Apple’s new iMac keyboards have done away with the Apple key (or “Open Apple Key”) in what seems to presage the fate of all Apple keys on Mac keyboards. Although a few days have passed, we wouldn’t feel right without observing a moment of silence:
See Apple’s new keyboards, sans Apple logo on the Command Key, here.
MacDailyNews Note: We still hold a special place in our hearts for the “Closed Apple Key.”
Removing the Apple from the Command key makes sense from Apple’s perspective, as it would only help further ease the minds of nervous potential switchers – “Uhh, what’s that ‘weird” key?” You can bet they hear that in the Apple Retails Stores pretty often. (The new key still has the “splat” on it (thankfully), but adds the word “command.”) Still, we wish that Apple would to give us Mac users an optional key with the Apple on it!
The very first Macs, by the way, didn’t have an “Apple” on the Command key. Macs began featuring the Apple logo on the key in 1986.
Two a Day explains “Why the Apple/Command Key Finally Lost Its Apple” here.
What has replaced that key?
this is almost as sad as when they retired Clarus.
Moof.
RIP…
It was never “the Apple key”, it was always the Command key…
U didnt owned or pwned u got zune.
Your Potential. Our Passion™
(silence)
They’ve replaced the apple with the word Command.
That’s it, im taking a stand.
or… perhaps you could all buy my new Apple Key Decal Kit for only $19.95.
Yeah, a sad day indeed. I still miss the rainbow Apple logo… what with being an old hippy an’ all…
The original Macintosh keyboard did not have an Apple logo on it, so Apple’s just kickin’ it old school now. The Apple was put on the Command key for Apple ][ considerations, not Mac. I like the change!
@Denny:
The key (and its functions) are still there; they just removed the and replaced it with the word “Command.”
I got the new iMac last night. Love everything except typing on the Chiclet keys.
Many years ago it was “the Apple key”. Back in the days of the Apple II and AppleBasic, documentation refered to the “Open Apple Key” and the “Closed Apple Key”.
Always been the Command key for me.
@Winston – you don’t like the keyboard? Any particular reason?
I’ll miss the key. It’s iconic.
Thank heavens! After 20 years of trying to explain “hit the Command key, you know, that key with the funny little squiggle symbol … no, not the option key, that key without a name ….”
For a company with a reputation for the world’s most user-friendly UIs, this was a real stroke of genius: actually put the name of the key on the key.
This is a keyboard aimed at the entire computer industry!
1) ipod
2) itunes
3) Videopod
4) AppleTv
5) iphone
6) Mac mini
7) keyboards
8) Monitors
9) Camera’s
10) Universal remote controller (Mac, Pc,Tv, Stereo, Car stero etc)
11) Printers
12) Scanners + Fax
Get the idea? Hence the name change to Apple inc.
I always hated it when people referred to that key as the “Apple Key” or the even more retarded sounding “Open Apple Key”.
takethat is correct
It is correctly called the Command key and has been from the beginning.. It is only called the Apple key by some switcher/newbies and youngsters in the crowd.
I think it is time that we true Mac users quit inviting windoze people to our party. I am getting tired of the crap they drag along with them.
Apple key is for newbs! It wasn’t there on my first Mac…so get used to it! I always thought it looked out of place and was just there to pacify newbs to the platform.
Show some control, home-y. Take a page from a new generation and you’ll function just fine. So, no option for the alt-ernate way? Enter a new world with better returns for a shifting business. And if you feel num, lock on to the new end game.
This will make it much easier to explain to people what key to hit.
The new keyboard is a joy to use by the way. Excellent tactile feedback, short stroke, nice matte feel, nipples where they’re supposed to be and having it this slim and close to the table top makes it more comfortable to type on.
A very nice design.
I just wish the keys were ‘light up” like the MBP’s.
I think it’s a simple matter of eliminating confusion caused by redundancy. In all the documentation, the key was always referred to as the “command” key, not the Apple key. The Apple logo never showed up in menu items, and therefore, it was nothing more than an unnecessary decoration. But, since so many people mistakenly call it the “Apple key” instead of the command key, they probably figured they could put the issue to rest by eliminating the Apple logo. Makes sense to me. They’ve always called it “command,” so they should stick to that. Open- and Closed-Apple keys were on the Apple ///. How many of you remember that one?
Hey Twisted Mac Freak,
Why don’t you take your BIOS and shove it up your CMOS !
it’s a good decision, it’s called the command key, not the apple key, and this will make it more obvious.
i guess apple its going to make a printer without keys and its compatible with actual airports.
To: @ Twisted Mac Freak
You must be one bored mother.