Apple is a company that constantly innovates not only the products it offers but the packaging it comes in too. The retail packaging of the accessories is always made to be as user-friendly as possible, with clear instructions on how to open and dispose of it too. Apple also leads the way in eco-friendly product packaging which is always recyclable as it continues to promote environmental change.
Changes to the rules of Apple Packaging
As the company continues to progress through its business targets, image-control efforts, & environmental goals it has decided to only stock accessories that are co-designed by Apple. Any accessories or packaging that has not been co-designed will not be able to be stocked in-store.
A lot of manufacturers have started to copy the iPhone and iPad products and packaging designs in their packaging boxes and design process without the agreement of Apple themselves. As plans move forward only companies that are authorized to partake in revamped packaging accessory products will be allowed to have their designs used in stores. The companies that are included in the packaging accessories plans are Tech21, Sena, Incase, Mopie, Logitech, and Life Proof.
The products will be the only ones that are used in Apple stores but only if they are packaged in Apple’s traditional packaging design, which is white packaging boxes without any frills and minimal labelling.
In the coming months, all accessory packaging in Apple stores will need to comply with Apple’s guidelines in terms of fonts, colours, raw materials, and overall style.
Changes in Stock and Collaboration with Manufacturers
The move to make all the design specifications of packaging in Apple stores unified is no surprise as the company is known to aim for nothing less than perfection. According to reports, Apple will have completed the revamp in all its retail stores worldwide in a very short period.
It is expected that the number of types of accessories sold in an Apple store will decline in the short term due to the immediate changes, but over time Apple will work closely with chosen manufacturers to support creative ideas and design changes to the packaging used for accessories.
As all accessories in stores move to a similar type of packaging, customers might find it difficult to tell which products Apple’s official products and which ones are third-party items.
Apple’s plans to change the process of how its packaging needs are fulfilled will be a positive for the business as it will likely reduce the chances of product designers’ designs being leaked and stop competitors from copying product ideas. It has been proven in the past that most of the leaked information on design packaging ideas comes from manufacturers themselves, whereas if there is a uniform package design the information becomes irrelevant.
The plan to eliminate custom packaging from the business is a great piece of design thinking as design decisions and ideas will be less required meaning there is more resource investment for production, shipping, and other company activities.
The standardization of product packaging at Apple means that they will be focusing solely on a single design format rather than relying on input from other designers or design ideas from product design companies.
The Growth of Apple as a Brand
Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. The first product created by the business was the Apple I, a home computer that was hand-built and sold for under $700 before it mass-produced its Apple II product which made it a household name.
In 1984 Apple released its Macintosh computer which was regarded as the most advanced technology of its time. In 2001 it launched the iPod, a digital personal music player, which revolutionized the music industry, and in 2010 it released the iPad which changed the mobile computing industry forever. These products were followed by the iPhone and Apple watch which quickly became the most popular devices in their respective markets.
As the brand grew it used market research to learn as much as possible about its target audience which gave the company a clear understanding of what its customer base looked like. Unlike many businesses, Apple has always created products that put user needs at the forefront of a finished product.
Apple has, over the last four decades, become one of the most recognizable brands in the world. They are well known for creating innovative products and offering a broad range of products.
Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world and has a total market capitalization of over $1 trillion.
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