The initiative brings together Porsche and Apple around a shared heritage that dates back more than four decades. The design references the Porsche 935 K3 entered at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1980, where Apple branding first appeared on a race car.
The revival also coincides with two anniversaries in 2026: 75 years of Porsche and 50 years since Apple’s founding. The collaboration highlights a longstanding relationship built on innovation and creativity.
A Historic Design Returns to the Track
The livery draws directly from the original Apple-branded Porsche 935 K3, a customer-owned car that competed at Le Mans in 1980. That car marked the first time Apple’s logo appeared in motorsport, establishing a visual identity that remains recognizable decades later.
According to Motor1, the modern interpretation carries over the key elements of the original design while adapting them to the shape of the Porsche 963. The result is a retro-inspired appearance that connects past and present without altering its core visual cues.
Apple’s involvement is framed as a continuation of that early collaboration. An Apple vice president stated that the 1980 project marked “the beginning of a shared passion for innovation and creativity,” a relationship now revisited through this new design.
A One-off Livery with Symbolic Milestones
The special livery is not intended to be permanent. Porsche has confirmed it will appear only for this specific race weekend, making it a limited visual statement rather than a long-term branding shift.
The timing aligns with significant anniversaries for both companies. Porsche is marking its 75th year, while Apple celebrates 50 years since its founding. These milestones are reflected in the decision to revisit a historic collaboration rather than introduce a completely new concept.
Apple’s classic rainbow logo is prominently displayed on the roof of the car. Its signature colors extend across the fenders, hood, bumper, and fin, contrasting with the white body and black accents of the Porsche 963.
Race Debut at Laguna Seca in IMSA Competition
The two Porsche 963 cars will debut the livery on May 3 during the fourth round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. They will compete in the GTP class, one of the premier categories in the series.
This race setting provides a high-visibility platform for the design’s return. The event marks the first time the updated Apple livery will be seen in modern endurance racing competition.
While Porsche has described the design as a one-time effort, the visual impact has already drawn attention. The combination of historical reference and contemporary race machinery creates a rare moment where branding, heritage, and competition intersect on track.
