20+ Iconic Brands and What They Show About the Evolution of Logos

As a designer, brand strategist, or business owner, you know a logo is more than just a design. It’s the heartbeat of a brand. Great logos aren’t just symbols. They tell stories, spark emotions, and leave lasting impressions.

From startups to global giants, every brand needs a logo that tells its story and shows customers what it stands for.

In this post, we’re exploring 20+ famous logos and how they’ve transformed over time. But how did these transformations start, and where do logo things begin to change?

Ready to see what makes these logos memorable?

Scroll down and see which logo evolution inspire you most!

The Importance of Having a Logo

A logo is more than just a design; it's the face of a brand. Studies show that people form an impression of a brand within 10 seconds of seeing its logo, and 90% of consumers expect brand consistency across platforms. A well-designed logo plays a significant role in building that impression.

For instance, the Nike swoosh is instantly recognizable worldwide, and it's estimated that Nike's brand value, now over $33 billion, has grown significantly due to its iconic logo, which people immediately associate with quality and performance. Similarly, McDonald's golden arches are recognized by 88% of people globally, making it one of the most recognizable logos on the planet and a huge part of its brand success.

Logos help build customer trust, too. Surveys indicate that 75% of people judge a brand's credibility based on its logo design. Whether on a website, social media, or packaging, a logo makes a brand look cohesive and professional. 

This consistency boosts brand recognition by up to 80%, making it easier for customers to remember the brand and come back for more.

For any business, a logo is essential for creating a memorable, trustworthy identity that stands out.

Why Do Brands Consider a Logo Redesign?

Before we jump into examples, let’s talk about why brands update their logos in the first place.

There can be a few reasons.

Sometimes, a logo starts to look outdated compared to newer brands, and it needs a refresh to stay current. Other times, a brand is growing or changing direction and needs a logo that reflects that shift. Or maybe they want to appeal to a new audience and need a look that speaks to them.

And of course, logos need to look great on all screens today, from tiny app icons to website headers.

Whatever the reason, updating a logo helps brands stay relevant and memorable.

Where Do Logo Things Begin to Change?

Every iconic logo has a story, and within that story lies a pivotal moment—a point where logo things begin to change. This moment reflects more than just a design update; it marks a shift in the brand’s journey, its ambitions, and how it connects with its audience.

For instance: Apple, in 1998, embraced minimalism with its sleek apple silhouette. This change wasn’t just about aesthetics—it symbolized Apple’s evolution into an innovative leader in simplicity and functionality.

Dunkin’, when it dropped “Donuts” from its name in 2019, showed the world it was more than a donut shop—it was a modern destination for coffee lovers and snack enthusiasts alike.These are more than design tweaks.

They represent growth, adaptability, and a deep understanding of consumer trends. Whether to modernize, simplify, or target a new audience, logo things begin to change when brands recognize the need to stay relevant in a fast-moving world.

Successful Evolution of Logos Examples

Apple Logo Evolution - Established 1976

Let’s start with a tech giant—Apple.

Over the years, Apple has changed its logo several times, each version reflecting the company’s growth and evolution. One of the biggest changes came in 1998 when Apple introduced the sleek apple silhouette with a bite out of it.

The result? A timeless symbol that connects with people worldwide and perfectly captures Apple’s identity.

2. Dunkin Donuts Logo Evolution - 1950

Dunkin’, the coffee and donut favorite, made waves with its big logo redesign in 2019.

Previously known as Dunkin’ Donuts, the brand decided to drop “Donuts” from its name, going by Dunkin’ instead.

While keeping the iconic pink and orange colors, Dunkin’ opted for a cleaner, more minimal look.

This rebrand wasn’t just a style update—it reflected their shift to a wider range of drinks and snacks beyond donuts.

The new look still retains Dunkin’s playful vibe while expanding its appeal to more customers, positioning it as a modern, versatile destination.

3. Nike logo Evolution - 1971

Nike’s logo journey is a simple but powerful evolution.

Originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports, the brand became Nike in 1971 with the introduction of the swoosh, designed by a student for $35.

Over time, Nike dropped the brand name from its logo, letting the swoosh stand alone as a symbol of movement and athleticism.

The swoosh has since become one of the most iconic symbols in sports and fashion, capturing the brand’s energy and drive.

Today, the swoosh speaks for itself, embodying Nike’s bold and powerful brand identity.

4. McDonald Logo Evolution - 1940

McDonald’s golden arches are one of the world’s most recognized symbols.

Starting with a more complex design in the 1940s, the brand eventually simplified it into the “M” shape in the 1960s.

This bright yellow “M” quickly became synonymous with fast food and global convenience.

It’s a timeless design that connects with generations, representing the consistency and comfort of the McDonald’s experience.

Through small tweaks, the golden arches remain a powerful symbol across the world.

5. Evolution of Starbucks Logo - 1971

Starbucks’ logo evolution started with a complex siren surrounded by the words “Coffee, Tea, Spices.”

Over the years, the brand simplified the siren and dropped the text entirely by 2011, keeping only the green siren.

This shift symbolized Starbucks’ growth from a Seattle coffee shop to a global coffee icon.

The green siren now stands as a modern, minimalist logo that resonates with coffee lovers worldwide.

It’s a refined logo that speaks to Starbucks’ commitment to quality and culture.

6. Logo Evolution Pepsi - 1898

Pepsi’s logo has gone through numerous redesigns to keep up with changing times.

Originally a red script, Pepsi added the iconic red, white, and blue globe in the 1950s, symbolizing American pride.

Over the years, the globe has been simplified and modernized to reflect a youthful, energetic brand.

Each update keeps Pepsi fresh and relevant while staying true to its heritage.

The current design is a clean, dynamic version of Pepsi’s familiar look.

7. Evolution of Coca Cola Logo- 1886

Coca-Cola’s logo is one of the best examples of brand consistency.

Since the early 1900s, Coca-Cola has kept its red and white script nearly unchanged, aside from a few small adjustments.

This enduring design has made Coca-Cola a beloved symbol of nostalgia and comfort across the world.

The classic script is instantly recognizable and ties customers back to the brand’s rich history.

Today, it remains a powerful icon of tradition in the beverage industry.

8. Evolution of Shell Logo - 1904

Shell’s logo began as a detailed shell illustration, but over time, it transformed into a simpler, bolder design.

In the 1940s, Shell adopted the bright yellow and red scallop shape we recognize today.

This shift made Shell’s logo one of the most memorable symbols in the oil industry.

The clean, minimal design aligns with Shell’s focus on global recognition and reliability.

It’s a timeless look that’s easy to spot at stations around the world.

9. Google Logo Evolution - 1998

Google’s logo hasn’t changed dramatically, but its updates have modernized its look.

In 2015, Google moved to a clean, sans-serif font, creating a more approachable and user-friendly design.

The simplified look fits well across digital platforms, which is essential for a tech giant like Google.

This subtle evolution reflects Google’s commitment to innovation and simplicity.

Today, Google’s playful colors and clean lines make it instantly recognizable worldwide.

10. IBM Logo Evolution - 1924

IBM’s logo evolution brought simplicity and strength to its design.

Originally a text-heavy logo, IBM adopted its famous striped logo in the 1970s.

The stripes represent speed and progress, aligning IBM with its identity as a tech innovator.

This sleek, professional look has made IBM one of the most recognized brands in technology.

The striped design remains an iconic representation of IBM’s legacy in tech.

11. FedEx Logo Evolution - 1971

FedEx’s logo is best known for its hidden arrow between the “E” and “X,” symbolizing speed and precision.

This subtle feature, introduced in the 1990s, became an iconic part of the brand’s identity.

The logo’s clean design reflects FedEx’s commitment to efficiency and reliability.

Over time, the logo has remained largely unchanged, with minor adjustments for clarity.

The hidden arrow continues to resonate with customers, making FedEx memorable and trustworthy.

12. Mercedes Benz Logo Evolution - 1926

Mercedes-Benz’s logo evolution centers on its iconic three-pointed star.

The star, introduced in 1926, represents the brand’s aim for dominance on land, sea, and air.

Over time, Mercedes-Benz refined the logo into a sleek, elegant emblem of luxury and engineering.

This simple yet powerful symbol is synonymous with high performance and quality.

Today, the three-pointed star stands as an international symbol of automotive excellence.

13. Evolution of toyota Logo - 1937

Toyota’s logo changed from a simple wordmark to the iconic three-ellipse symbol in 1989.

These ellipses represent the unity of the customer, product, and brand. This design has made Toyota’s logo instantly recognizable worldwide.

Today, it’s a global symbol of quality and innovation in the auto industry.

14. General Electric’s Timeless Monogram - 1892

General Electric’s logo has remained largely unchanged since 1892.

The intertwined “GE” letters within a circle represent the company’s tradition and longevity. This consistent design has helped GE become a trusted household name.

It’s a classic logo that speaks to stability and innovation.

15. Volkswagen Logo Evolution - 1937

Volkswagen’s “VW” logo has evolved from a cogwheel design to a sleek, minimalist emblem.

The updated design preserves the brand’s iconic look while making it more adaptable for digital use. This simplicity reflects Volkswagen’s commitment to modernity and quality.

Today, it’s a timeless symbol of approachable German engineering.

16. Audi Logo Evolution - 1932

Audi’s four interlocking rings symbolize the merger of four car companies.

The design has been refined over time to reflect Audi’s reputation for precision and luxury. This clean, modern look aligns with the brand’s commitment to high performance.

The rings are now a symbol of unity, progress, and sophistication.

17. BMW Logo Evolution - 1916

BMW’s logo, with its blue and white roundel, was inspired by a spinning propeller.

The logo has seen subtle updates to maintain a modern look, but it still reflects the brand’s German heritage and engineering prowess. This design embodies BMW’s high-performance identity.

The roundel is now synonymous with quality and precision.

18. Nissan Logo Evolution - 1933

Nissan’s logo evolved from a red circle and blue rectangle to a sleek silver design in 2020.

This change reflected a modern, forward-thinking brand image. The updated look aligns Nissan with a digital age while still keeping its heritage intact.

It’s a clean, sophisticated logo that captures Nissan’s commitment to innovation.

19. UPS Logo Evolution - 1907

UPS’s logo evolved from a detailed eagle crest to a simpler shield design in 2003.

This shift reflects UPS’s modern, reliable image while maintaining elements of its heritage. The shield symbolizes security and trust in delivery.

It’s a logo that reassures customers of UPS’s reliability and dedication.

20. AT&T Logo Eolution - 1885

AT&T’s logo transitioned from a bell symbol to the iconic globe design in 1983.

The globe represents AT&T’s commitment to connectivity and its global reach. The updated logo aligns with AT&T’s role as a communications leader.

It’s a design that symbolizes a connected world.

21. HP Logo Evolution - 1939

HP’s logo has evolved from a detailed design to a sleek, minimalist look.

The latest design reflects HP’s focus on innovation and technology. This clean look fits well across all digital platforms and devices, representing HP’s versatility.

HP’s logo evolution captures its growth as a trusted tech leader.

22. Warner Bros Logo Evolution - 1923

Warner Bros. modernized its classic shield logo in 2019, creating a streamlined, contemporary design.

This updated look fits well with digital media and reflects Warner Bros.’ evolving role in entertainment. The simplified shield maintains the brand’s heritage while appealing to today’s audiences.

It’s a logo that combines tradition with modernity, symbolizing quality storytelling and cinematic excellence.

Future of Logo Design

Logos are changing fast, with new trends making them more personal and meaningful. Here’s what the future holds:

1. Logos that Move and Interact:
   Picture a logo that changes colors or even reacts when you hover over it online. Animated logos make brands feel alive. Small animations and color shifts help logos stand out, especially on digital platforms.
2. Logos for Every Screen Size:
   From billboards to tiny smartwatch screens, logos now need to fit everywhere. Responsive logos adjust to any device, making sure brands look sharp, no matter where you see them.
3. Simple but Meaningful Designs:
   Minimalism is more than a trend; it’s becoming thoughtful. Brands use simple shapes and colors to say more with less, creating logos that are clear, memorable, and true to their identity.
4. Logos with Values:
   People want to support brands that care. Logos now reflect this with earthy colors and nature-inspired shapes, showing a commitment to the planet and social issues that matter.
5. Logos that Feel Personal:
   Imagine a logo that changes based on the time of day or even the weather. With AI, brands can make logos that feel unique for each viewer. These small shifts create a personal connection, making logos feel tailored just for you.

Should You Redesign Your Logo or Go for a Refresh?

A logo update can boost your brand, help you stand out, and build a deeper connection with your audience. It’s more than just a new look—it’s about telling your brand’s story in a way that resonates.

At Ofspace Design Team, we approach every redesign with creativity and purpose, ensuring the new logo reflects your brand’s essence and leaves a lasting impression.

Ready for a fresh look or just a simple update? Let’s work together to create a logo that truly connects with your audience.