Apple Inc., known for its innovative and highly successful products like the iPhone and MacBook, has had its share of less triumphant releases. Over the years, a few products have not resonated with consumers as expected, leading to their discontinuation or reimagining. This article explores some of Apple’s least successful products and the lessons learned from these rare missteps.
By Julian James
The Apple Newton MessagePad
Launched in 1993, the Apple Newton MessagePad was one of the first attempts at a personal digital assistant. Despite its innovative vision of mobile computing, the Newton was plagued by high costs, large size, and poor handwriting recognition. It was discontinued in 1998, but it laid the groundwork for future Apple innovations like the iPhone and iPad.
The Power Mac G4 Cube
The Power Mac G4 Cube, released in 2000, was a small, stylish desktop computer without a monitor. While it received praise for its design, it was criticized for its high price and limited expandability. The Cube was never officially discontinued but was “suspended indefinitely” a year after its release due to poor sales.
The 2013 Mac Pro
The 2013 Mac Pro, often referred to as the “trash can” due to its cylindrical design, was aimed at professional users requiring high-end performance. However, its lack of upgradeability and thermal issues led to dissatisfaction among its target audience. Apple acknowledged these shortcomings and completely redesigned the Mac Pro for its 2019 release.
The Third-Generation Butterfly Keyboard
Introduced across several MacBook models starting in 2015, the butterfly keyboard was meant to create a thinner, more responsive keyboard. However, it was notorious for its lack of reliability and comfort, leading to widespread user complaints and a repair program. Apple eventually abandoned the butterfly mechanism for a more traditional scissor-switch design in later models.
Apple’s journey is marked not only by its groundbreaking successes but also by a few notable product missteps. These less successful ventures have provided valuable lessons in design, functionality, and consumer expectations, helping to shape the company’s future direction. While Apple continues to be a leading innovator in technology, its history reminds us that even the most successful companies aren’t immune to occasional failures. As Apple moves forward, it’s likely to continue learning from its past, ensuring that its future products better meet the needs and desires of its customers.