Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg Criticises Apple for Stagnation and High App Developer Fees

Highlights

• Mark Zuckerberg criticised Apple for overcharging app developers with its 30% App Store fee.
• He accused Apple of limiting compatibility with third-party devices.
• Compared Apple’s Vision Pro VR headset unfavourably to Meta’s cheaper alternative.
• Zuckerberg predicted that Apple’s lack of innovation could lead to its downfall.

Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently voiced frustration with Apple during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. He accused the company of stalling innovation and exploiting app developers to make up for slowing iPhone sales.

Zuckerberg criticised Apple for relying on the iPhone’s legacy rather than pushing new innovations. “Steve Jobs invented the iPhone, and now they’re just kind of sitting on it 20 years later,” he said.

He believes fewer people are buying new iPhones because the upgrades between versions are minimal.

Zuckerberg accused Apple of overcharging developers with its 30% App Store fee calling it a way to offset declining iPhone sales. He also criticised Apple for limiting compatibility with third-party devices citing AirPods as an example.

“If they [allowed other companies to use the same connection technology], there would probably be much better competitors to AirPods out there,” he argued.

Discussing Apple’s Vision Pro VR headset, Zuckerberg pointed out its high price tag. “Their $3,500 Vision Pro isn’t as good as Meta’s much cheaper headset,” he said. However, he acknowledged that Apple might improve in future iterations noting, “Their second and third version will probably be better than their first version.”

Zuckerberg also shared his frustrations over Apple blocking Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses from working seamlessly with iPhones, allegedly citing security concerns. “It’s insecure because you didn’t build any security into it. And then now you’re using that as a justification for why only your product can connect in an easy way,” he said.

Zuckerberg believes Apple’s lack of innovation could lead to its downfall. He stated, “They’ll get beat by someone” as they’re “off their game” in terms of releasing groundbreaking products.

The conversation highlights ongoing tension between Meta and Apple with Zuckerberg positioning Meta as a more innovative and open competitor.

FAQs

Q1. What did Mark Zuckerberg criticise Apple for during his appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast?

Answer. Mark Zuckerberg criticized Apple for stalling innovation and overcharging developers with its 30% App Store fee to offset declining iPhone sales.

Q2. What comparison did Zuckerberg make between Vision Pro VR and Meta’s headset?

Answer. Zuckerberg pointed out that Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro isn’t as good as Meta’s much cheaper headset, though he acknowledged that future versions might improve.

Q3. What frustrations did Zuckerberg express about Apple?

Answer. Zuckerberg expressed frustration over Apple blocking Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses from working seamlessly with iPhones, allegedly citing security concerns.

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