20 Product Logos That Quietly Changed
These product logos slipped into new designs without most people realizing when the change happened.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Logos are designed to evolve, but sometimes, the changes are so subtle that you only notice them years later. Many brands updated their look to stay modern while holding on to their roots. This list looks at product logos that transformed quietly, yet made a lasting impact.
1. Apple’s Bite Got Sleeker
Apple Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Apple’s rainbow-striped logo was once playful and colorful, but it shifted to a sleek monochrome design. The modern version feels cleaner and matches the brand’s high-end image. The small tweak made the logo timeless and instantly recognizable.
2. Starbucks Dropped Its Name
GoToVan from Vancouver, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
Starbucks once had its name wrapped around the siren, but the company eventually let the image stand alone. The bold green siren is now enough to identify the brand without words. This quiet change reflected the brand’s global recognition.
3. Pepsi’s Swoosh Evolution
Dr. Partha Sarathi Sahana on Wikimedia Commons
Pepsi’s red, white, and blue circle has shifted countless times, each version slightly more rounded or tilted. The biggest change came in the 2000s when it became more of a smile-like swoosh. It is familiar yet always slightly different with every update.
4. McDonald’s Went Minimal
McDonald’s on Wikimedia Commons
The Golden Arches have always been there, but the logo slimmed down over time. The brand once used text-heavy signs but now relies on the “M” alone. The arches are strong enough to stand by themselves.
5. Google Cleaned Up Its Font
Google LLC on Wikimedia Commons
The Google logo once had a serif font with shadows, giving it a playful yet clunky look. Over time, it shifted to a clean, flat design with brighter colors. The update made the logo easier to read across all devices.
6. Coca-Cola’s Script Stayed the Same—Almost
Ralf Roletschek on Wikimedia Commons
The Coca-Cola logo looks unchanged at first glance, but it has been refined many times. The swirls and curves were adjusted over decades to make the script cleaner. This careful editing kept the classic look while modernizing it.
7. Nike Let the Swoosh Speak
Carolyn Davidson on Wikimedia Commons
Nike once paired its swoosh with bold lettering, but now, the swoosh often appears alone. It has become one of the most iconic symbols in sports and fashion. The brand no longer needs words to be recognized worldwide.
8. Microsoft Shifted to Simple Blocks
SP450 on Wikimedia Commons
Microsoft’s original logo was a heavy, techy wordmark. Today, it is four colorful squares representing its main products. The clean design highlights the brand’s modern software focus.
9. KFC Simplified Colonel Sanders
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
The KFC logo once showed a full-body Colonel Sanders with detailed features. Over the years, it became a cleaner headshot with bolder outlines. The simplified version keeps the character iconic while fitting better on packaging.
10. Shell Polished Its Icon
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
The Shell logo started with a realistic shell drawing before transforming into a bold red-and-yellow symbol. The company dropped the word “Shell” in many versions. The image now speaks for itself across gas stations worldwide.
11. LEGO’s Bricks Got Brighter
The Lego Group on Wikimedia Commons
The LEGO logo used to have muted colors and a blocky design. Today it pops with bold red, yellow, and white lettering that reflects its playful nature. The redesign made the brand feel even more child-friendly.
12. IBM Settled Into Stripes
Viscovery, IBM, Amazon on Wikimedia Commons
IBM’s logo once shifted between different fonts before becoming its iconic striped version. The stripes gave it a tech-forward look without being flashy. It remains one of the most consistent logos in the corporate world.
13. Burger King Rounded Its Bun
Burger King on Wikimedia Commons
Burger King’s logo has bounced between playful and sleek designs. The most recent update brought back a retro look with flatter buns and bold colors. It feels fresh while honoring the classic version.
14. Mastercard Dropped Its Name
Mastercard Incorporated on Wikimedia Commons
Mastercard’s overlapping circles stayed the same, but the company eventually removed its name. The red and yellow design is instantly recognizable on its own. It reflects the confidence of a truly global brand.
15. Audi Streamlined Its Rings
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Audi’s four-ring logo stayed consistent, but details changed over time. The metallic shine became flatter for digital use. The modern look keeps the elegance while being more versatile.
16. Nestlé Simplified Its Nest
Nestle on Wikimedia Commons
The Nestlé logo originally showed a detailed nest with several birds. Over time, it was simplified into a clean outline with fewer details. The change made it easier to print while keeping the family feel.
17. Adidas Played With Shapes
Adidas on Wikimedia Commons
Adidas has alternated between its trefoil and its three-stripe mountain logo. Each design represents different parts of its brand identity. Both have become iconic symbols in sports and streetwear.
18. FedEx Revealed Its Hidden Arrow
FedEx Express on Wikimedia Commons
The FedEx logo looks simple, but a hidden arrow between the “E” and “x” appeared after a redesign. This subtle touch symbolizes speed and direction. It is one of the smartest logo changes ever made.
19. Instagram Went Full Gradient
Sujonit1 on Wikimedia Commons
Instagram’s early logo looked like a classic camera. It later shifted into a colorful gradient icon that stood out on phone screens. The change was bold but made it more modern and eye-catching.
20. Twitter Trimmed Its Bird
Martin Grasser, per source on Wikimedia Commons
Twitter’s bird started out with more detail and feathers. The redesign made it sleeker and angled upward to suggest flight. The simple silhouette became one of the most recognizable icons online.