Apple Collection – Page 4 – mattjfuller.com

January 1, 2026

Think Different poster set of 18 (24 x 36 inches, portrait & landscape orientations, 1997, 1998, 1999)

“Think different” was the slogan used by Apple in an advertising campaign during the years 1997–2002, and is still used in rare circumstances as of 2025. The Think different concept was created by advertising agency TBWA\Chiat\Day while working with Apple and Steve Jobs. Think different was first rolled out as a TV commercial and was followed by additional TV commercials, print/digital ads, and as part of Apple’s product packaging.

Posters in this set include:

Joan Baez (24 x 36 inches, 1997). From poster set 2.
Jim Henson with Kermit the Frog (24 x 36 inches, 1998). From poster set 3.
Thomas Edison (24 x 36 inches, 1997). From poster set 1.
Amelia Earhart (24 x 36 inches, 1998). From poster set 1.
Picasso [side facing] (24 x 36 inches, 1997). From poster set 1.
Gandhi (24 x 36 inches, 1997). From poster set 1.
Maria Callas (24 x 36 inches, 1998). From poster set 2.
Alfred Hitchcock (24 x 36 inches, 1997). From poster set 1.
Bob Dylan (24 x 36 inches, 1998). From poster set 3.
Martha Graham (24 x 36 inches, 1997). From poster set 2.
Albert Einstein (24 x 36 inches, 1997).
Miles Davis (24 x 36 inches, 1998). From poster set 3.
Richard Feynmann (36 x 24 inches, 1999). From poster set 4.
Cesar Chavez (36 x 24 inches, 1998). From poster set 4.
Frank Sinatra (36 x 24 inches, 1999). From poster set 4. [Print faded]
Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz (36 x 24 inches, 1954/1998). From poster set 3.
Ansel Adams (36 x 24 inches, 1998). From poster set 3.
Rosa Parks bus (36 x 24, 1998). Education poster.

This advertising campaign was notable because it did not include imagery or mentions of any Apple products. The Think different idea was based upon a “manifesto” that began famously with “Here’s to the crazy ones.”

During the original TV commercial, voiced by Richard Dreyfuss, black-and-white film footage of iconic figures served as visuals to accompany the voiceover of a shortened version of the manifesto. Luminaries in the commercial included Albert Einstein, Bob Dylan, Martin Luther King Jr., Thomas Edison, Muhammad Ali, Gandhi, Amelia Earhart, Alfred Hitchcock, Jim Henson, Pablo Picasso, and others. The commercial ended with the multi-color Apple logo on a black background with white text (in the Apple Garamond font) Think different.

The print and digital ads also did not feature Apple products, just a black-and-white photo, the multi-color Apple logo, and the words “Think different.” One of the creative team members who worked on the campaign described the print concept: “The rainbow-colored logo served as stark contrast to the black and white photography, and, to me, it seemed to make the ‘Think Different’ statement all the more bold.”

In her 2011 book Design by Nature: Using Universal Forms and Principles in Design, Maggie Macnab described the concept of the Think different campaign:

“By identifying Apple’s core philosophy with the rebels and geniuses that changed the world by ‘thinking differently,’ the campaign established Apple as the ideology of the future. Apple was perceived as saving the day by making technology accessible to anyone. This move repositioned it well above its competition and far beyond the status of ‘product’ by connecting the user into a world of possibility.”

From the debut of Think different, the grammar of the slogan has been debated. Would-be grammarians cited the adverbial rule and admonished the slogan stating that “standard” English grammar dictates that adverbs must modify verbs—making “think differently” the “correct” usage. However as in this case, “different” can be used as an adjective that modifies the object “think”—suggesting a command to think in a different way. Thus, the slogan is parallel to other uses, such as “think big,” where “big” is used as an adjective. Using this logic, “think big” cannot be corrected to “think bigly,” just as “think different” could not be changed to “think differently” without changing its meaning.

In the United States, four sets of 24 x 36 inch Think different posters were released. Set 1 included Amelia Earhart, Alfred Hitchcock, Pablo Picasso, Mahatma Gandhi, and Thomas Edison. Set 2 included Maria Callas, Martha Graham, Joan Baez, Ted Turner, and the Fourteenth Dalai Lama (not officially released due to licensing). Set 3 included Miles Davis; Ansel Adams (landscape orientation); Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (landscape orientation); and Bob Dylan (not officially released due to licensing). Paul Rand and Jimi Hendrix were part of Set 3, but not included in all sets that were shipped (also likely due to licensing). Set 4 included Frank Sinatra, Richard Feynman, Jackie Robinson, and Cesar Chavez.

An unofficial Set 5 included film directors that was never released, including Charlie Chaplin, Francis Ford Coppola, Orson Welles, Frank Capra, and John Huston.

The 36 x 24 inch Rosa Parks bus poster is unique in this set as it was created and distributed to education customers and not part of a larger set. Further, the poster is a color photo of a black-and-white photo on the side of a New York City bus.

I have collected many of Apple’s Think different posters, print ads, and other materials, including a set of 10 posters that measure 11 x 17 each and were distributed to educators. Some designs in this Think different education set are cropped versions of the 24 x 36 posters.

The 24 x 36 posters photographed here are displayed in my dining room on two walls to create a gallery effect. I also included a photo of the 11 x 17 posters on the facing wall. You will note that the photography style of this entry is very different from my typical posts. These photos were captured with iPhone 17 Pro in situ with inconsistent lighting, angles, and reflections.

Sources: Wikipedia, Forbes

January 1, 2026

Neon Apple Logo (October 2014)

Back in 2014, I contacted Neon Shop Fishtail, a well-known neon shop in Chicago, and inquired about the possibility of fabricating a neon Apple logo for my home.

I contacted the general email address on the website and quickly received a response from Tom Brickler, whom I later learned is the owner of the shop. I sent a Photoshop mockup of the idea I was envisioning. He told me that he liked the project and that he could start it later that week.

On a whim, I asked if the shop allowed customers to watch the fabrication of projects. I was very surprised when he invited me the next Friday afternoon. They not only allowed me to watch the fabrication, but they very generously allowed me to take photos and video, all captured on my iPhone 6—my personal iPhone at the time.

The experience was fascinating to watch, and it became immediately clear that the three men involved in the project were extremely skilled craftsmen. Before I arrived, neon artist John Noga had already shaped three pieces of the logo, but he had not yet fused them together. I was able to watch him create the leaf part of the logo from a straight white glass tube. He then trimmed and joined the larger pieces to form the lower apple part of the logo with the top, bottom, and “bite.”

The next step was to bring the project to the shop basement where the two pieces were electrified with 15,000 volts of electricity, heating them to 550˚F to burn out the impurities inside the glass. The white tubes were then pressure-filled with argon gas so, when electrified, the piece would produce a white glow.

The last two steps, completed by Chevo Carreño, included “burning in” the tubes with electricity so the entire shape would glow evenly. As the burning-in commenced, it was easy to follow the path of the glow getting brighter until the entire piece was even. He finished the project by painting the non-glowing parts of the tubes with a foul-smelling substance that effectively blocked out the light. He let me select the color, and I went with gray. I was also able to select the wire color and chose white.

I took the logo home that day.

About one month later, I finished the installation with help from my then-neighbor and owner of a painting company, Alex Tenuta. The logo is supported by clear plastic clips attached to the wall, and the wiring is a simple series circuit that attaches to a dimmable transformer that plugs into a standard outlet. The logo is mounted on the half-wall of my loft, about 15 feet up.

Tom Brickler, also known as “Neon Tom,” named Neon Shop Fishtail after a fishtail ribbon burner used for making sweeping curved bends with glass over fire. After nearly 40 years, he describes his business as strong with “work in the major motion picture industry, business signs, custom art for residential, and signage for the industry.” The website adds, “We specialize in making our own signs in the handmade custom way neon is made and take great pride in what we do!”

Neon Shop Fishtail is located at 2247 North Western Avenue on Chicago’s north side, and handmade work can be viewed in the store. Brickler invites anyone to visit, “even if you are not in the market for a neon sign…after coming in, you will now be noticing neon everywhere, and hopefully you will come up with an idea that we can create in light.”

I distinctly remember recording the process at Neon Shop Fishtail, and to this day I very much appreciate that they timed the completion so I could watch and learn part of the process. I still remember how effortless they made process seem and the obvious experience and artistry in every step. I also remember being surprised by the specialized tools and open flames that were burning around the shop in unexpected locations.

Using my many clips, I created a “making of” video back in 2014 and posted it on YouTube. Neon Shop Fishtail has included on the front page of their website since I sent them the link in 2014. Over 10 years later, my video has well over 14,000 views—BY FAR the most views of any video I have ever made!

See the video on YouTube.

Of course, this neon artwork is not an official Apple product, but I consider it among my most prized Apple collection items.

Source: Neon Shop Fishtail

January 1, 2026

Apple Vision Pro Solo Knit Band (M, 2024)

The Apple Vision Pro Apple Vision Pro Solo Knit Band is one of the required accessories that ships with the Apple Vision Pro and is custom-sized to the user. When purchasing an Apple Vision Pro, an app scans a user’s face and helps the user select an appropriately sized Solo Knit Band.

Solo Knit Bands were available in 3 sizes: S, M and L. This example is a size M. The size of the band is woven into the inside left of the band, near the orange release tab.

This Solo Knit Band is a replacement sold in retail packaging. The Product Information indicates:

“Designed for Apple Vision Pro, the Solo Knit Band is 3D knitted as a single piece to create a unique rib structure that provides cushioning, breathability, and stretch. It has an easy-to-reach Fit Dial to let you adjust Apple Vision Pro to your head and enables microadjustments during use. The Solo Knit Band attaches to the Audio Straps with a simple and secure mechanism, and the release tabs allow you to detach it when needed.”

Among the two original options, the Solo Knit Band is my favorite in terms of comfort, and it has the least negative effect on my hair. In 2025, an new variant of this product was introduced, called the Apple Vision Pro Dual Knit Band. The second knit band extends over the head and has a separate Fit Dial adjustment.

Source: Apple (Solo Knit Band, Dual Knit Band)

January 1, 2026

Apple Vision Pro Light Seal Cushion (W, 2024)

The Apple Vision Pro Light Seal Cushion is one of the required accessories that ships with the Apple Vision Pro and is custom-sized to the user. When purchasing an Apple Vision Pro, an app scans a user’s face and helps the user select an appropriately sized Light Seal Cushion.

Light Seal Cushions were available in 4 sizes: N, N+, W, and W+ (the letters likely indicated “Narrow” and “Wide” sizes). This example is a size W.

This Light Seal Cushion is a replacement sold in retail packaging. The Product Information section is very sparse, noting only:

“The Apple Vision Pro Light Seal Cushion magnetically attaches to the Apple Vision Pro Light Seal and can be easily removed for cleaning.”

In addition to listing the sizes, the Highlights list only: Attaches magnetically and Hand washable.

Source: Apple

January 1, 2026

Alpine Loop (Light Blue, Black Titanium, Large, Fall 2025)

The Apple Watch Alpine Loop band design was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. The Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”

In the original press release, Apple described the Alpine Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple adds:

“With explorers in mind, the Alpine Loop band features two integrated layers made from one continuous weaving process that eliminates the need for stitching. The top loops, interspersed with high-strength yarn, provide adjustability and a secure attachment for the titanium G-hook fastener.”

Apple’s product page described the Alpine Loop:

“The rugged Alpine Loop is made from two textile layers woven together into one continuous piece without stitching. High-strength yarns reinforce the top loops, and the corrosion-resistant titanium G-hook slides easily into the loops for secure fit.”

This Alpine Loop is described as light blue, but the color more closely resembles slate blue in my opinion. With the announcement of the black Apple Watch Ultra 2 in September 2024, Apple began offering Alpine Loop bands with black titanium connector hardware to match the black titanium finish of the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2. A press release explained:

“To complement the new black finish, the popular Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band have all been updated to offer a black hardware option in addition to natural titanium. Both black and natural finishes of Apple Watch Ultra 2 are made from 95 percent recycled titanium, and are carbon neutral with any Titanium Milanese Loop, Trail Loop, or Alpine Loop.”

The connectors and the “G-hook” closure are made of the same color titanium as the silver Apple Watch Ultra. Although splitting hairs, a more apt name for the hook would be a “g-hook” since it matches the shape of a lowercase—not uppercase—“g.”

All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Alpine Loop is made primarily of polyester.

Source: Apple (Product, Newsroom, black Titanium option), Bandbreite app

January 1, 2026

Trail Loop (Blue/Bright Blue, Black Titanium, L, 49 mm, 2025)

The Apple Watch Trail Loop was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. Apple reported that the Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”

In the original press release, Apple described the Trail Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple added:

“Designed specifically for endurance athletes and runners, the Trail Loop band is the thinnest Apple Watch band to date. The lightweight woven textile is both soft and flexible, allowing it to cinch to the optimal fit, and the convenient tab is designed for quick and easy adjustment.”

Apple’s product page described the Trail Loop:

“The thin, lightweight Trail Loop is made from a nylon weave creating a soft band with increased elasticity for a comfortable fit. The band is infinitely adjustable with a convenient pull tab for quick adjustments on the go.”

This Trail Loop is Blue. The band is primarily dark blue with a dark blue pull-tab. A distinctive triple-stitch pattern in white thread separates the blue and bright bue edges. With the announcement of the black Apple Watch Ultra 2 in September 2024, Apple began offering Trail Loop bands with black titanium connector hardware to match the black titanium finish of the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2. A press release explained:

All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Trail Loop is made primarily of nylon.

Please note that this item was ordered on Amazon and arrived in a 4-pack. It was packaged in a brown cardboard shipping container (likely directory from the factory) with a white, unclosed box inside that held four identical Trail Loop bands.

Source: Apple (Product, Newsroom, Titanium black option), Bandbreite

January 1, 2026

iPod shuffle Generation 2 (1 GB, blue, 2007)

This Generation 2 version of the iPod shuffle was updated to include five colors: silver (original), orange, green, blue, and pink. Also, this revision switched from the old-style “cap” earbuds to a more streamlined earbuds design. This iPod shuffle featured a clip that allowed you to easily attach it to clothing.

This iPod shuffle’s design greatly differed from the original iPod shuffle that looked and functioned similarly to a flash drive. To charge this iPod shuffle and load it with up to 240 songs, it sat in a small USB base with a protruding 3.5 mm jack that used the audio jack to transfer both data and charging power.

Among all iPod models, the iPod shuffle was the only design with no display.

Source: EveryMac

January 1, 2026

Trail Loop (Green/Neon, Natural Titanium, L, 49 mm, 2025)

In the original press release, Apple described the Trail Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple added:

Apple’s product page described the Trail Loop:

This Trail Loop is Green/Neon Green. The band is primarily dark green with a dark green pull-tab. The outer edges of the band are neon green with a distinctive triple-stitch border in white thread that separates the dark green from the neon green.

All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Trail Loop is made primarily of nylon.

Source: Apple (Product, Newsroom), Bandbreite

January 1, 2026January 2, 2026

Apple Pencil Pro (2025)

Apple released the Apple Pencil Pro on May 7, 2024, along with the M4 iPad Pro. The Pencil Pro introduced several new features compared to previous Apple Pencil models:

“Apple Pencil Pro adds even more magical capabilities to help bring your ideas to life. Advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback make marking up, taking notes, and creating a masterpiece more intuitive than ever. Use Apple Pencil hover to preview exactly where Apple Pencil Pro will touch down on the display, and double-tap to quickly switch tools.”

Apple Pencil Pro also included a Find My feature, and retained previous features, such as the ability to pair, charge, and store magnetically on the side of the iPad.

In the press release, Apple detailed the new functions:

The barrel can sense a user’s squeeze, bringing up a tool palette to quickly switch tools, line weights, and colors.
A custom haptic engine delivers a light tap that provides confirmation when users squeeze, use double-tap, or snap to a Smart Shape
A gyroscope allows users to rotate the barrel to change the orientation of shaped pen and brush tools, just like pen and paper.
Hover allows users can visualize the exact orientation of a tool before making a mark.

This Apple Pencil was used with the iPad Air 13-inch (M3, 2025) and photographed in the Symmetry Series Folio case (for iPad Air 13-inch M2 and M3) by OtterBox in their “Starry Night” (black, clear, grey) color. The hinged folio design folded around the Apple Pencil attached by magnets, providing both protection and charging.

Sources: Apple (newsroom, Apple Pencil product page), OtterBox

January 1, 2026

AirTag Leather Key Ring (Midnight, 2021)

The AirTag Leather Key Ring was designed to contain an Apple AirTag, a small, disc-shaped accessory that uses Apple’s Find My network to easily locate items.

According to Apple:

“The leather key ring is thoughtfully crafted from the finest materials. The stainless steel is as striking as it is strong, while the European leather is specially tanned and soft to the touch. And it fits snugly over your AirTag, so you never have to worry about it falling out.”

When The AirTag was released, “a wide range of Apple-designed AirTag accessories” were also available. Accessories included: a Polyurethane Loop, a Leather Loop, and a Leather Key Ring. In addition, Apple and Hermès introduced the AirTag Hermès with an “assortment of handcrafted leather accessories including the Bag Charm, Key Ring, Travel Tag, and Luggage Tag.” The Hermès accessories were sold with a custom-engraved AirTag with the Hermès Clou de Selle logo.

The The AirTag Leather Key Ring was originally available in three colors including Baltic Blue, Saddle Brown, and (PRODUCT)RED. This example is in Saddle Brown.

Sources: Apple (Store, Newsroom)