Examining 5 of Apple’s Biggest Project Fumbles 

Describe Apple. Your mind likely went to sleek design or unparalleled functionality but perhaps also to the companies sustainability, privacy, and bulletproof brand. Apple’s journey from humble garage to a market cap crossing the 2 trillion mark.

Apple dominates – but that domination is hard fought with challenges along the way. Let’s examine some of their most ambitious projects that didn’t quite meet the mark.

Project Titan hits a roadblock 

In February 2024, during an internal meeting, Apple announced that it was abandoning a secret self-driving car project. ‘Project Titan’ spanned over a decade and aimed to create a fully autonomous electric vehicle product with luxurious interiors and voice-guided driver experiences.

Since its inception, Project Titan encountered numerous obstacles and undergone multiple revisions. Back in 2016, the company dismissed many employees working on the project. Then, in 2021, a crucial executive overseeing the project departed for Ford. Also, the global economic situation adversely affected the EV market, dampening demand and casting a shadow over the project’s viability. 

Apple’s ambition unplugged with AirPower

In March 2019, Apple officially announced the cancellation of AirPower, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad designed to charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously. Much to the disappointment of fans – the company released a short statement explaining that they canceled the project because AirPower did not meet their high standards. 

Online devs speculate that Apple could not fit enough coils in the charging mat for smaller devices which caused overheating and interference issues that would damage the devices. As a result, Apple kept delaying the release of the charging mat until they eventually canceled it. After AirPower’s discontinuation, Apple redirected its efforts towards MagSafe, a technology that utilizes magnets to ensure devices are perfectly aligned for efficient charging. MagSafe streamlines the charging experience and overcomes the alignment problems of earlier wireless charging methods. 

Pippin: The gaming console that never made it 

Launched in 1996, Pippin was a gaming console developed by Apple in collaboration with Bandai, a Japanese toy company. It was designed to play games, serve as a communication platform, handle interactive music, and even act as an educational tool.

The Pippin included a CD-ROM drive, touchpad, dial-up modem, and a major launch title from Bungie– the company that went on to create the Halo series for Microsoft’s Xbox. Still, it struggled to attract consumers. Its high price point (£481), limited game library, and lack of marketing support contributed to its downfall. Pippin was discontinued in 1997 after selling only a few thousand units, making it one of Apple’s most notable failures in the consumer electronics industry. 

The iPod Hi-Fi speaker that failed to hit a keynote 

Apple’s iPod revolutionized the music industry, but not all its audio products were as successful. Launched in 2006, the iPod Hi-Fi was a small home stereo system with an iPod dock. Priced at £279, the speaker produced high-quality sound, came with its remote control, and charged your iPod while playing music. 

Despite initial hype and anticipation, the iPod Hi-Fi failed to gain traction in the market. Its high pricing, limited features compared to competitors, and lack of compatibility with other devices contributed to its commercial failure. As a result, it was discontinued in 2007, just 18 months after its launch. 

Apple USB mouse fumbles

When Apple introduced its USB mouse in 1998, it certainly turned heads. Dubbed the ‘hockey puck’, the mouse was launched alongside the Bondi Blue iMac G3 to complement its colourful and futuristic aesthetic. However, despite its unique design, the mouse received widespread criticism, ultimately leading to its downfall in 2000.  

Consumers took issue with the mouse’s unconventional shape and size, which made it uncomfortable and awkward to use. Its circular design lacked ergonomic features, causing strain and discomfort during prolonged use. Additionally, the round shape also meant people had difficulty orienting the mouse correctly while using it. 

Surprisingly, this was not the only time the company experienced a mouse design failure. In 2015, the company released the Magic Mouse 2, infamous for having a bottom-facing charging port. Many modern Apple users consider it one of the company’s most poorly designed products. 

Distilled 

While Apple’s journey has been marked by some high-profile missteps, the tech giant’s story is far from a narrative of failure. Instead, it’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and the undying belief that every setback is a setup for a remarkable comeback.