"Just a little detail that wouldn't sell anything"
20 hours ago
- #Apple
- #Design
- #Nostalgia
- The 'Sleep Indicator Light' debuted in the iBook G3 in 1999, designed to mimic human breathing at 12 breaths per minute.
- The light's position evolved from the hinge to other locations in laptops and desktops like the Power Mac, Cube, and iMac.
- Apple introduced a light sensor in the iMac G5 to adjust brightness based on ambient light or time of day.
- Later MacBooks featured a sleep light that appeared to shine through perforated aluminum, eliminating the need for a visible opening.
- Apple's display connector allowed synchronized pulsing sleep lights between Macs and Apple Cinema Displays.
- The breathing light was eventually discontinued, a victim of design changes that also removed other features like the battery indicator and illuminated logo.
- The light had practical uses, such as indicating safe sleep mode for hard drives, but its breathing animation was a purely humanistic touch.
- Enthusiasts have attempted to recreate the breathing light effect, highlighting its nostalgic and quirky appeal.