iPhone or not: What’s in a Name?
With the lawsuit against Apple by Cisco over the iPhone trademark, the Apple iPhone name is not etched in metal, literally.
The back of the iPhone is branded with the Apple logo only. The iMac has “iMac” written on the back of it, the iPod has “iPod” engraved on it, the Apple TV has an Apple logo with the letters “tv” on it. The Mac Pro and the Mac mini do not have labels – but then again, these devices are not on display as much as an iPod or an iMac.
When people see an iMac or an iPod for the first time they look at the device from all angles. Apple’s showpieces have their names proudly emblazoned somewhere on them. The Apple iPhone is certainly another showpiece – it is the showpiece from Macworld this year. Yet, it does not have its name etched on its backside.
“We are calling it iPhone.” That statement has a bit of weasel language. Just because “we” – in other words, Apple, Inc. – are calling it iPhone doesn’t mean its official name is iPhone. When the iPod was first introduced, Steve Jobs stated, “That product is called ‘iPod.’” The nano introduction also featured a declaration – “It’s called the ‘iPod nano,’” Steve Jobs announced. No weasel language there, but there is ambiguity in this year’s Macworld keynote.
Apple introduced us to the Apple TV as the iTV several months ago. It was specifically noted that “iTV” was a code name. Steve Jobs stated, “internally we call it iTV.” The language “*Project code name only” prominently appeared on the screen along with the device. The name change to Apple TV did not create any fervor or confusion. The name change was accepted partly because its official introduction became quickly overshadowed by the introduction of the iPhone. Apple has previously warned of name changes, perhaps the ambiguous language at the Macworld 2007 keynote signals a potential name change as well.
While the phone was referred to throughout the keynote and by the press as the iPhone, Apple could simply rebrand the device. They announced the device six months ahead of its expected release date. That is plenty of time to rename the product or work out a deal with Cisco (although, it probably is not enough time for a full fledged lawsuit to run its course).
Lastly, Apple only makes one phone at this time. No matter what they call it, you will be able to walk into a store and ask for the Apple phone. The retailer will know what you are talking about. No matter what it is called, it’s still a cool phone.
Karl badde on January 15th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
I think Apple is going through a phase creating more awareness to be known as Apple to get more Focus on the brand. MacBook Pro instead of Powerbook and MacBook instead of iBook (dropping the i for internet though that laptop was advertised as blog and podacasting machine) show that easily. Another example would be AppleTV.
iPod is a brand quite hard to get away from so what to do do with the phone since Apple relates it to the iPod to get it sold? Should they let Cingular get away with their patent for iPhone selling their own product in cooperation with Cingular?
I want to have an iPhone
I dunno which iPhone, i just want to have that cool phone that guy in the office has!
Should we go with ApplePhone and risk people will get even more confused?
I want the Apple iPhone, please
This was the only way to go. Get attention from iPod users and get the appleish-iThing-name-thing back to Apple again.
vanni on January 15th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
In my opinion iPhone will stick. There are at least five companies now using iPhone on their packaging and web sites. In addition there is an iPhone.com web site. The courts will that Apple (logo) iPhone is a FAIR use of what is now a generic name. Cisco also dropped the ball on putting out a verified product prior to their oaten expiring according to one patent lawyer. Whatever. iPhone is now a generic name. Anyone asking for an Apple iPhone will not be expecting else but the real macoy
William Jackson on January 15th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
I think it will be Phone.
Alex Becker on January 15th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
I don’t think they will lose potential buyers just because its different name.
Ronald Lewis on January 15th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
I vote for iPod phone.
Rex Hess on January 15th, 2007 at 10:16 pm
I vote for iPodFone and tell Cisco to try inventing a real iPhone
or how about iTel, iCell, iToldUso
Tim on January 15th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
I see what you mean, however, Apple is promoting it as “iPhone” on their website, including having its own tab right next to iPod + iTunes.
aiyo on January 15th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
When the “iPhone” is released, rest assured that the name will be laser etched, the last process on the manufacturing line. That way they can manufacture units to meet product demand when the “Apple Phone” is released…
Michael Wood on January 15th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
I’m going to call this blog theiBlog.com … :)
Whatever the name is, I’m still gonna get one!
jan on January 16th, 2007 at 3:20 am
it is more than just a “phone” apple is telling us
so who know
we will see soon….
i communicate :)
MATT on January 16th, 2007 at 3:25 am
I think the name iTalk works well!
Motorcycle Guy on January 16th, 2007 at 4:03 am
I don’t think it’ll matter what the name is at all.
iphoner on January 16th, 2007 at 5:35 am
Latest news about Apple iPhone
Brad on January 16th, 2007 at 5:41 am
Motorcycle Guy is right. I mean look, the most populart smart phone right now is called the “Blackberry”. The name is really unimportant. They’ll probably work out the iPhone thing, anyway.
vanni on January 16th, 2007 at 8:31 am
@William Jackson; how did you do that?? Phone
Smalley on January 16th, 2007 at 9:03 am
My bettings on something like iFone, let’s not forget the ambiguity of the actual hardware in question, a widescreen ipod, a phone and a revolutionairy web browsing device. Saying that ‘iWeb Browing Device’, how would tech nerds shave that onto their heads?
Smalley on January 16th, 2007 at 9:04 am
I’m bettings on something like iFone, let’s not forget the ambiguity of the actual hardware in question, a widescreen ipod, a phone and a revolutionairy web browsing device. Saying that ‘iWeb Browing Device’, how would tech nerds shave that onto their heads?
Pete on January 16th, 2007 at 10:17 am
Dear Apple,
Please call it ipod:phone. It’s really an evolved device from your ipod category. Don’t subjegate the ipod by having a phone with ipod built in. The device is an ipod with a phone built in. Thanks,
Someone who really wants one.
Brian on January 16th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
iTalk works, and fits with the other iproducts, like iWork, and iLife… i’do something’, however, it does more than just talk… iConnect..? iContact…
Kent on January 16th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
I agree with William Jackson. It should have been Phone from the very start. That is what people are calling it already. They already have tv.
Red on January 17th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
They should call it the uPhone
Charles Huff on January 25th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
I hate the name iPhone – it does so much more than a phone, why limit it to that name?
Scott Carpenter on May 30th, 2007 at 5:19 am
Why not just call it an Apple? “Hey, you have one of those new Apples, cool!” Sometimes a thing is what it is and when it comes to Apple it’s things are Apples. “How do you like them Apples?”
amazed on June 19th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
HELLPP!! I can’t figure out my iPhone!!
http://tinyurl.com/2r7cu4
It’s here already!!! The iPhone and at great prices!!
http://www.televisions.me on March 8th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Amazing site! love the easy layout
Webmaster Forums on March 14th, 2009 at 9:24 am
LOVE your site, will visit again :) Submitted this post to Google News Reader.
yusuf bilir on May 27th, 2009 at 1:23 am
This would work for me if I had a Mac computer