The Subtle ‘20’ That Changed How I Think About Anniversary Branding

In July 2025, Apple unveiled a striking visual to mark 20 years of podcasts on iTunes - a design that’s both minimalistic and deeply considered. By using the simple geometry of classic broadcast microphones and positioning the lighting to naturally form the number “20,” Apple achieves a clever balance of concept and craft. The rich, moody palette and subtle contrasts not only set the tone but also clearly define the anniversary mark without relying on overt illustration. What inspires me most about this piece is how it challenges my own instinct to approach milestone branding with illustrative solutions. This design has opened the door for me to think more realistically (and even photographically) when approaching future anniversary visuals.