Mark Zuckerberg isn’t one to shy away from controversy, and in a recent interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, the Meta CEO took aim at Apple. His criticisms touched on everything from the tech giant’s approach to innovation to its business practices, offering a glimpse into the growing rivalry between two of Silicon Valley’s most influential companies.
“Apple Hasn’t Created Anything Brilliant in Years”
In the podcast, Zuckerberg didn’t mince words. “Steve Jobs invented the iPhone, and now they’re just coasting on that 20 years later,” he said, taking a direct swipe at Apple’s innovation—or what he perceives as the lack thereof. While it’s true the iPhone revolutionized the way we live and work, Zuckerberg argued that Apple has failed to deliver anything equally groundbreaking since then.
However, Apple’s defenders might point to products like Apple Silicon chips, which have redefined performance in laptops, or the AirPods, a dominant force in wireless audio. Then there’s the Apple Watch, which remains unmatched in the smartwatch market. But for Zuckerberg, these innovations don’t measure up to the seismic impact of the iPhone.
A Battle for the Future of the Metaverse
One area where the tension is palpable is the competition over mixed reality. Apple’s Vision Pro, the company’s upcoming mixed reality headset, didn’t escape Zuckerberg’s criticism. He dismissed it as a device that’s “really just good for watching movies,” downplaying its potential as a game-changer in the virtual reality (VR) space.
Meta, meanwhile, has invested heavily in its metaverse vision, pouring billions into platforms like Horizon Worlds and devices like the Quest series. Apple’s entrance into this space, however, threatens to upend the balance of power. With Vision Pro aiming to blend virtual reality and augmented reality, it’s clear the battle for dominance in this emerging market is only heating up.
The App Store and Its 30% “Tax”
Beyond questions of innovation, Zuckerberg’s frustrations extend to Apple’s App Store policies. He specifically criticized the 30% commission Apple takes on in-app transactions, describing it as a “tax” that stifles competition. According to Zuckerberg, this fee not only hampers innovation but also directly impacts Meta’s profitability. “If it weren’t for Apple’s restrictions, we could double our profits,” he claimed.
The tension between the two companies is further fueled by Apple’s anti-tracking policies, introduced in iOS updates. These changes, which Apple frames as privacy protections, have disrupted Meta’s ad-based business model, leading to billions in lost revenue. Zuckerberg has accused Apple of using privacy as a smokescreen to handicap its competitors.
Meta’s Own Challenges
While Zuckerberg’s criticism of Apple is sharp, it comes at a time when Meta is facing scrutiny for its own performance. The company’s attempts to innovate have met with mixed results. For instance, Threads, its competitor to Twitter, has struggled to maintain user interest. Meanwhile, its massive investments in the metaverse have yet to yield significant returns, leaving some wondering if Meta’s ambitions are outpacing reality.
Observers have also noted that Zuckerberg’s public image is undergoing a transformation. Once known as a socially awkward tech genius, the Meta CEO has taken on a more confrontational persona in recent years. From shifting Meta’s policies around content moderation to embracing a more provocative tone, Zuckerberg seems eager to position himself as Silicon Valley’s rebel-in-chief.
The Silicon Valley Rivalry Continues
The feud between Zuckerberg and Apple isn’t just about innovation or App Store fees—it’s a reflection of larger shifts in the tech industry. As companies like Meta and Apple jockey for influence in areas like virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital advertising, their competition will likely shape the future of technology for years to come.
For now, Zuckerberg’s criticisms have added fuel to the fire, ensuring that the rivalry between these two giants remains as intense—and as fascinating—as ever.