Ken Segall, the man behind Apple's 'i' products, discusses the potential of dropping the prefix. They explore Apple's risk-taking history, the naming process and impact of the iMac, and how Steve Jobs' vision shaped the company's success.
Dropping the 'i' prefix on Apple products aligns with the company's tradition of bold transformations and innovation.
The success of the iMac demonstrated Apple's branding creativity and ability to redefine itself in the market.
Deep dives
Apple's History of Bold Transformations
Apple has a history of embracing bold transformations, with Ken Siegel highlighting that dropping the AI prefix on Apple products wouldn't be out of character for the company. Despite risks and changes, Apple has consistently innovated, as seen with the successful transition to new processors and platforms in the past. The Think Different campaign, masterminded by Siegel, alongside the launch of the iMac in 1998, showcased Apple's ability to redefine itself and capture market success.
The Evolution of the iMac Name and Impact
The naming process of the original iMac highlighted Apple's focus on innovation and brand appeal. Segal's persistence in proposing the iMac, representing not only 'internet' but also 'individual' and 'imaginative,' illustrates the creativity behind Apple's product development. Jobs' initial reluctance to the name eventually gave way to its adoption, leading to the iMac's remarkable success and pivotal role in Apple's resurgence. The iMac's revolutionary design not only saved Apple but also set a precedent for future product branding and industry influence.