In 2017, Apple made a surprising move by releasing the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, completely skipping over the iPhone 9 in the process. This decision left many consumers wondering why Apple chose to skip a number in their iPhone lineup. Today, we will delve into the reasons behind this decision and explore the theories swirling around the absence of the iPhone 9.
One of the most straightforward explanations for the skip is that Apple wanted to mark the 10-year milestone of the iPhone. By naming their flagship product the iPhone X, pronounced ‘iPhone 10’, Apple aimed to signify the device’s significance as the 10th anniversary edition. This move was intended to create a sense of excitement and anticipation among consumers, emphasizing the technological advancements and innovations that have been made in the past decade.
Furthermore, the timing of the iPhone X’s release played a crucial role in the decision to skip the iPhone 9. Apple chose to announce the new device on the actual anniversary of the original iPhone’s release date. This strategic move aimed to generate buzz and nostalgia among Apple enthusiasts, as they celebrated 10 years of iPhone evolution.
Some theories surrounding the absence of the iPhone 9 range from the grim to the hilarious. Some speculate that Apple skipped the number 9 due to superstitions surrounding the number in certain cultures. Others suggest that Apple wanted to avoid confusion with Microsoft’s Windows 9 operating system, which was released around the same time. While these theories may seem far-fetched, they contribute to the speculation and intrigue surrounding Apple’s decision.
It’s worth noting that Apple didn’t just skip the iPhone 9, but also the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus. Instead, they jumped straight to the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. This decision can be attributed to Apple’s desire to make the 10th-anniversary edition stand out even more. By skipping the incremental iterations and jumping to the next number, Apple aimed to create a sense of significance and exclusivity around the iPhone X.
The absence of the iPhone 9 in Apple’s lineup was a deliberate decision made to mark the 10-year milestone of the iPhone. By naming their flagship device the iPhone X and skipping the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, Apple aimed to create excitement, generate buzz, and emphasize the significance of their 10th-anniversary edition. While theories abound regarding this decision, the underlying goal was to make the iPhone X a standout device in the lineup, celebrating a decade of iPhone innovation.
Why Was IPhone Nine Skipped?
The reason behind the skipping of the iPhone 9 by Apple is primarily related to marketing and branding strategies. By introducing the iPhone X (pronounced as “iPhone 10”), Apple aimed to signify a significant leap forward in terms of design and technology. Here are the key factors contributing to the omission of the iPhone 9:
1. Branding and Perception: Apple wanted to create a clear distinction between the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X. By skipping the number 9, they intended to convey that the iPhone X was a completely different and more advanced model, emphasizing its premium status.
2. Anniversary Edition: The iPhone X was launched in 2017 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the original iPhone. Apple wanted to make this edition stand out and be perceived as special, hence the decision to use the Roman numeral “X” instead of the number 10. This created a sense of exclusivity and excitement around the product.
3. Streamlining Product Lineup: Apple typically releases multiple iPhone models in a given year. By skipping the iPhone 9, Apple simplified its product lineup and avoided confusion with three different models (iPhone 8, iPhone 9, and iPhone X). This allowed them to focus on promoting the iPhone 8 and the revolutionary features of the iPhone X without diluting their marketing efforts.
4. Technological Leap: The iPhone X introduced several significant advancements, such as an edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID facial recognition, and a new gesture-based interface. By skipping the number 9, Apple aimed to emphasize the substantial technological leap from the previous generation, making it seem like a more substantial upgrade for consumers.
The decision to skip the iPhone 9 was a strategic move by Apple to create a clear distinction between the iPhone 8 and the more advanced iPhone X, while also simplifying their product lineup and generating excitement around the anniversary edition.
Why Did Apple Skip IPhone 2 And 9?
Apple skipped the iPhone 2 and iPhone 9 for different reasons. Firstly, the decision to skip iPhone 2 was primarily due to marketing and branding considerations. When Apple introduced the iPhone 3G in 2008, it was a significant upgrade from the original iPhone. The “3G” in the name referred to the device’s support for faster cellular data speeds. By skipping the iPhone 2, Apple wanted to emphasize the advancements made in terms of connectivity and make it clear that this was a major step forward.
As for the iPhone 9, the decision to skip this number was related to the iPhone X (pronounced “ten”), which was released in 2017 to commemorate the iPhone’s 10th anniversary. Apple wanted to mark this milestone by naming their flagship product “iPhone X” to symbolize the tenth iteration of the device. This naming strategy aimed to create a sense of prestige and significance around the anniversary edition.
Skipping the iPhone 9 also had practical reasons. Introducing an iPhone 9 after the iPhone X could have caused confusion among consumers. The iPhone X was a radical departure from previous models, featuring a bezel-less design and facial recognition technology. By skipping straight from iPhone 8 to iPhone X, Apple wanted to highlight the innovative nature of their latest offering and avoid any potential perception that the iPhone 9 might be seen as a minor upgrade or a continuation of the previous design.
Apple skipped the iPhone 2 to emphasize the advancements in connectivity with the iPhone 3G. They skipped the iPhone 9 to mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone with the iPhone X and to avoid confusion with the radically different design and features of the anniversary edition.
Why Did Windows And IPhone Skip 9?
The decision to skip the number 9 in both the Windows and iPhone product lines can be attributed to different reasons.
1. Windows: The jump from Windows 8 to Windows 10 was a strategic move by Microsoft. Here are a few possible explanations:
A. Marketing Strategy: Microsoft wanted to create a significant impact with the release of Windows 10. By skipping Windows 9, they aimed to distance themselves from the perception of Windows 8 being subpar. It allowed them to showcase a fresh start and a more advanced operating system.
B. Compatibility Issues: Some software developers used “Windows 9” as a shorthand to check for Windows 95 and Windows 98 operating systems. Skipping Windows 9 helped avoid potential compatibility issues and confusion in the coding world.
2. iPhone: Apple’s decision to skip iPhone 9 and release iPhone X (pronounced “ten”) can be attributed to the following factors:
A. Anniversary Celebration: The iPhone X was launched in 2017, which marked the tenth anniversary of the original iPhone release. Apple likely chose to commemorate this milestone by naming their flagship device with the Roman numeral for ten.
B. Brand Differentiation: By skipping iPhone 9, Apple aimed to differentiate the iPhone X from its predecessors. The “X” in iPhone X signifies a leap forward in design and technology, emphasizing its premium features and setting it apart from other models.
C. Marketing Strategy: The name “iPhone X” created a buzz and generated intrigue among consumers. The Roman numeral gave it a unique and sophisticated appeal, potentially increasing its desirability.
The decision to skip the number 9 in both Windows and iPhone product lines can be attributed to marketing strategies, branding differentiation, and anniversary celebrations. These factors aimed to create impact, avoid compatibility issues, and generate excitement among consumers.
Why Did IPhone Skip 9 But Not 13?
The decision by Apple to skip the iPhone 9 but not the iPhone 13 can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, it is important to note that Apple has full control over the naming and branding of their products, and they have the freedom to deviate from numerical sequencing if they believe it aligns better with their marketing strategy.
1. Superstition and cultural beliefs: The number 13 is commonly associated with bad luck in various cultures. This superstition is known as triskaidekaphobia. By skipping the iPhone 13, Apple may have wanted to avoid any negative connotations or potential customer reluctance based on this superstitious belief.
2. Marketing and differentiation: Apple is known for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to product launches. By skipping the iPhone 9 and going straight to the iPhone X (10), they aimed to create a sense of excitement and significance around the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. This decision allowed Apple to highlight the technological advancements and unique features of the iPhone X, setting it apart from previous models.
3. Design and technological advancements: The naming of iPhones is not solely based on numerical order but also takes into account the design and technological advancements introduced in each model. The iPhone X was a significant departure from previous models, featuring an edge-to-edge OLED display, facial recognition technology, and other notable improvements. By naming it the iPhone X, Apple emphasized its exceptional features and its position as a flagship device.
4. Consistency and brand image: Apple has established a strong brand identity over the years, and this includes maintaining a consistent naming convention for their products. By skipping the iPhone 9, Apple was able to align with their 10th-anniversary celebration and maintain a sense of continuity with their previous naming patterns.
The decision to skip the iPhone 9 but not the iPhone 13 can be attributed to a combination of cultural beliefs, marketing strategy, design considerations, and brand image. Apple’s intention was likely to create a sense of excitement, differentiate their products, and maintain consistency within their brand identity.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to skip the iPhone 9 and go straight to the iPhone X (pronounced ‘iPhone 10’) was primarily driven by their desire to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. By naming their flagship product as the iPhone X, Apple wanted to symbolize this milestone and create a sense of excitement and anticipation among consumers. This decision was also in line with Apple’s strategy of introducing innovative and groundbreaking features with each new iPhone release. Additionally, it is worth noting that Apple also skipped the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus in numerical order, further emphasizing their focus on the special significance of the 10th anniversary. While various theories may circulate, the most plausible explanation is that Apple wanted to make a bold statement and mark this milestone with a unique and exceptional product.
