McDonald’s introduced the modern “M” logo in 1968.
The mark developed from the Golden Arches that had first appeared as architectural features on McDonald’s restaurants. In 1962, the separate arches were combined into an M-shaped symbol, creating the basic graphic idea behind the logo. The 1968 identity then established the familiar logo treatment used across the expanding chain.
This history is often compressed into a single date, which causes confusion. The arches were part of restaurant design before they became a logo, and the combined symbol existed before the 1968 identity. Distinguishing those stages explains why sources may mention both 1962 and 1968 when discussing the Golden Arches.
The logo’s strength came from its simplicity. It could be recognized at a distance, reproduced in many sizes, and used consistently on signs, packaging, advertisements, and restaurant materials as McDonald’s expanded internationally.