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In computing culture, Easter eggs are little secrets hidden in software for unsuspecting users to find — like, well, Easter eggs!
They come in the form of messages, images, animations or even mini-games. In Apple’s early days, the company’s software contained dozens of Easter egg surprises, snuck in to credit unheralded programmers, make pop culture references, and generally add a human touch to cold, functional computer code.
Apple recently made headlines with a superb new Easter egg: a fully working virtual iPod that appears on Apple Music’s 404 “page not found” screen. The digital iPod even comes with its own Easter egg — a Breakout-style game called Brick that appeared as a real-life hidden feature on the first iPod. It’s nesting Easter eggs all the way down!
Users might love them, but inside companies, unsanctioned Easter eggs are strictly verboten. This seems like fun-killing spoilsportery, but it’s hard to argue that sneaky, unauthorized code in software shipped to millions is a good idea.
These days, Apple Easter eggs still exist, but they’re more likely to be authorized ones that playfully nod to the company’s past.
There’s a new one hidden in iOS 27 that harks back to one of Apple’s most beloved mascots, Clarus the Dogcow. Here’s how to find it — and yes, it comes across as a watered-down “official” Easter egg, but it’s still petty delightful. It put a smile on my face.
Also in today’s newsletter:
As agentic AIs like Muse and Dots take off, Apple CEO John Ternus is on a mission to make Siri AI catch up.
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I remember when 3D mice were a thing. Someone vibe-coded a modern equivalent that lets you use your iPhone as a cursor or trackpad.
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: It’s not a huge amount, but it is $10 off the latest Apple TV 4K — the one with Siri AI and surround sound and all that. #affiliate
Apple just released a round of bug and security improvements for Mac, iPhone, iPad and the rest. It’s a good idea to install them across the board ASAP, in case they patch some nasty in-the-wild security hole. But true to form (and maddeningly), Apple hasn’t detailed what’s in them. Still, I’m updating anyway.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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One more thing ...
I was voluntarily poor when I was in college and India, and I lived a pretty simple life when I was working. So I went from fairly poor, which was wonderful because I didn't have to worry about money, to being incredibly rich, when I also didn't have to worry about money.
Today’s poll
What's your favorite Apple Easter egg?
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