The mega-empire of Apple, created by Steve Jobs, is often seen as the epitome of success in the high-tech industry — even among its critics. Many believe every Apple product becomes iconic, even before it launches. But has the company’s journey through the gadget market always been smooth?
Fortunately (or unfortunately), not every step in Apple’s history was a perfect one. Mistakes, reflection, and critical thinking have played crucial roles in the success of great innovators like Jobs. AdmiGram.com takes a look back at Apple’s most questionable products and decisions.
The 5 most unsuccessful Apple products in history
Macintosh TV (1993)
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Price: $2,099
Long before the concept of internet-connected TVs, Apple ventured into the idea of a computer-TV hybrid. The Macintosh TV, a precursor to modern devices like Apple TV, offered a 14-inch display, a built-in TV tuner, a 68030 processor, and ports for connecting a VCR or gaming console.
© 30pin Pictures / Flickr
It allowed users to switch between computer and television modes. Despite its forward-thinking concept, the Macintosh TV was too niche, expensive, and limited in functionality to attract buyers. Only 10,000 units were produced, and just 6,500 of those were sold.
Apple Pippin (1996)
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Price: $599
Apple’s attempt to merge gaming and computing resulted in the Pippin, which is often considered one of the company’s biggest failures. Marketed as a gaming console with multimedia capabilities, the device failed in almost every aspect.
© Video Game Esoterica / YouTube
Apple underestimated its competitors and misunderstood the gaming industry’s demands for powerful hardware and robust game libraries. Its high price, lack of performance, and scarce game options led to abysmal sales, making the Pippin a cautionary tale for the company.
Apple Newton (1993)
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Price: $700–$1,000
Apple Newton was a pioneering personal digital assistant (PDA) with handwriting recognition capabilities. It offered note-taking, scheduling, and contact management — a revolutionary idea at the time.
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However, the device fell short of its ambitious goals. Its handwriting recognition was notoriously inaccurate and became the butt of jokes. It was bulky, had poor battery life, and its steep price alienated potential customers. Apple reportedly invested around $100 million in Newton’s development, but its flaws overshadowed its innovations.
iPod Hi-Fi (2006)
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Price: $349
Launched as a premium stereo system, the iPod Hi-Fi aimed to deliver high-quality sound through an iPod. While the sleek design was quintessentially Apple, the product faced harsh criticism from audiophiles and tech reviewers.
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The sound quality didn’t justify its price, and it lacked advanced features expected in high-end audio systems. Furthermore, many Apple iPod models weren’t even compatible with the Hi-Fi. Less than a year after its release, Apple quietly discontinued the product.
iPhone 5C (2013)
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Price: $549 (unlocked)
Apple’s first attempt at a “budget-friendly” iPhone was the colorful iPhone 5C. Though it came with a plastic shell and vibrant hues, it was essentially a repackaged iPhone 5.
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While the 5C was supposed to cater to budget-conscious buyers, it was only $100 cheaper than the premium iPhone 5S, which featured advanced hardware, a better camera, and a sleek metal design. The price gap failed to justify the compromises, and the product didn’t resonate with Apple’s brand image of luxury and innovation. Weak sales led Apple to slash prices before eventually discontinuing the model.
