10 surprising facts about Apple that I didn't know!

I've just collected a few facts about Apple for a YouTube Shorts video that are actually - at least from my point of view - still relatively unknown and surprising. If you know of anything else that would fit into this list, please feel free to leave me a comment. Where available, the list always includes sources that help to understand the facts.

But let's start with the surprising and curious Apple facts.

1. Apple time is always 9:41

The time on Apple ads is always 9:41. For many years it was set at 9:42 because Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone at that time in 2007. But since Apple released the iPad in 2010, the time has been changed to 9:41.

If you take a screen recording of the iPhone or iPad via cable, the time on the home screen will also be changed to 9:41 - no matter what the iPhone or iPad is actually showing (Which).

2. First Apple computer cost $666,66

The first Apple computer (Apple 1) sold for 666 dollars and 66 cents (Which). It was initially supposed to cost $667, but Steve Wozniak liked repeating numbers and changed the price to $666 and 66 cents. This unique pricing reflects the unconventional spirit and humor of Apple's founders. Today, Apple 1 computers are extremely rare and highly valued as collector's items.

At auctions they often reach prices in the six to seven figure range. For example, a working Apple 1 was auctioned for over $2021 in 500.000. These enormous sums show how much the value of these historic computers has increased over time and how important the Apple 1 is to the history of computer technology.

3. MacBook Pro is almost bulletproof

The MacBook Pro can stop a bullet. This was tested with caliber .22 LR and a MacBook Pro 2018. However, the experts agree that the term “bulletproof” is certainly an exaggeration. If a bullet hits the MacBook Pro, it is very likely to penetrate.

“.22” refers to the diameter of the bullet, which is measured in inches. In this case, the projectile is approximately 0,22 inches (5,6 mm) in diameter.

4. The Apple Collection

Apple had theirs in the 80s own fashion collection. The catalog is currently still available at Archive.org find and be surprised at the very harmless prices. I think some clothes today would easily pass for nerd outfits and would therefore be more relevant than ever.

Interestingly, the collection included not only clothing but also lifestyle products such as umbrellas and watches. The designs were heavily inspired by the typical Apple colors of the 80s, particularly the famous “Rainbow Apple” logo.

These fashion items are now sought-after collectibles and reflect Apple's unique approach to combining technology and lifestyle. The “Apple Collection” was a bold step into the world of fashion that expanded the Apple brand beyond technology into lifestyle.

5. The first Apple logo with Isaac Newton

The first Apple logo (Which), designed by Ronald Wayne, showed Isaac Newton under an apple tree just before an apple falls on his head - a moment often cited as inspiration for Newton's theory of gravity. Ronald Wayne was not only the third co-founder of Apple alongside Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, but also a multi-talented designer and engineer.

He wrote and designed the user manual for the Apple 1 and designed the wooden case for the first Apple computer. However, Wayne only had a short stay at Apple; He sold his share of the company for just $800, a decision that is now considered one of the biggest financial mistakes in the business world.

Despite his short stay at Apple, Wayne had a lasting impact, and his original logo remains a fascinating piece of the company's history. Wayne himself led a somewhat reclusive life after leaving Apple, but always remained an interesting part of Apple's early history.

6. Apple made $68.140 in revenue per minute

In Q4 2022, Apple made $68.140 in revenue and $23.100 in profit every minute. If you break that down to one second, that's about $1.136 in sales and $385 in profit - the equivalent of the price of a smartphone every second (Which).

Calculated over the course of a day, this adds up to sales of around USD 98.121.600 and a profit of USD 33.264.000. For comparison: This corresponds to the annual budget of some smaller cities or the entire production costs of some Hollywood blockbusters.

7. iPod almost didn't work

iPod inventor Tony Fadell initially pitched his idea for a premium MP3 player to RealNetworks and Philips, but neither saw a market for the device. After these two rejections, he finally found a hearing at Apple (Which).

This hesitancy by other companies was later seen as one of the biggest missed opportunities in the technology industry. At Apple, Fadell's idea not only found approval, but also the necessary support and resources to make it a reality.

Under Steve Jobs' leadership and with Fadell's visionary leadership, the iPod became a cultural phenomenon and revolutionized the way people listen to and store music. The success of the iPod laid the foundation for further innovations such as the iPhone and iPad and was instrumental in establishing Apple as one of the leading technology companies.

8. Apple's extreme market value

9. First digital color camera for the masses

The Apple QuickTake 100 was one of the first affordable color digital cameras in the world and marked an important milestone in the history of digital photography. Developed in collaboration with Kodak, the QuickTake 100 was introduced in 1994 and offered revolutionary features for a camera in its price range. It could store up to eight photos at a resolution of 640x480 pixels, which was impressive for the time. The camera was easy to use and aimed to make digital photography more accessible to the average consumer.

The impact of the QuickTake was far-reaching. It ushered in an era in which digital cameras became increasingly affordable and easy to use. Although it didn't produce the highest quality images and didn't have an optical zoom or an LCD screen, it was many consumers' first introduction to digital photography. Their compact design and easy handling made them a popular choice for amateur photographers.

Interestingly, the QuickTake series was only produced for a short time and was discontinued in 1997 as Apple focused on restructuring its core business with the return of Steve Jobs. Despite its short life cycle, the QuickTake 100 had a lasting impact on photography and demonstrated Apple's ability to create innovative products that changed the market.

10. iPod name inspired by 2001 A Space Odyssey

Apple's name “iPod” was inspired by the science fiction classic “2001: A Space Odyssey” by Stanley Kubrick. In this film there is a small space capsule called a “pod”. Steve Jobs took this idea and thought of the iPod as a kind of “music capsule” that worked in synergy with the iMac, similar to how the space capsule in the film works together with the great mother ship.

This analogy reflected Apple's vision that the iPod should not only be a standalone music player, but also part of a larger ecosystem of Apple products.

The name “iPod” fit this vision perfectly. The “i” in iPod became a distinctive part of many Apple products and often stands for “Internet,” “Individual,” “Inspire,” or “Inform.” The name iPod itself quickly became synonymous with mobile music and revolutionized the way people listened to music on the go.

The success of the iPod was instrumental in strengthening the Apple brand and leading the digital music revolution, which later led to the development of iTunes and the iPhone. The design, ease of use and integration into the Apple ecosystem made the iPod an iconic product and a milestone in the history of consumer electronics.

Would you like even more facts?

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And feel free to leave a comment if you have a fact that isn't mentioned here yet!

Jen Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He acts as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with technical problems. In his spare time he rides electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with the iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions to current bugs.