The Apache Software Foundation, one of the world’s largest open-source organizations, has introduced a new design. This is the first update to the foundation’s identity in many years.
The previous logo, featuring a feather, had been used for almost thirty years. Over time, however, it drew criticism, as the image was perceived as an inappropriate reference to the culture of Indigenous peoples of North America. In response to this discussion, the foundation decided to revise its visual language.
The new symbol is an oak leaf. According to ASF representatives, the oak is a metaphor for reliability and longevity. The tree grows slowly but creates strong ecosystems. Similarly, ASF supports hundreds of open-source projects, fostering their growth.
The change of symbol is accompanied by the transition to using the shortened name, The ASF, in external communications. The full legal name remains, but the abbreviation will now be used in presentations, on the website, and in the media.
The color system has preserved continuity: red, orange, and purple shades remain part of the identity but have been modernized for the digital environment. They emphasize that the update is not about abandoning history but about developing it.
The foundation notes that the oak leaf symbolizes strength and unity within the community. Just as the oak provides shade and protection for many living beings, ASF brings developers together, giving them space for collaboration. The image reflects the foundation’s core mission: supporting projects and cultural diversity in the community.
The new style was officially published on the organization’s website along with an explanation of its application principles. The identity has been adapted for print materials, digital interfaces, and conference events where ASF is always present.
ASF continues to manage dozens of well-known projects, including Apache HTTP Server, Hadoop, Kafka, and many others. Each is developed by volunteers and companies participating in the foundation’s work. The updated style shows that ASF remains a modern organization, open to different cultures and approaches.
The new logo and visual system have become a reflection of the foundation’s maturity and responsibility to the global developer community.