Before it evolved into one of the most recognizable and valuable brands in the world, Apple needed to first burst onto the scene — and many say it turned that corner exactly 38 years ago today. It was Jan. 22, 1984 — the day Apple aired one of the most iconic television ads in American history. And in unprecedented fashion, it ran only once during Super Bowl XVIII; that’s it.
Former Apple ad account manager Fred Goldberg said that the ad began as a rejected ad for the Apple III before it was selected as one of more than 40 possible spots to introduce the next computer, the Macintosh. Well the ad almost didn’t run. Apple’s board of directors were unimpressed and urged ad agency Chiat/Day to sell off the Super Bowl ad time it had bought.
While the actual game between the Raiders and Redskins was lopsided, Apple’s ad made a huge splash — and led to strong sales and influenced future Super Bowl ads. It created enough buzz that it was shown repeatedly on television news broadcasts in the following days.
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