When Steve Jobs got Google logo changed; told Google: I don't like the way...

Times of India

by TOI TECH DESK

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Steve Jobs’ attention to detail was legendary, even extending to the subtle gradient of the second 'O' in Google's logo on the iPhone. In January 2008, while Vic Gundotra, then Google’s Senior Vice President of Engineering, was in church, Jobs called him to point out that the yellow gradient in the Google icon on Apple’s iPhone wasn’t quite right. Jobs, known for his pixel-perfect design sensibilities, had noticed an imperceptible color rendering issue and immediately assigned Apple’s Senior Director of Human Interface, Greg Christie, to fix it by Monday morning. The call highlighted the collaborative yet intense relationship between Apple and Google at the time. Though they were partners—Google Maps and YouTube were pre-installed on iPhones—the exchange underscored Jobs’ meticulous approach to design, even when it came to another company’s branding. The issue wasn’t about global brand consistency but rather how the icon rendered specifically on the iPhone’s display. Jobs’ insistence on perfection was part of his broader leadership philosophy. He believed that even the smallest details mattered, and this story serves as a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. Christie promptly resolved the issue by sending corrected gradient files to Gundotra, who implemented the change without fanfare. The anecdote remained private until 2011 when Gundotra shared it publicly in tribute to Jobs after his resignation. This story has become one of the most enduring tales about Jobs, illustrating why he was so successful—his unwavering focus on every aspect of a product, no matter how small. It also reflects the mutual respect between Apple and Google during their partnership phase and offers insight into the importance of detail-oriented leadership in tech innovation. For readers interested in the world of technology and design, this story is a reminder of how even minor details can have significant consequences in shaping user experience and product success. Jobs’ ability to notice such nuances and his willingness to act on them set him apart as a leader and innovator, leaving an indelible mark on the tech industry.

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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026