Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has openly criticised Apple, stating that the tech giant prioritises profit over innovation and enforces restrictive policies on developers.
Speaking on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Zuckerberg stated that Apple has had little impact on the tech industry in recent times.
According to Zuckerberg, the iPhone bolstered global connectivity, making smartphones accessible to millions worldwide. However, he accused Apple of coasting on its early success. “Steve Jobs created the iPhone, and since then, it feels like Apple has relied on that legacy rather than creating something truly groundbreaking,” he said.
Zuckerberg highlighted the apparent decline in iPhone sales, attributing it to minimal improvements in newer models. He argued that Apple has instead focused on monetising its ecosystem through policies like a 30% commission on app developers and the promotion of proprietary accessories like AirPods.
He criticised the company’s restrictive protocols, which make it difficult for third-party devices to integrate seamlessly with Apple products.
The Meta CEO also addressed Apple’s privacy and security policies, which the company often points to as a defence for its rules. He argued that these justifications were insufficient, suggesting Apple could adopt better encryption and security measures rather than restricting competition. “It’s insecure because they didn’t build proper security into it, and now they’re using that as an excuse to limit others,” Zuckerberg said.
Mark Zuckerberg noted the challenges Meta faced in integrating its Ray-Ban smart glasses with Apple devices, pointing to Apple’s refusal to allow Meta access to its proprietary connection protocols. This refusal, he claimed, reiterates Apple’s strategy of restricting third-party innovations to maintain a monopoly in its space.
The tensions between Meta and Apple extend beyond hardware. Apple’s 2021 privacy policy changes, which gave users more control over their data, highly impacted Meta’s advertising revenue. Zuckerberg also claimed that if Apple’s “arbitrary rules” were removed, Meta’s profits could potentially double.
After acknowledging Apple’s recent works with its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, Zuckerberg described it as an attempt at innovation that fell short of expectations.
