Apple goes all “1984” on product packaging for its stores

In a short post back at the beginning of July, we mentioned a rumor that Apple would soon require third-party accessory manufacturers to use standardized minimal packaging in order to create a more uniform look for items in Apple Stores. Well, now the company appears to be making the Apple-like packaging mandatory, at least for some third-party products. 

AppleInsider reports that an internal company memo notes that manufacturers Incase, LifeProof, Mophie, Sena, Tech21 and Logitech/Logi must conform to the new standard. Packages that don’t meet the uniform white box standard are sent back to the warehouse.

This is part of a visual revamp of the Apple Store chain, which is reportedly being spearheaded by retail boss Angela Ahrendts and chief design officer Jony Ive.

Our Take On The News

OK, Apple – we understand that you want to make the accessory shelves in stores appear a bit less cluttered. But this is really scarily similar to that army of drab, gray drones that populated the world of the Ridley Scott “1984” Mac ad. This will make it very difficult for vendors to differentiate their products through attractive packaging.