The absence of an iPhone 9 and Windows 9 from major tech releases has spurred debate. This article investigates the underlying reasons, exploring both technical challenges and brand positioning.
For Windows, compatibility concerns with legacy software were paramount. Several older programs were programmed to check the Windows version string for “Windows 9” to identify themselves as compatible with Windows 95 or 98. A new operating system named Windows 9 could have confused these older applications, potentially leading to serious compatibility issues.
Branding considerations were also significant for Microsoft. Windows 10 was intended to signify a fresh start. Microsoft’s goal was to establish the new OS as a major leap forward. This change allowed them to revitalize their brand image and create a stronger public perception.
In 2017, Apple made a strategic move by skipping the iPhone 9 and launching the iPhone X. The “X” was chosen to represent the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, a milestone celebrated in marketing. The iPhone X was not just an incremental update.
Apple wanted to underscore that the iPhone X was a radical redesign. With its bezel-less OLED display and Face ID, the iPhone X showed that the iPhone was a forward-thinking device. The new design helped Apple showcase its technological innovations.
The absence of the number 9 in these launches has been a coincidence and does not have any negative connotations for these companies.