Mark Zuckerberg criticises Apple's 'lack of innovation', business practices on Joe Rogan's podcast

In a candid conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg didn’t mince his words when it came to Apple, the tech giant that has been a thorn in Meta’s side for years. As tensions between the two companies have simmered, Zuckerberg took the opportunity to voice his dissatisfaction with Apple’s apparent lack of innovation, its reliance on past successes, and its business practices.

The discussion, which took place on the latest episode of Rogan’s popular podcast, had Zuckerberg reflecting on Apple’s business model and its impact on the tech industry. The Meta CEO was particularly vocal about what he perceives as Apple’s stagnation in producing new, groundbreaking technology, despite the success of the iPhone, which has dominated the smartphone market for almost two decades.

iPhone: A legacy without progress?

Zuckerberg acknowledged the pivotal role the iPhone has played in shaping the modern tech landscape, even admitting to the importance of the device. He expressed his gratitude for the iPhone, noting that Facebook was developed around the same time Steve Jobs was working on the phone in 2004. However, his praise quickly turned to criticism as he pointed out that Apple’s innovation had plateaued since the iPhone’s launch. “It’s like Steve Jobs invented the iPhone and now they’re just kind of sitting on it 20 years later,” Zuckerberg remarked.

For Zuckerberg, this marks a broader issue with Apple’s approach to product development. He believes that Apple has become overly reliant on the iPhone and hasn’t introduced anything truly revolutionary in recent years. His comments reflect a growing frustration with what he sees as Apple’s failure to push the boundaries of technology, relying instead on the success of a product that was introduced in 2007.

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Tensions between Meta and Apple: A longstanding rivalry

The rivalry between Meta and Apple is no secret. As a company that thrives on user data, Meta has often found itself at odds with Apple, which has taken a strong stance on privacy. Zuckerberg’s criticism of Apple’s policies reflects these ongoing tensions. The CEO pointed to Apple’s control over its ecosystem, particularly the App Store, and how it enforces rules that, in his view, stifle innovation and competition. He argued that Apple’s 30% commission on app transactions is a major obstacle for companies like Meta, limiting their ability to grow and innovate.

Zuckerberg also criticised Apple’s strict policies, stating that they “feel arbitrary” and are “not really tied to any good or new ideas.” The App Store fee, which has been a contentious issue in the tech industry for years, has been a particular sore point for Meta. It’s a fee that Zuckerberg believes could double Meta’s profits if it didn’t exist.

These remarks are part of a broader conversation in the industry about whether platform owners, such as Apple, are using their control to limit the potential of other companies. Zuckerberg’s comments underscore the frustration many companies feel about being held back by the policies of dominant players like Apple, which have significant influence over how businesses operate within their ecosystems.

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Meta’s struggles and Apple’s competitive edge

Zuckerberg’s comments come against the backdrop of Meta’s ongoing struggles in an increasingly competitive and privacy-conscious market. Meta’s business model, which relies heavily on user data, has come under scrutiny, especially in light of Apple’s privacy changes in 2021 that made it harder for Meta to track user behaviour and target ads effectively. This has had a significant impact on Meta’s ad revenue, further fuelling the rivalry between the two companies.

Despite these challenges, Zuckerberg acknowledged Apple’s achievements but stressed that the company has failed to live up to the high standards set by Steve Jobs. His remarks reflect a broader concern in the tech industry about the need for constant innovation in a rapidly changing digital ecosystem.

As Meta continues to navigate its own controversies and challenges, including changes to its policies on hate speech and fact-checking, it’s clear that the tension between Zuckerberg and Apple is likely to continue. With regulators keeping a close eye on big tech, it remains to be seen whether Zuckerberg’s criticism will have any impact on Apple’s future direction. The ongoing rivalry between these two tech giants is far from over, and the next few years could bring major shifts in the industry.