Eight years after the book “Designed by Apple in California”, which paid tribute to the brand’s most beautiful products, Apple is releasing a new book on the 100 best albums in history, according to a ranking created for its Apple Music streaming service . Its price: 450 euros.
In 2016, Apple published its first book. The manufacturer, which usually has the principle of looking forward, without ever looking back on its past, had published a collector’s book called Designed by Apple in California. There was no text inside, but 450 photos of new or used Apple products. Its objective was to look back on the history of the brand, showing the evolution of its design. Many saw it as a form of homage to Jony Ive, the emblematic designer of the Steve Jobs era, who was preparing to hand over the baton.
Eight years later, precisely on November 25, 2024, Apple will publish a new book entitled “Apple Music: 100 Best Albums”. It pays homage to an important editorial from the Apple Music teams, who ranked what they consider to be the best albums in history (The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill takes first place, ahead Thriller).
A collector’s book for 450 euros: is it serious?
Unlike the first Apple book, which was sold directly by the brand, the Apple Music book is marketed by a book specialist called Assouline. The company, which presents itself as “the first luxury brand dedicated to culture and lifestyle”will publish 1,500 copies of this book which already promises to be a collector’s item, with its transparent, white and gold cover. Each book is numbered according to its printing order, in order to make them collector’s items which, potentially, will cost a fortune on resale. For the record, Assouline is a French house.
The price of Apple and Assouline’s book? 450 euros, with the possibility of delivering it to France for free (phew). The brand chose an elitist book reserved for collectors, rather than a general public product sold in its own stores, which could have been successful at Christmas. It’s a shame, but this decision is also in his DNA. Apple has always liked to play with the codes of luxury.
What is the relationship between Apple and music? Before Apple Music, there was iTunes and the iPod. The brand, which has truly revolutionized the music sector, is one of the best positioned on the planet for such a ranking. She clarifies that it is subjective, but it also reflects years of expertise. Zane Lowe, who hosts the flagship Apple Music 1 radio show, is listed as the book’s co-author.
How much is the book Designed by Apple worth today?
Are the 450 euros for the Apple Music book being thrown out the window? It all depends on what you want to do with it. Apple’s book in 2016, which was sold in major Apple Stores at prices of 199 euros and 299 euros (depending on its size), has today become a rare commodity for collectors. On eBay, it can be found for between $500 and $3,000, depending on the condition of the item. Apple’s new book, which is even rarer than the first, could cost a fortune in the future.
