iPod Universal Dock (2005)

Apple released this first version of the Universal Dock on October 12, 2005, along with the iPod Generation 5 that could display Photos and Video. In a press release, Apple described the Universal Dock as an “optional accessory” for the iPod:

“Optional accessories designed for the new iPod include: Universal Dock for $39 (US), giving users easy access to a USB port for syncing, IR support to work with the Apple Remote and a variable line out and S-video connections for integration within the living room.”

The 2005 iPod Universal Dock included the S-Video port and an infrared sensor for an Apple Remote (sold separately). Unlike earlier iPod Docks designed for specific models, the Universal Dock used Dock Adapters to support a wider range of iPod models with 30-pin dock connectors.

This iPod Universal Dock included adapters for 5 iPod designs sold at the time. Each adapter was numbered and matched to particular iPod devices:

  • 3—iPod mini (4GB, 6GB)
  • 4—iPod (20GB) and U2 Special Edition
  • 5—iPod (40GB)
  • 6—iPod with color display (20GB, 30GB) and U2 Special Edition
  • 7—iPod with color display (40GB, 60GB)

This iPod Universal Dock could also accept other adapters listed on the packaging. Other supported iPod devices included:

  • iPod (10GB, 15GB, 20GB)
  • iPod (30GB, 40GB)
  • iPod nano (2GB, 4GB)
  • iPod with color display (30GB)
  • iPod with color display (60GB)

An updated iPod Universal Dock was released in 2007 (it included a white Apple Remote, but omitted S-Video), and a 2010 version included new Dock adapters and the updated aluminum Apple Remote. This product line was eventually replaced by the iPhone Lightning Dock when Apple switched from the 30-pin connector to the Lightning port for charging and sound output.

Sources: Apple newsroom, Apple Wiki

Hello Screen T-Shirt (black shirt, multicolor print, 2XL, 2023)

This black T-shirt featured a 4-bit version of the original Macintosh with the cursive “hello” screen design from the Macintosh release in 1984.

This shirt was purchased at the Apple Store at the Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino, CA. The shirt is a size 2XL and unopened in its original box. The white box is printed with a white Apple logo and measured 195mm x 195mm x 35mm. The box indicated that the shirt was 100% cotton and made in Turkey (Türkiye).

Macintosh Drawing T-Shirt (black shirt, multicolor print, 2XL, 2023)

This white T-shirt featured the original Macintosh “Picasso” logo that was used on the box and other packaging for the original Macintosh in 1984.

I found it curious that Apple referred to this design as “Macintosh Drawing” and not “Picasso”—as Apple fans have referred to it for decades. However, research for this post may reveal the reason.

According to a Cult of Mac article, “The logo was designed by Tom Hughes and John Casado, art directors on the Macintosh development team.” The article indicates that one of the art directors reported that “the inspiration for the drawing style was Matisse….The idea of the graphics being ‘Picasso style’ was, as I remember, a journalist’s description at the time of the launch.”

This shirt was purchased at the Apple Store at the Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino, CA. The shirt was a size 2XL and unopened in its original box. The white box was printed with a white Apple logo and measured 195mm x 195mm x 35mm. The box indicated that the shirt was 100% cotton and made in Turkey (Türkiye).

Source: Cult of Mac

Apple Distinguished Educators card (2020)

According to Apple:

“In 1995, Apple created the Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE) program to recognize K–12 and higher-education pioneers who are using Apple technology to transform teaching and learning. These are the educators who are looking to change the world. They are active leaders from around the world helping other educators rethink what’s possible with iPad and Mac to make learning deeply personal for every student.”

This card measured 7 x 7 inches and was printed on heavy, textured paper in Apple’s San Francisco corporate font.

This card was printed with the following statement:

The Apple Distinguished Educators program was created to recognize education pioneers using Apple technology to transform teaching and learning. It has become a global community that continues to rethink what’s possible to make learning deeply personal for every student.

As we reflect on the past 25 years, and look forward to the next, we acknowledge the significant contributions you’ve made. The challenges and opportunities for education have never been more important than they are today and we celebrate your passion, innovation, and leadership.

I have been a member of the ADE program since 2007.

Source: Apple

Apple Magic Trackpad 2 (2015)

Apple’s Magic Trackpad 2 was originally available in white and black. The device product number was A1535. Apple described the Magic Trackpad 2:

“Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology. Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content. It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favorite content more productive and comfortable than ever.”

This version of the Magic Trackpad used a Lightning port for charging. Apple’s manual described some of the Magic Trackpad 2:

  • Click: Press anywhere on the trackpad.
  • Force click: Press firmly until you feel a deeper click.
  • Secondary click (right-click): Click with two fingers to open shortcut menus.
  • Two-finger scroll: Slide two fingers up and down to scroll.
  • Pinch to zoom: Pinch your thumb and finger open or closed to zoom in or out of photos and webpages.
  • Swipe to navigate: Swipe left or right with two fingers to flip through webpages, documents, and more—like turning a page in a book.
  • Open Launchpad: Quickly open apps in Launchpad. Pinch closed with four or five fingers, then click an app to open it.
  • Swipe between apps: To switch from one full-screen app to another, swipe left or right with three or four fingers.

The Magic Trackpad 2 was 0.43 inch tall, 6.30 inches wide, 4.52 inches deep, and weighed 0.51 pound.

Apple (technical specifications, manual)

Apple Watch Sport Loop (Ultramarine, 46 mm, Fall 2024)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 42 mm and 46 mm Apple Watch models (2024), and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200 mm wrists (38, 40, 41, 42 mm) and 145–220 mm wrists (42, 44, 46, 49 mm).

Beginning with the Apple Watch 10 iteration, the 42 mm description became arguably more confusing, as the larger model of the original Apple Watch (Series 0 and 1) was described as “42 mm,” and now the smaller model of the current Apple Watch (Series 10) is described as “42 mm.”

Beginning in Fall 2024, Apple began offering bands in the monotone colors—a design concept first available nearly 10 years ago with the original Apple Watch. This “Ultramarine” color is a shade of blue with a hint of violet. The connector and closure plastics also matched the Ultramarine color of the band (as opposed to using contrasting colors for the plastics).

Apple also began describing this band as “Carbon Neutral” and including a description of the environmental benefits along with the general product description:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Sport Loop features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. This weave is made with 82% recycled yarns, some of which contain material from discarded fishing nets. This band is carbon neutral. The Sport Loop contains 45% recycled content by weight, 100% of manufacturing electricity is covered by clean energy, and 50% or more of all carbon neutral Apple Watch products are shipped without airplanes.”

Sources: Apple, Bandbreite app