Skip to main content

The candle that smells like a new Mac got an update

The candle that smells like a new Mac got an update

Share this story

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Apple accessories maker Twelve South made headlines last year with the release of its “New Mac”-scented candles. It cost $24 to make your home smell like a freshly unboxed Apple Mac, which Twelve South interpreted as a mix of mint, peach, basil, lavender, mandarin, and sage. The candle sold out pretty quickly and has since been out of stock — until now. Say hello to Twelve South’s flagship candle, the Inspire [mac candle N°2].

The latest candle has an updated scent with “strong notes of bergamot, lemon, and tarragon,” which will hopefully remind people more of a new Mac than the previous generation did. When we put the New Mac candle to the test last year and tried to make people guess what the candle smelled like, we got answers ranging from “old grass” to “urinal cake.” Not one person guessed “New Mac,” and when we finally told them what it was supposed to smell like, they were like, “Yeah, no.”

I don’t blame anyone who couldn’t guess the scent because last year’s candle looked like this:

Compared to that clunky plastic jar, the updated candle is much more sleek, designed to “pay homage to Apple design.” It reminds me more of a super-expensive jar of hand cream, but I like it!

Twelve South
Twelve South

It’s slightly more expensive now at $29.99, not only because of competition in the electronics-scented candle industry, I presume, but because some proceeds will go to FIRST, a charity that helps young people pursue education in STEM fields. You can order it here.