Is It Time for Apple to Drop the ‘i’ Prefix? Examining the Future of Apple’s Product Naming

Highlights

• Apple’s product naming conventions have become increasingly confusing
• Ken Segall suggests dropping the iconic ‘i’ prefix from Apple products
• Apple has already started using “Apple” branding for new products like Apple Watch and Apple TV
• The “i” prefix has lost its unique identity in the market

Let’s be real: Apple product naming rules have become a convoluted mess over the years.

While the Cupertino tech giant is famous for its sleek and intuitive design language, the same cannot be said for its haphazard way of naming new products.

This month’s launch of the new M4 iPad Pro made us think.

Due to its slim dimensions, the iPad Air is now ironically heavier and chunkier than its “Pro” sister—not exactly living up to its breezy brand, eh?

And don’t even get us started about that while being unique products, the iPad and the Mac both use the term “Magic Keyboard”.

Then there are the unpredictable iPhone names; some years we get a “S” edition, others we don’t.

And good luck figuring out what the “R” and “SE” suffixes actually stand for.

It’s a total alphabet mess of bewilderment!

Time to Ditch the Iconic ‘i’ Branding?

Amidst the naming confusion, a voice from Apple’s past has spoken up with a bold solution: remove the iconic “i” prefix that has adorned iconic devices such as the iMac, iPod, and iPhone for over two decades.

Ken Segall, the creative visionary behind Apple’s renowned “Think Different” campaign and the creator of the “i” logo, believes it is past time for the business to rethink its naming ecology.

In an interview with Wired, Segall said frankly, “The ‘i’ needs to go. It is now meaningless.

What is his reasoning?

The “i” prefix has lost its unique identity because every corporation in the industry is attaching it to their smart devices connected to the internet.

In this regard, Segall says, “It can’t be protected, and for too long there have been companies with ‘i’ internet-connected things, and that’s an issue for Apple, known for innovation.”

Shockingly, Apple has already started to step away from the famous “i” in recent times.

The Apple Watch, Apple TV, and the upcoming Apple Vision Pro have all skipped using the prefix and started off with the name of the company itself, something that may bring a welcome coherence to Apple’s branding.

However, ditching the “i” from the iPhone, one of the most culturally significant and recognizable products of the 21st century, might be a bridge too far for some.

The name carries immense weight and equity, qualities that many brands would kill for.

FAQs

Why is Apple’s product naming considered confusing?

Apple’s product naming is seen as confusing due to inconsistent naming patterns, such as the unpredictable use of “S”, “R”, and “SE” suffixes, and overlapping names like “Magic Keyboard” for both iPads and Macs.

Who suggested that Apple should drop the ‘i’ prefix?

Ken Segall, the creative mind behind Apple’s “Think Different” campaign and the ‘i’ logo, suggested that Apple should drop the ‘i’ prefix from its products.

Why does Ken Segall believe the ‘i’ prefix should be removed?

Ken Segall believes the ‘i’ prefix has lost its unique identity because many companies have adopted it for their internet-connected devices, diluting its significance.

Has Apple already started moving away from the ‘i’ prefix?

Yes, Apple has started naming new products without the ‘i’ prefix, using names like Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.

What are some examples of Apple’s inconsistent naming conventions?

Examples include the iPad Air being heavier than the iPad Pro, inconsistent use of ‘S’ editions for iPhones, and the confusing “Magic Keyboard” name shared by iPad and Mac accessories.

Could Apple realistically drop the ‘i’ from the iPhone name?

While dropping the ‘i’ from the iPhone may bring coherence to Apple’s branding, it might be challenging due to the iPhone’s cultural significance and brand equity.

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