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.