Design, disruption, and drama: Apple’s most defining controversies

Apple Inc. has faced its share of turbulence over the years—from product controversies involving the iPhone and MacBook, to headline-grabbing episodes like "Bendgate" and "Batterygate."

It has also been at the centre of legal battles and ongoing scrutiny over the control it exerts through its App Store ecosystem. At the same time, Apple has taken a firm and often contentious stance on user privacy, most notably in its refusal to compromise encryption even under government pressure.

Also Read: Apple Then vs Now: From iPhone to Mac, a timeline of its biggest product shifts


Yet, despite these challenges, Apple remains one of the world’s most powerful and influential brands—shaping consumer behaviour, culture and technology—while continually navigating the complex realities behind its polished public image.

When products fell short

In 2014, it was found that the iPhone 6 could bend easily. This was called "Bendgate." While Apple maintained the issue was rare, it impacted the tech giant's reputation.

A year later came "Batterygate," when Apple acknowledged it had been slowing down older iPhones. The company said this was to prevent unexpected shutdowns due to ageing batteries. However, the lack of transparency sparked backlash, forcing Apple to apologise, offer discounted battery replacements, and improve communication around performance management.

Apple also had a problem with the keyboards on its MacBooks. Consumers complained about this for a while, and Apple eventually stopped making those keyboards.

Also Read: Apple’s Biggest Hits: iPhone, Mac, and the products that changed the game

The company has also had problems with its software. When Apple first made its Maps app, it did not work well. The app did not have all the information it needed and made significant mistakes. CEO Tim Cook had to issue an apology for the same.

Recently, Apple made an advertisement for the iPad Pro that was not well received by audiences.

One of Apple’s most persistent controversies revolves around its control over the App Store. The company charges commissions on in-app purchases and tightly regulates how developers distribute software. Critics—including governments and major developers—argue this gives Apple excessive control over the digital ecosystem.

The fiasco with Epic Games

Matters heated up when Epic Games had a problem with Apple. The video game maker has a very popular product called Fortnite and Apple had it removed from the App Store. Epic Games thought this was not fair and took the tech giant to court. The court case was about whether Apple has power over the apps that people can buy.

Apple & privacy

In 2016, the company resisted efforts by the U.S. government to unlock an iPhone linked to a criminal investigation. Apple argued that creating such access would compromise the security of all its users. The episode reinforced Apple’s image as a privacy-first company, though it also sparked debate about the balance between security and law enforcement.

Issue with employees

Apple has also had problems with the people who work for it. The company's co-founder, Steve Jobs, was forced to leave Apple in 1985. He came back to the company in 1997 and ignited one of the major revamps in corporate history to build the Apple as we know it today.

In recent years, Apple has faced a different kind of internal pressure. Employees have pushed for better pay, greater equality, and more flexible work arrangements, reflecting broader shifts in workplace expectations across the tech industry.

Supply chain scrutiny

Apple has also had problems with the way it makes its products. The company relies on third-party suppliers to produce its devices, and some of these partners have faced allegations of poor labour conditions. Apple has responded by strengthening oversight and publishing supplier responsibility reports, but scrutiny remains.

Despite all these problems, Apple is still a strong brand. The company has been able to deal with all the controversies it has faced and has hardly seen its popularity decline. This just shows that Apple can handle problems and keep moving forward.