Ever seen a villain with an iPhone? Not on Apple's watch

iPhone - Apple of everyone's eyes, but ever noticed villains using iPhones in movies and TV shows? Probably not. That could be something more than coincidence — reportedly Apple doesn't pay a dime to get its sleek devices on-screen and the tech giant does have some clear conditions. One of the most intriguing? No villains allowed.

This information was revealed by director Rian Johnson, who spilled the beans while discussing his movie Knives Out in an interview with Vanity Fair in 2020. Johnson mentioned that, "Apple, they let you use iPhones in movies, but, and this is very pivotal, if you’re ever watching a mystery movie, bad guys cannot have iPhones on camera," he said. "Every single filmmaker who has a bad guy in their movie that’s supposed to be a secret wants to murder me right now."

Apple has never officially stated, "Villains can't use iPhones," but its guidelines do specify that their products should be "shown only in the best light." They also ask that any references to Apple avoid implying endorsement or sponsorship.


If you've ever watched a TV show or movie and spotted a brand logo, you've witnessed product placement in action. Sometimes it’s so subtle you might miss it, and other times, it’s right in your face, almost like an ad within the story.

Product placement is simple: companies pay to have their products featured in media. If you see a logo, it’s likely because the brand paid for it to be there. On the flip side, if you notice a logo that’s blurred or turned away, it might be because that company didn’t pay for placement.

But not all brands play by these rules. Take Apple, for instance. According to Bloomberg's 2012 article, Apple doesn't pay for product placements in the traditional sense. Instead, it lends its devices to TV shows and movies for free as props. Remember that first iPad? It reportedly appeared in an episode of "Modern Family" two days before it was even available for purchase.

What it could mean? Apple wants its products to fit seamlessly into the fabric of everyday life on-screen, without looking like paid ads. And if those iPhones are linked with the "good guys," that’s just a bonus.

So, the next time you're watching a mystery or a thriller, pay close attention to who’s using which phone. It might just give away the plot’s biggest twist.