Mark Zuckerberg is once again in the spotlight, and this time, he is taking another swipe at Apple. Appearing on the "Joe Rogan Experience," the Meta CEO did not hold back as he shared his thoughts on the tech giant’s business practices, innovation stagnation, and walled-off ecosystem. The decades-long rivalry between Zuckerberg and Apple seems far from over, and this candid interview only stoked the fire.
Zuckerberg's criticism of Apple was sharp, direct, and loaded with observations that fans of both Meta and Apple are sure to dissect.
Mark Zuckerberg Calls Out Apple’s Lack of Innovation
The Facebook founder began by acknowledging Apple’s monumental impact on the tech world. The iPhone revolutionized communication and defined the modern smartphone. However, he claimed Apple has not done much since. In his words, “Steve Jobs invented the iPhone, and now they are just sitting on it 20 years later.”
His comment underscores a belief that Apple is more about maintaining its dominance than pioneering new technology.
Zuck / IG / On the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, the Facebook founder says that the Cupertino company has been slow to innovate since the iPhone.
However, this is not the first time Zuckerberg has critiqued Apple’s approach. In the past, he has taken issue with the company’s lack of openness and its focus on exclusivity. But on Joe Rogan's podcast, he honed in on innovation - or the lack thereof.
Zuckerberg accused Apple of coasting on its past successes while failing to bring anything groundbreaking to the table.
Mark Zuckerberg Highlights the "Apple Tax" and Its Impact on Meta
Another major grievance for Zuckerberg is what he calls Apple’s “30% tax” on app developers. This fee, charged for apps and in-app purchases on the App Store, has long been a sticking point for developers, and Meta is no exception.
Zuckerberg described this policy as Apple "squeezing people," making it harder for other companies to thrive in the digital ecosystem.
Meta's struggles with this "tax" became particularly evident during the development of its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Zuckerberg revealed that Apple refused to allow Meta to use its AirPods protocol, a move that limited the glasses’ seamless connectivity with iPhones.
He accused Apple of hiding behind privacy and security concerns to justify these restrictions, effectively building a wall around its ecosystem that shuts out competitors.
There is A History of Criticism Between Zuckerberg and Apple
This latest interview is not the first time Zuckerberg has taken aim at Apple. The rivalry dates back to at least 2014, when the Facebook creator criticized Apple’s high prices and exclusive nature. Over the years, the feud has evolved, with Zuckerberg targeting everything from Apple’s App Store policies to its stance on privacy.
Zuck / IG / As Meta works to position itself as a leader in the metaverse, Apple’s foray into the same space has added fuel to the fire. And Zuck seems to be unhappy with that.
Zuckerberg has openly questioned whether Apple’s offerings provide enough value to justify their sky-high prices. For him, the tech industry should prioritize accessibility and openness - two areas where he believes Apple falls short.
The Changing Face of the Meta CEO
Interestingly, while Zuckerberg continues his crusade against Apple, he has also been busy reinventing himself. On Rogan’s podcast, he came across as optimistic, even as he delivered sharp critiques of his rival. This aligns with his broader attempt to reshape his public image and company ethos.
Under Zuckerberg’s leadership, Meta has undergone significant changes. The company has walked back its stance on certain content moderation practices and scaled down its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Some speculate these moves are in preparation for the possibility of another Trump administration. It signals a shift in how Meta plans to navigate political and cultural challenges.
