What does the i represent?

In what context? From the information you've provided it's just a vertical line. In Unix/Linux operating systems it's the "pipe" operator.

It started with the original iMac. It might have meant "Internet" originally, but because of the popularity and fame of those first translucent and colorful iMacs, Apple started using it to represent all types of consumer products. I think it may now stand for "individual" (if you want an "i" word), but it really just says this product is for consumers... for all the "I's" out there.

Hi JunkJwarer


When the first iMacs came out in around 1999 (the ones that looked like giant gum drops) they were intended to be internet ready right out of the box . . . and they actually were (more or less). The deal was that they were incredibly easy to set up and use almost instantly. If I remember correctly the i was supposed to stand for internet and/or instant so you were buying an Instant Internet-ready Mac. Much of the other stuff that followed took on that prefix, probably because of the great success of those iMacs.

Anyway, that's what I think it meant.

Rick

Hi again J,

I would guess that not many people even give it a thought when they buy all those iThises and iThats. Check out some of the product names of almost everything else out there 🙂 People just want something that is easy to use, works well and is reliable, and for my money any of the iProducts I've bought so far fit that criterion perfectly. Keep it up Apple!

And thanks for the star, JunkJrawer!

Rick