Apple: Difference between revisions
m →Software: link to xcode |
→Recent attempts to do better: Add a passage to put these into perspective a bit since the list could give the wrong impression otherwise |
||
| (24 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{ | {{CompanyCargo | ||
|Founded=1976 | |||
| | |Industry=Electronics | ||
| | |Logo=Apple_logo_black.png | ||
| | |ParentCompany= | ||
| | |Type=Public | ||
| | |Website=https://apple.com/ | ||
| | |Description= | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Wplink|Apple Inc.|'''Apple'''}} is an American technology company that was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. It is best known for its consumer electronics, software, and services. | {{Wplink|Apple Inc.|'''Apple'''}} is an American technology company that was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. It is best known for its consumer electronics, software, and services. | ||
Apple's current product lineup includes hardware such as the [[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]], iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV; operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, and macOS; and various software and services including Apple Pay, iCloud, and multimedia streaming services like Apple Music and [[Apple TV+]]. | Apple's current product lineup includes hardware such as the [[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]], iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, AirPods, and Apple TV; operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS; and various software and services including Apple Pay, iCloud, Apple Arcade, and multimedia streaming services like Apple Music and [[Apple TV+]]. | ||
<!-- Insert consumer protection summary here. --> | <!-- Insert consumer protection summary here. --> | ||
| Line 17: | Line 16: | ||
==Incidents== | ==Incidents== | ||
===Repairability of Apple products in the | ===Repairability of Apple products in the 2000s=== | ||
Since the 2000s, Apple has focused on reducing the weight of its products as technology has advanced and become increasingly complex. This shift has contributed to challenges in repairing and upgrading their devices | Since the 2000s, Apple has focused on reducing the weight of its products as technology has advanced and become increasingly complex. This shift has contributed to challenges in repairing and upgrading their devices. | ||
===Hardware design issues in the | ===Hardware design issues in the 2010s=== | ||
Apple had numerous hardware design issues in the | Apple had numerous hardware design issues in the 2010s, often poorly acknowledged by the company and frequently charging exorbitant amounts for repair. | ||
*[https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ High-cost GPU failures on early 2010's MacBooks] | *[https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ High-cost GPU failures on early 2010's MacBooks] | ||
| Line 27: | Line 26: | ||
*[https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design 2016-2019 MacBooks butterfly keyboards] | *[https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design 2016-2019 MacBooks butterfly keyboards] | ||
*the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro's [https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html SSD failures] | *the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro's [https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html SSD failures] | ||
*The announcement and cancellation of [[Apple AirPower]] due to overheating | |||
====Recent attempts to do better==== | ====Recent attempts to do better==== | ||
| Line 33: | Line 33: | ||
This includes: | This includes: | ||
*Opening an online [ | *Opening an online [[Apple Self Service Repair|Self Service Repair]] parts store. | ||
*Making the [https://www.ifixit.com/News/64865/iphone-14-teardown back glass of iPhones removable] starting from iPhone 14. | *Making the [https://www.ifixit.com/News/64865/iphone-14-teardown back glass of iPhones removable] starting from iPhone 14. | ||
*Allowing alternative app stores in an update to iOS 17, in compliance with new [https://support.apple.com/en-us/117767#:~:text=Contact%20Apple%20Support-,Installing%20apps%20through%20alternative%20app%20distribution%20in%20the%20European%20Union,with%20iPadOS%2018%20or%20later. EU legislation]. | *Allowing alternative app stores in an update to iOS 17, in compliance with new [https://support.apple.com/en-us/117767#:~:text=Contact%20Apple%20Support-,Installing%20apps%20through%20alternative%20app%20distribution%20in%20the%20European%20Union,with%20iPadOS%2018%20or%20later. EU legislation]. | ||
| Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
*[https://www.ifixit.com/News/104302/all-hail-the-return-of-upgradeable-storage-mac-mini-2024-teardown An upgradeable, swappable SSD in the 2024 Mac Mini] - albeit you cannot swap these units between M4 and M4 Pro units due to the internal casing's design being different without much good reason. | *[https://www.ifixit.com/News/104302/all-hail-the-return-of-upgradeable-storage-mac-mini-2024-teardown An upgradeable, swappable SSD in the 2024 Mac Mini] - albeit you cannot swap these units between M4 and M4 Pro units due to the internal casing's design being different without much good reason. | ||
*A battery removable with just a 9V battery in the 2024 [https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 iPhone 16] and [https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 iPhone 16 Plus]. | *A battery removable with just a 9V battery in the 2024 [https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 iPhone 16] and [https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 iPhone 16 Plus]. | ||
Many of these items have sparked allegations of [[Malicious Compliance]] and being introduced purely to make stricter right for repair legislation appear unnecessary to legislators while not doing much to improve the situation for consumers. | |||
For instance, pricing for parts on the [[Apple Self Service Repair|Self Service Repair]] store is virtually identical to having the part replaced by Apple themselves (including both the price of the part and labor), alternate app installation options are limited to users in the EU, still require developers to be registered with Apple, have them approve the apps and in many cases paying them fees, and the upgradeable SSDs do not use common standards such as M.2 NVME. Unlike standard SSDs, they are also not always swappable between different models and require access to a second Apple computer to provision after installation. | |||
===Operating system downgrades=== | ===Operating system downgrades=== | ||
It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc. to an Operating System (OS) version | It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc. to an Operating System (OS) version that is no longer signed by Apple. In most cases, only the most recent version is signed. Some exceptions exist, such as certain Apple TV models and Apple Silicon Macs. Downgrading the Apple TV 4K series is not possible at all due to the lack of a USB port. On Macs with T2 chip or Apple Silicon, the user can select from three modes of secure boot:<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Startup Security Utility on a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607083624/https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |archive-date=7 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref> | ||
*No security: Allow any OS to run (same as turning off secure boot on a PC). | *No security: Allow any OS to run (same as turning off secure boot on a PC). | ||
| Line 47: | Line 50: | ||
*Full security: Only allow the latest version of macOS, do not allow any other OS. | *Full security: Only allow the latest version of macOS, do not allow any other OS. | ||
iOS devices only support full security mode. The device checks for a cryptographic "[https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket ticket]," which are tied to the OS version and CPU serial number. These are provided by a server, which only provides them for the latest version (with very specific exceptions). The device refuses to boot if the ticket does not match. [https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading Workarounds] exist, but with major caveats that are not viable for most users | iOS devices only support full security mode. The device checks for a cryptographic "[https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket ticket]," which are tied to the OS version and CPU serial number. These are provided by a server, which only provides them for the latest version (with very specific exceptions). The device refuses to boot if the ticket does not match. [https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading Workarounds] exist, but with major caveats that are not viable for most users, see the technical details on [[wikipedia:SHSH_blob|SHSH blobs]]. | ||
===Class action lawsuit=== | ===Class action lawsuit=== | ||
Apple was the defendant of a class-action lawsuit with claims dating back to 2017 where users noticed their phones were being artificially slowed down. Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit for up to $500 million USD.<ref> | Apple was the defendant of a class-action lawsuit with claims dating back to 2017 where users noticed their phones were being artificially slowed down. Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit for up to $500 million USD.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Gael |date=9 Jan 2024 |title=Apple Starts Sending Out iPhone 'Batterygate' Settlement Payments. What to Know |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321051703/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |archive-date=21 Mar 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=CNET}}</ref> Apple claimed that this change was to benefit users who have old failing batteries, and that it wasn't for planned obsolescence. They later published software updates and an article explaining how users can opt out of this new "performance management" mode.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone battery and performance |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618231138/https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |archive-date=18 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref> | ||
Once a new OS version is installed, there is no opportunity to go back. This also restricts the user's choice to {{Wplink|iOS jailbreaking|jailbreak}} the device, as the latest version naturally has patches for the latest jailbreak exploits. App developers also require access to earlier iOS versions to test that their app works correctly. The alternative, Xcode's iOS Simulator, is not a complete replacement for real hardware, as it does not have all features of a physical device.<ref>https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/</ref> Instead, app developers are forced to purchase several test devices, and remember to ''never'' allow them to update. | Once a new OS version is installed, there is no opportunity to go back. This also restricts the user's choice to {{Wplink|iOS jailbreaking|jailbreak}} the device, as the latest version naturally has patches for the latest jailbreak exploits. App developers also require access to earlier iOS versions to test that their app works correctly. The alternative, Xcode's iOS Simulator, is not a complete replacement for real hardware, as it does not have all features of a physical device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vajpai |first=Shreeti |date=24 Jun 2024 |title=iOS Emulators / Simulators vs Real iOS Devices |url=https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519081214/https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |archive-date=19 May 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=ContextQA}}</ref> Instead, app developers are forced to purchase several test devices, and remember to ''never'' allow them to update. | ||
===Parts availability=== | ===Parts availability=== | ||
| Line 64: | Line 67: | ||
===Certified repair centers=== | ===Certified repair centers=== | ||
Certified Repair Centers have some limited access to Apple's proprietary backend (GSX2). GSX contains many tools necessary to repair devices such as diagnostic tools, calibration tools, parts catalog, and device repair history. GSX is only accessible to repair centers Apple deems certified. GSX does not stock parts for iPads. It does not allow the calibration of parts such as lid sensors for a device, if that device does not have an open repair and purchased parts. The new iOS 18 calibration tool is very similar to Apple's ASU (GSX's diagnostic/calibration tool). Some videos of GSX can be found online. See: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8bS1AgxcY GSX - How to Gain GSX Apple Access - iOSGenius] | Certified Repair Centers have some limited access to Apple's proprietary backend (GSX2). GSX contains many tools necessary to repair devices such as diagnostic tools, calibration tools, parts catalog, and device repair history. GSX is only accessible to repair centers Apple deems certified. GSX does not stock parts for iPads. It does not allow the calibration of parts such as lid sensors for a device, if that device does not have an open repair and purchased parts. The new iOS 18 calibration tool is very similar to Apple's ASU (GSX's diagnostic/calibration tool). Some videos of GSX can be found online. See: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8bS1AgxcY GSX - How to Gain GSX Apple Access - iOSGenius] | ||
===Advertisements in first party apps=== | |||
In 2014, Apple and the band U2 partnered to give all iTunes users a free digital copy of their newest album at the time, ''Songs of Innocence'', which was marketed as "the biggest album release ever in history".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|title=Apple & U2 Release “Songs of Innocence” Exclusively for iTunes Store Customers|date=2014-09-09|work=Apple Newsroom|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405230217/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|archive-date=2025-04-05|url-status=live}}</ref> Many users who didn't want the album couldn't remove it from their iTunes library due to the album being listed as a "past purchase" on their account (however the album could always be "hidden").<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|title=Apple's Devious U2 Album Giveaway Is Even Worse Than Spam|date=2014-09-16|first=Vijith|last=Assar|work=WIRED|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530112829/https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|archive-date=2025-05-30|url-status=live}}</ref> Some reports speculated the deal was worth 100 million dollars and was done due to the band's declining popularity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|title=Apple's U2 Album Promotion Backfires|first=Nathan|last=Rott|date=2014-09-15|work=NPR|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601154245/https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|archive-date=2025-06-01|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, Bono, a member of U2, wrote in his memoir how Tim Cook reportedly said how "there’s something not right about giving [U2's] art away for free" and "the whole point of what we’re trying to do at Apple is to not give away music free. The point is to make sure musicians get paid".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|title=Apple CEO Tim Cook thought U2 putting its album on your iPhone was ‘not right’—even though he did it anyway|first=Tristan|last=Bove|date=2022-10-24|work=Fortune|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127191141/https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|archive-date=2025-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In 2025, Apple added a promotional offer for the [https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/f1/news/ F1 movie] in their Wallet application. Users have mentioned how this could violate Apple's own policy on advertising, how the high price of Apple devices shouldn't justify first party ads, and the annoyance of seeing it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1ljfs7u/getting_ads_in_apple_wallet_how_to_disable/|title=Getting ads in Apple Wallet, how to disable?|author=u/african-nightmare|date=2025-06-24|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url= }}</ref> For users on the iOS 26 beta, there is an option to disable "Offers & Promotions", with users on iOS 18 needing to disable notifications completely for the Wallet app.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|title=iPhone customers upset by Apple Wallet ad pushing ‘F1’ movie|first=Sarah|last=Perez|date=2025-06-24|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624213223/https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|archive-date=2025-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===AirDrop censorship (''2022'')=== | |||
As a result of the 2019 Hong Kong protests, Apple was pressured by the Chinese government to set a time limit for the AirDrop "everyone" option for iPhones due to its impact at scheduling protests against the government to avoid censorship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23450967/apple-airdrop-limited-china-goverment-protests|title=Apple limits AirDrop in China after its use in protests|first=Jess|last=Weatherbed|date=2022-11-10|work=The Verge|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723112204/https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23450967/apple-airdrop-limited-china-goverment-protests|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In 2023, the setting was applied to all iPhones worldwide to "mitigate unwanted file sharing", meaning users will need to set their airdrop setting manually every ten minutes instead of leaving it on permanently, leaving the only other options as "contacts only" and "receiving off".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/17/apple-globally-censoring-this-iphone-communication-feature-deserves-renewed-scrutiny/|title=Apple globally censoring this iPhone communication feature deserves renewed scrutiny|first=Zac|last=Hall|date=2025-03-17|work=9To5Mac|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723142521/https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/17/apple-globally-censoring-this-iphone-communication-feature-deserves-renewed-scrutiny/|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===2024 Antitrust Lawsuit=== | |||
In March 2024, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Apple claiming that the "closed garden" ecosystem Apple creates surrounding its iPhones stifles competition and innovation. The lawsuit alleges that Apple is directly forcing customers to purchase and use iPhones and their accessories and software in several ways: | |||
*Forcing mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to offer its best customer deals exclusively to those who purchase iPhones. | |||
*Restricting the functionality of Super apps such as WeChat. | |||
*Forcing in-app purchases through applications such as Fortnite to be made within the App Store and taking a part of the proceeds as commission pay. | |||
*Restricting the use of third-party digital wallets and requiring users to exclusively use Apple Pay. | |||
*Restricting how third-party message apps can interact with iMessage. | |||
*Restricting their HomeKit home automation system and all compatible devices to work only on Apple's products and issuing cease & desist orders against emulators designed to make HomeKit compatible with third-party products. | |||
*Restricting compatibility of third party smart watches. | |||
Apple is expected to go to trial in early 2027.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://apnews.com/article/apple-antitrust-case-justice-department-664c187d7d09d57460076c7aa2f0c0bf|title=Judge allows antitrust lawsuit against Apple to proceed|first=Michael|last=Liedtke|date=2025-06-30|work=Associated Press|access-date=2025-07-14|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===European Union USB-C Directive 2022/2380=== | |||
As part of Directive (EU) 2022/2380, the EU mandated that all smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, and other portable electronic devices must utilize USB-C as a universal charging standard by the end of 2024, with laptops following by 2026. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Directive (EU) 2022/2380 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 amending Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment (Text with EEA relevance) |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022L2380 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=EUR-Lex}}</ref> | |||
This regulatory measure directly addresses consumer frustration with incompatible chargers types and aims to significantly reduce electronic waste. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-28 |title=USB-C-Standard: Schluss mit dem Kabelwirrwarr |url=https://www.zdfheute.de/wirtschaft/ladekabel-usb-c-standard-apple-entsorgung-elektroschrott-100.html |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=zdfheute}}</ref> The legislation allows manufacturers to unbundle chargers from devices, potentially saving consumers money, and ensures charging speed harmonization across compatible devices. | |||
While Apple initially opposed the standardization, arguing that it would "stifle innovation rather than encourage it," the company ultimately conceded defeat, with Apple's head of marketing stating "we have no choice" regarding compliance. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10.26 |title=Apple to put USB-C connectors in iPhones to comply with EU rules |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/26/iphone-usb-c-lightning-connectors-apple-eu-rules |access-date=2025-00-02 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> | |||
===European Digital Markets Act.=== | |||
This law forced many companies including Apple to change the way they operate to create a fairer competition. Read more about this law [[Digital Markets Act|here]]. | |||
====Changes Apple introduced iOS and iPadOS to comply with this law:==== | |||
*Introduced the ability to install applications from alternative marketplaces | |||
*asks which browser and search engine should be the default one | |||
*Developers now are allowed to publish in the EU browsers that do not use webkit | |||
====Controversies:==== | |||
*Apple removed iPhone torrenting app iTorrent from alternative marketplace AltStore PAL, developer said that the access was revoked "without any warning". In a statement to The Verge, Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian said, “Notarization for this app was removed in order to comply with government sanctions-related rules in various jurisdictions. We have communicated this to the developer.”<ref>{{Cite news |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=August 28, 2025 |title=Apple pulls iPhone torrent app from AltStore PAL in Europe |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/767344/apple-removes-itorrent-altstore-pal-ios-marketplace |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903102041/https://www.theverge.com/news/767344/apple-removes-itorrent-altstore-pal-ios-marketplace |archive-date=September 3, 2025 |work=The Verge}}</ref> | |||
===Elon Musk Lawsuit=== | |||
In August of 2025, businessman Elon Musk accused Apple of engaging in anti-competitive practices by only allowing their AI program OpenAI to reach the top of the sales chart on Apple App Store. He announced his plan to sue Apple for this practice.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/musk-accuses-apple-unequivocal-antitrust-violation-favoring-openai-app-store-rankings|title= Musk Accuses Apple Of "Unequivocal Antitrust Violation" For Favoring OpenAI In App Store Rankings|first= Tyler|last= Durden|date= 2025-08-12|work= ZeroHedge|access-date= 2025-08-14|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (1).jpg|Notification of the offer | |||
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (2).jpg|Home screen of Wallet app | |||
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (3).jpg|Apple Cash card screen | |||
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (4).PNG|Screen when selecting "learn more" | |||
</gallery> | |||
==Products== | ==Products== | ||