Mark Zuckerberg Critiques Apple for Declining Innovation Since Steve Jobs and Asserts iPhone Sales Are Decreasing Annually

In recent weeks, Mark Zuckerberg has become the focal point of a heated discussion following significant changes to Facebook’s fact-checking framework. This former system, which was heavily reliant on professional fact-checkers, has now evolved into a community-driven model, igniting concerns about the trustworthiness and precision of information shared on the platform. Critics suggest that Zuckerberg’s shift is influenced by a desire to cater to political interests, particularly in favor of President-elect Donald Trump. In an effort to address these controversies, Zuckerberg made an appearance on a popular podcast, where he also took the opportunity to critique Apple and its perceived stagnation in innovation.

Zuckerberg Critiques Apple’s Innovation Efforts

Meta’s Chief Executive, Mark Zuckerberg, has been vocally critical of Apple’s product lineup and business strategies for several years. This animosity can be traced back to 2022, when disputes arose over Apple’s App Store regulations that hindered Meta’s ability to gather user data. These constraints significantly impacted how the platform targeted advertising to its users. Since then, Zuckerberg has not held back in expressing his discontent with Apple’s direction.

During a recent episode of the Joe Rogan podcast, Zuckerberg elaborated on his controversial decision to transition to a community-centric approach for information vetting. While explaining his rationale and defending the shift, he also expressed disdain for Apple, dismissing its recent endeavors as lacking in both significance and creativity. He remarked:

They haven’t really invented anything great in a while. It’s like Steve Jobs invented the iPhone and now they’re just kind of sitting on it 20 years later. And they actually, I think year over year, I’m not even sure they’re selling more iPhones at this point. I think like the sales might actually be declining.

Zuckerberg’s sentiments resonate with a broader critique among industry observers who argue that Apple has shifted its focus toward marginal enhancements rather than revolutionary advancements. This criticism suggests that the tech giant’s customers are now holding on to their devices for longer periods, leading to a noted decline in sales. According to Zuckerberg, Apple’s ability to generate revenue amidst stagnant sales is largely attributed to its 30% commission on in-app purchases and sales of accessories.

Furthermore, this critique is particularly poignant in light of Apple recently losing its status as the world’s most valuable company to NVIDIA. Zuckerberg’s pointed comments about Apple could be seen as an effort to redirect attention away from Meta’s own controversies surrounding its new community-based fact-checking model.

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