Debunking the Misconceptions: Is Apple Truly Evil?

Peter Himler
Adventures in Consumer Technology
2 min readOct 26, 2023

The Cult of Apple: A Misguided Allegation

The Slate article begins by perpetuating the myth of the “cult of Apple,” suggesting that Apple enjoys a unique level of brand loyalty, even fanatical at times. While it’s true that some Apple users exhibit strong brand affinity, this phenomenon is not exclusive to Apple; it’s prevalent in the tech world and often reflects personal preferences rather than the company’s actions. The bigger problem, however, is the “cult of everything,” wherein individuals mistake companies for their tribes, leading to an unhealthy obsession with brands.

In reality, Apple faces intense scrutiny within the tech industry, with controversies, both real and perceived, being widely discussed and debated online. Apple’s actions and decisions, whether related to privacy, app store policies, or hardware choices, are meticulously dissected. This level of scrutiny is far from lenient.

The App Store Controversy: A Matter of Debate

One of the main accusations in the Slate article pertains to Apple’s control over its App Store. It alleges that Apple’s decisions on which apps to allow or disallow are often capricious and politically motivated. While there is room for criticism, it’s crucial to remember that the App Store’s policies aim to balance user safety and app quality. The debate centers on where to draw the line between acceptable and prohibited content, a discussion that should continue to evolve.

Slate further argues that Apple’s 30% commission on app sales is unfairly passed on to customers. However, it’s essential to recognize that this 30% fee has become the industry standard. Google, Apple’s major competitor, imposes the same rate on its Play Store, indicating that this model is not exclusive…

Originally published at https://medium.com on October 26, 2023.

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Peter Himler
Adventures in Consumer Technology

Founder, Flatiron Communications; President, PCNY; Editor, Medium; Blessed w/ 3 exceptional sons & a most fabulous wife; Music & tech; Maker of the sauce. #NYC