Apple branded cards have existed since long before the Apple Card we have now.
Wow. TIL.
Are you saying there have been more than just the one referenced in this ad and the current Apple Card? As far as I can tell, these two are the only Apple branded cards that have ever existed.
Apple had a credit card issued by Barclaycard from at least 2011 to 2019.
As mentioned Apple has had various credit deals with credit cards before. And mainly for the same goal - get you to buy a Mac. The Apple Card now is distinct because they really are encouraging it as a general use card beyond just Apple Store purchase.