iPad: Apple shares name with tampon
Apple's highly anticipated tablet caused quite a stir right from the start of its presentation on Wednesday evening. The buzz wasn't about technical specifications and facts, but about the name—iPad. That's because in the U.S., the new Apple device shares its name with tampons and panty liners (pads).
For North American women in particular, but not only, the moment the iPad was unveiled brought about an association with the hygiene product. Within a very short space of time, the term "iTampon" became a trending topic on Twitter at the time of the product presentation. Women in particular reacted somewhat disturbed, as the association with the tampon was so superficial. "Do any women work in the Apple marketing department?" wondered Brooke Hammerling, founder of the PR company Brew Media Relations. It seems as if hardly any surveys were carried out or feedback obtained in relation to the product name.
But it wasn't just women who were surprised. Social media and PR expert Peter Shankman also expressed his criticism to the New York Times. He said it was astonishing that Apple, which normally pays attention to every detail, had overlooked something here.
No damage to the brand
According to brand expert Oliver Schmitt from the agency viennabrand, such misfortunes in product naming are not uncommon. "It happens all the time and is of course not good for the product," Schmitt told Pressetext. At the same time, however, Apple is such a strong brand that a one-off slip-up can be tolerated. "However, if the 'pulling the wool over the eyes' gets out of hand, Apple may have to consider a different product name."
Despite the excitement, hardly anyone in the USA believes that the amusing name could ultimately cause serious damage to the iPad. "In three months, when it has established itself as hoped, nobody will remember the jokes," believes Hayes Roth, Chief Marketing Officer at Landor Associates, a brand consultancy firm. Apple probably discussed the name anyway, but chose it anyway because it fits so well into the product range. Apple itself has not yet commented on the name issue.
But it wasn't just women who were surprised. Social media and PR expert Peter Shankman also expressed his criticism to the New York Times. He said it was astonishing that Apple, which normally pays attention to every detail, had overlooked something here.
No damage to the brand
According to brand expert Oliver Schmitt from the agency viennabrand, such misfortunes in product naming are not uncommon. "It happens all the time and is of course not good for the product," Schmitt told Pressetext. At the same time, however, Apple is such a strong brand that a one-off slip-up can be tolerated. "However, if the 'pulling the wool over the eyes' gets out of hand, Apple may have to consider a different product name."
Despite the excitement, hardly anyone in the USA believes that the amusing name could ultimately cause serious damage to the iPad. "In three months, when it has established itself as hoped, nobody will remember the jokes," believes Hayes Roth, Chief Marketing Officer at Landor Associates, a brand consultancy firm. Apple probably discussed the name anyway, but chose it anyway because it fits so well into the product range. Apple itself has not yet commented on the name issue.
