Apple has jumped the shark, and here are the reasons I will no longer support it.
These are the issues in the last 10 years and the ones we know about.
Legal Issues:
- App Store Monopoly Allegations (2019-Present): Apple faced multiple lawsuits, including the high-profile Epic Games v. Apple case, accusing it of monopolistic practices due to its control over the App Store and the 30% commission it charges.
- E-Book Price Fixing (2013): Apple was found guilty of conspiring with major publishers to fix the prices of e-books, leading to a $450 million settlement.
- Patent Infringement Lawsuits: Apple has been involved in numerous patent disputes, notably with Samsung, resulting in a long-running legal battle over smartphone design and functionality patents, culminating in a $539 million settlement in 2018.
- Battery Gate (2017-2018): Apple admitted to slowing down older iPhones to preserve battery life, leading to class-action lawsuits and a settlement of up to $500 million in 2020.
- Privacy and Data Security Issues: Apple faced scrutiny for its handling of user data, including a 2018 lawsuit over iCloud storage and ongoing concerns about its iPhone encryption, especially after resisting FBI demands to unlock a suspect’s iPhone in 2016.
- Tax Avoidance Allegations (2016-Present): Apple has been accused of using complex tax structures to avoid paying taxes in several countries, leading to a $14.5 billion tax dispute with the European Union.
- In-App Purchases and Children (2014): Apple settled with the FTC for $32.5 million over unauthorized in-app purchases made by children without parental consent.
Ethical Issues:
- Labor Practices in Supply Chain (Ongoing): Apple has faced repeated criticism over working conditions at its supplier factories, particularly in China, including issues related to worker suicides, child labor, and excessive working hours.
- Environmental Impact and E-Waste: Although Apple has made strides in sustainability, it has been criticized for its products’ short lifespans, lack of repair-ability, and the environmental impact of its supply chain and manufacturing processes.
- Gender and Racial Diversity: Apple has been criticized for its lack of diversity in leadership roles, leading to ongoing efforts to improve gender and racial representation within the company.
- Product Addiction and Mental Health (2018-Present): Apple has faced ethical questions about its role in smartphone addiction, especially among young people, prompting the company to introduce Screen Time and other features to help users manage device usage.
- Supplier Responsibility and Transparency: Apple has been scrutinized for the transparency and effectiveness of its Supplier Responsibility program, particularly concerning conflict minerals and labor rights.
- Misleading Marketing Claims: Apple has been accused of making misleading claims about its products, such as battery life and durability, leading to legal challenges in various countries.
Apple has become a monopoly and its time to break it up.