'Steve Jobs introduced iPhone, now they’re just sitting on it': Mark Zuckerberg takes dig at Apple

The rivalry between Apple and Meta has intensified in recent years.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has launched a fresh critique of Apple, accusing the tech giant of relying too heavily on the success of the iPhone while imposing restrictive policies on developers. In a podcast interview with YouTuber Joe Rogan, Zuckerberg argued that Apple has failed to deliver groundbreaking innovations in recent years and accused the company of exploiting its dominance in the tech industry.

“Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone, and now they’re just sitting on it 20 years later,” Zuckerberg said, claiming that Apple has been "milking" the iPhone’s success by making incremental improvements rather than introducing transformative technologies.

Zuckerberg suggested that fewer people are buying new iPhones because the latest models offer little improvement over their predecessors. While he acknowledged the iPhone’s global impact, he criticised Apple for using the platform to impose what he called “arbitrary rules” on developers and consumers.

“The iPhone has been great because now pretty much everyone in the world has a phone,” Zuckerberg said. “But they’ve used that platform to put in place a lot of rules that feel arbitrary. It feels like they haven’t really invented anything groundbreaking in a while.”

He contrasted Apple’s approach with Meta’s efforts in developing new technologies, such as the metaverse and virtual reality, which he described as more forward-looking.

Zuckerberg accused Apple of using privacy and security concerns as a justification for restrictive practices, which he claimed hinder competition and harm companies like Meta. He pointed to Apple’s App Store policies, including the 30 per cent commission on transactions, as an example of the company prioritising profits over fairness.

“They’re squeezing people with this 30 per cent developer tax and pushing consumers to buy more add-ons like AirPods,” Zuckerberg said. He also argued that Apple has deliberately restricted third-party devices from integrating seamlessly with the iPhone.

“They build stuff like AirPods, which are cool, but they’ve thoroughly hamstrung the ability for anyone else to build something that can connect to the iPhone in the same way,” he added.

Zuckerberg claimed Apple’s stance on device compatibility had hurt Meta’s efforts to develop products like Ray-Ban smart glasses. He suggested that Apple’s explanation of prioritising security was inadequate. “It’s insecure because you didn’t build proper security into it. Now you’re using that as an excuse for why only your products can connect easily,” he said.

The rivalry between Apple and Meta has intensified in recent years, particularly over privacy policies. In 2021, Apple introduced its App Tracking Transparency feature, limiting apps from tracking user data without explicit consent. This move significantly impacted Meta’s advertising model, leading Zuckerberg to criticise Apple for harming small businesses dependent on targeted ads.

Zuckerberg claimed Meta’s profits could increase by 50 per cent if Apple relaxed its restrictive policies, further accusing the tech giant of prioritising profit over innovation.

Zuckerberg also addressed Apple’s recently launched Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, which has reportedly seen underwhelming sales. While he acknowledged the Vision Pro as “one of Apple’s bigger swings at doing a new thing,” he said its first iteration “definitely did not hit it out of the park.”

In contrast, Zuckerberg highlighted Meta’s ongoing development of virtual reality headsets like the Meta Quest, which he said were more affordable and accessible.

“The Vision Pro is $3,500. Our devices are significantly less expensive and aim to provide broader access to these technologies,” he noted.

Zuckerberg concluded that Apple risks losing its edge due to a lack of innovation and restrictive practices. “They’ve been off their game in terms of not releasing innovative things,” he said, suggesting that Apple could face increased competition if it does not adapt.