apple Watch 10 now on the market, here are some standout features:
- A Dazzling Display: The largest and brightest screen ever on an Apple Watch, designed to deliver an exceptional viewing experience.
- Sleep Apnea Detection: A groundbreaking feature in health monitoring, though it awaits FDA approval.
- Faster Charging: Achieves an 80% charge in just 30 minutes, offering improved user convenience.
- Thinner and Lighter Design: The sleekest model yet, balancing form and function.
Conclusion
The decision to forgo the “iWatch” name was shaped by a complex interplay of global trademark issues, legal battles, and strategic branding choices. While the name “iWatch” might have aligned with Apple’s previous product naming conventions, the Apple Watch brand has established its own identity in the wearable market. As the Apple Watch 10 continues to innovate and set new standards, the choice of name reflects a broader trend of adapting to a global business environment where trademark challenges are an ever-present reality.
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