Apple logo mystery solved: Designer Rob Janoff makes it clear logo has nothing to do with byte, Adam and Eve's forbidden fruit or Newton's gravity

The Apple logo, one of the most recognisable symbols in the world, has been surrounded by speculation and myths for decades. The logo’s distinct bite mark has fueled theories ranging from biblical references to technological puns. Many have linked it to the story of Adam and Eve’s forbidden fruit, while others suggest it was inspired by Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity. Perhaps the most famous theory is that the missing chunk represents a play on the word “byte,” a unit of digital data in computing.
However, Rob Janoff, the graphic designer behind the logo, has finally set the record straight. In a recent interview, he dismissed these long-standing rumors, revealing that the true reason behind the design choice is far simpler than many had imagined. His explanation sheds light on Apple’s early branding strategy and highlights the role of simplicity in creating a lasting brand identity.

For years, tech enthusiasts and Apple fans have insisted that the Apple logo's bite mark was a clever nod to computing terminology. The theory gained traction across social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, with users praising the design as a subtle yet brilliant reference to digital technology.
However, in an interview with Creative Bits, Janoff debunked the claim, calling it nothing more than an urban legend.
“They are really interesting, but I’m afraid it didn’t have a thing to do with it,” Janoff said. “Somebody starts it, and then people go, ‘Oh yeah, that must be it.’ But it’s all BS.”

Despite the widespread belief in the “byte” theory, Janoff clarified that the bite was added for a much simpler reason—to ensure that the fruit was instantly recognizable as an apple rather than any other round fruit like a cherry or peach.

The Apple logo was created in 1977 when Janoff was working for the advertising agency Regis McKenna, which was responsible for Apple's branding during its early years. At the time, Apple was still a small company, and its founders, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, were looking for a logo that would represent their vision of computing in a way that was both innovative and user-friendly.
Janoff was given little direction for the design, apart from Jobs’ insistence that the logo should not be “cute.” Taking creative liberty, Janoff decided to use a simple apple silhouette, which combined a natural, organic image with the futuristic vision of computers.

The decision to add a bite mark to the apple was purely practical. Janoff wanted to make sure that the fruit would be instantly identifiable as an apple, as opposed to a cherry, peach, or any other round fruit.
“It was initially meant to indicate that it was an apple, and not something else,” Janoff explained in an interview with Forbes. “Metaphorically, the bite indicated biting into all the knowledge users would get out of this computer.”
Though this explanation is far less mysterious than the byte-bite theory, it highlights the importance of clarity in design. By ensuring that the apple was easily recognizable, Janoff created a logo that would become one of the most iconic symbols in corporate history.


Interestingly, while Janoff never intended the bite to be a reference to computing, the pun was noticed shortly after the logo's creation. His creative director, Chip, was the first to point out the connection between “bite” and “byte.”
“I wasn’t computer literate enough to see that initially,” Janoff admitted. “But I was like, there’s a bit of wit that will last!”
Even though the connection was unintentional, the wordplay became an enduring part of Apple’s brand identity. Over time, the idea that the logo was a clever technological reference became so widely accepted that many assumed it had been the original intent.

The original Apple logo featured a rainbow-striped apple, which was introduced to highlight Apple's groundbreaking color display technology. As the company grew, the logo underwent several changes, transitioning to monochrome and sleeker designs in line with Apple's minimalist aesthetic.
Despite these updates, the core design has remained unchanged, proving the strength of Janoff’s original vision. He believes the simplicity of the Apple logo is what makes it so memorable and effective.
“People can’t remember complicated things. They can remember simple things,” Janoff stated.
He also emphasised that adding a subtle “wink” or a hint of humor to a design makes it more relatable and likable. This philosophy has helped the Apple logo stand the test of time, maintaining its status as one of the most recognizable logos in the world.