Apple CEO Tim Cook in Leaked Memo: 'We Are Doing Everything in Our Power' to Identify Leakers

[dysamoria]

Are you a new Apple Customer? "Surprise & Delight" is baked into Apple's entire customer experience and has been a staple since I was an employee 18 years ago and long before that as well. One of Steve's first public speeches upon returning to the company was about leaky ships and getting rumors under control. Macrumors, founded in 2001 has made a business on Apple's secretive model. Apple has sued journalists for leaking things. This is ingrained into the way they do business and a big staple to Apple University which all new hires go through.

No I’m not.

Today’s Apple can’t work that way. They haven’t been able to, don’t seem to understand why they can’t, and may not even really want to, when it comes down to what they REALLY do today. They’re not a fandom company anymore.

They’re a mass-market product pusher for Wall Street gambling, still thinking they can hold on to some kind of culture of being an independent, scrappy little underdog company that surprises people.

Times change. Culture changes. Extreme success changed Apple in good and bad ways. Some of the changes Apple are fighting against is the reduced tolerance to toxic corporate culture, and coming down with the boot won’t fix this either in employee satisfaction or product info leaks.

Apple wants the image of a small and lovable creator business, but it has the weight, shadow, and footprint of a sociopathic megacorp. Taking the Wall Street needles out of their veins might be the only solution, but that’ll never happen willingly while having massive profits.

 

[Apleeseed84]

I remember a time when lego leaks were as fun as apple product leaks, then they put a lid on it now it’s boring and zero speculation, oh well apple will head down the same route with sites such as macrumors changing to macfacts 🤣🤣

 

[Saturn007]

It's a HUGE stretch to think that Apple would deliberately plant stories about a redesigned Watch 7 just to catch leakers. All that did was generate interest in and expectations for a new watch that were dashed and could well hurt sales when it is actually released. Too big a gamble with the product line. Fits the tinfoil hat conspiracy model!

Instead, you'd want to plant something relatively minor and specific, e.g., change in the crown, a bizarre new color, or an unusual complication feature, but be actually planning a major redesign that would overwhelm any disappointment by the lack of appearance of a minor feature.

The trick, though, is whom you tell inside Apple about the “new” feature. You'd have to have people actually working on them — which is a resource drain — and also have several of them in the works, each known only by a very select working group. Anyone reporting that level of specificity on the outside would have a connection with one of the people on the inside.

Now, as to the internal emails. Shouldn't Apple add an explicit copyright notice on them? Then, if the Verge or Macrumors publishes them, they'd be guilty of copyright violations. (Actually, you don't legally need the copyright stated.) The penalty used to be $50,000 per violation; probably higher now! That would certainly chill any willy-nilly leaking!

But the point is that Apple has a synergistic relationship with these outlets — they drum up fascination and anticipation — so, they'd never go after them.

In any case, let's see if there's a leak about the planting of leaks — I don't think we'll ever see one as, on closer analysis, the whole idea is too risky and too far-fetched!

 

[dysamoria]

The leakers are very toxic to have in the workplace.. they are probably incapable of wiping themselves and keeping clean down below. Why don't you just change my diaper!?

Leakers.... what's there to do?! They attempt to destroy the compay from within and I think some are on the payroll at Verge or anywhere - perhaps even from MacRumors.. now wouldn't that be a bithc

Does nobody here remember the days before the Internet and poor Apple employees? There was a thing called a physical magazine you could buy or borrow from the library and read all about what might come from companies - reviews of hardware and software.. this rapid fire rumor mill is devastating to out community and I loathe it with all my heart.

 

[cmaier]

I remember a time when lego leaks were as fun as apple product leaks, then they put a lid on it now it’s boring and zero speculation, oh well apple will head down the same route with sites such as macrumors changing to macfacts 🤣🤣

There will always be rumors. There are things like patent applications, company acquisitions, hires, linkedin profiles, material shipments, plant purchases, capital expenditures, etc. that always provide clues.

 

[cmaier]

It's a HUGE stretch to think that Apple would deliberately plant stories about a redesigned Watch 7 just to catch leakers. All that did was generate interest in and expectations for a new watch that were dashed and could well hurt sales when it is actually released. Too big a gamble with the product line. Fits the tinfoil hat conspiracy model!

Instead, you'd want to plant something relatively minor and specific, e.g., change in the crown, a bizarre new color, or an unusual complication feature, but be actually planning a major redesign that would overwhelm any disappointment by the lack of appearance of a minor feature.

The trick, though, is whom you tell inside Apple about the “new” feature. You'd have to have people actually working on them — which is a resource drain — and also have several of them in the works, each known only by a very select working group. Anyone reporting that level of specificity on the outside would have a connection with one of the people on the inside.

Now, as to the internal emails. Shouldn't Apple add an explicit copyright notice on them? Then, if the Verge or Macrumors publishes them, they'd be guilty of copyright violations. (Actually, you don't legally need the copyright stated.) The penalty used to be $50,000 per violation; probably higher now! That would certainly chill any willy-nilly leaking!

But the point is that Apple has a synergistic relationship with these outlets — they drum up fascination and anticipation — so, they'd never go after them.

In any case, let's see if there's a leak about the planting of leaks — I don't think we'll ever see one as, on closer analysis, the whole idea is too risky and too far-fetched!

Problem for copyright with something like this is fair use.

 

[jonnysods]

Haha the irony of this is just amazing.

 

[allan.nyholm]

I remember a time when lego leaks were as fun as apple product leaks, then they put a lid on it now it’s boring and zero speculation, oh well apple will head down the same route with sites such as macrumors changing to macfacts 🤣🤣

The word rumor itself is very negative and I think it's a really dumb situation that Apple employees have put themselves in. Whomever is buying these leaks from disgruntled Apple employees should begin refusing to see the leaked documents or images just to get back to a more healthy discussion about Macs and iOS devices rather than all the things every commenter on MacRumors can do absolutely nothing about, other than ranting and raving like me..

 

[dysamoria]

It's a HUGE stretch to think that Apple would deliberately plant stories about a redesigned Watch 7 just to catch leakers. All that did was generate interest in and expectations for a new watch that were dashed and could well hurt sales when it is actually released. Too big a gamble with the product line. Fits the tinfoil hat conspiracy model!

Instead, you'd want to plant something relatively minor and specific, e.g., change in the crown, a bizarre new color, or an unusual complication feature, but be actually planning a major redesign that would overwhelm any disappointment by the lack of appearance of a minor feature.

The trick, though, is whom you tell inside Apple about the “new” feature. You'd have to have people actually working on them — which is a resource drain — and also have several of them in the works, each known only by a very select working group. Anyone reporting that level of specificity on the outside would have a connection with one of the people on the inside.

Now, as to the internal emails. Shouldn't Apple add an explicit copyright notice on them? Then, if the Verge or Macrumors publishes them, they'd be guilty of copyright violations. (Actually, you don't legally need the copyright stated.) The penalty used to be $50,000 per violation; probably higher now! That would certainly chill any willy-nilly leaking!

But the point is that Apple has a synergistic relationship with these outlets — they drum up fascination and anticipation — so, they'd never go after them.

In any case, let's see if there's a leak about the planting of leaks — I don't think we'll ever see one as, on closer analysis, the whole idea is too risky and too far-fetched!

Can anyone explain why “we didn’t get flat sides” is somehow a big fail from Apple and sadness for people? I don’t want hard edges or 90° angles on something I might wear on my wrist! It makes no sense!

This flat fad has gone from bad UI design to physical objects and I’m sick of people acting like arbitrary minimalism is a religious pursuit.

I can barely operate my effing window AC without the remote because the controls on its front face are basically designed to mimic the minimalist flat design fad in the computer industry. It’s all one barely labeled flat membrane with questionably placed, and difficult to trigger, push triggers underneath.

Anti-ergonomic design became a fad. WTF?

 

[tcphoto1]

Be thank that you're doing something worth watching, you don't see many leaks about what Microsoft is doing...

Besides, people will leak information if someone is willing to pay them or receive benefits, i.e. former employees and suppliers.

 

[allan.nyholm]

View attachment 1840491

You're probably not wrong .. And that meme or image as a whole covers pretty much my whole adult existence when I read about stupid things or read dumb comments praising the radicals that think that they do the right thing by trying to overthrow governments or attempt to destroy all credibility of the company that hired them or has a close affiliation to said company.

I do laugh too, but only after you change my diaper!!!

 

[dysamoria]

Be thank that you're doing something worth watching, you don't see many leaks about what Microsoft is doing...

Besides, people will leak information if someone is willing to pay them or receive benefits, i.e. former employees and suppliers.

I see info about Microsoft now and then on Apple news sites, so there’s probably way more on Microsoft news sites...

 

[Apleeseed84]

The word rumor itself is very negative and I think it's a really dumb situation that Apple employees have put themselves in. Whomever is buying these leaks from disgruntled Apple employees should begin refusing to see the leaked documents or images just to get back to a more healthy discussion about Macs and iOS devices rather than all the things every commener on MacRumors can do absolutely nothing about, other than ranting and raving like me..

Some rumors can be positive though and incite an amazing hype if done right. You figure NDA would stop them especially in the digital age but Lego took it further by legit going after leakers AND the news that entertained them!!
You are right seems like everyone wants to make a quick buck, I have seen this from Disney insiders also leaking things on purpose just to trace the leak or wanting to make a name for themselves but still I can see apple forums going towards the lego and Disney route now, just normal discussions just like you want it

 

[dysamoria]

You're probably not wrong .. And that meme or image as a whole covers pretty much my whole adult existence when I read about stupid things or read dumb comments praising the radicals that think that they do the right thing by trying to overthrow governments or attempt to destroy all credibility of the company that hired them or has a close affiliation to said company.

I do laugh too, but only after you change my diaper!!!

To be fair, there’s a lot going on these days that wasn’t happening when I was younger. Some disturbing cultural changes (seemingly, and also disturbingly, in response to positive cultural changes).

Getting older sucks, but watching insanity spread at the same time is downright terrifying. I’m trying to accept good change and blow off my own “old man” rejections of some things that are just different (like I have no use for current pop music). But I’m also way more activist-minded than I used to be because I’m sick of the problems I’ve known about all my life which are actually way worse now. [Edit: some stuff is better and the people who are horrifying are fewer... but louder!]

It’s rough.

 

[allan.nyholm]

Some rumors can be positive though and incite an amazing hype if done right. You figure NDA would stop them especially in the digital age but Lego took it further by legit going after leakers AND the news that entertained them!!
You are right seems like everyone wants to make a quick buck, I have seen this from Disney insiders also leaking things on purpose just to trace the leak or wanting to make a name for themselves but still I can see apple forums going towards the lego and Disney route now, just normal discussions just like you want it

Normal discussions could be about Apple technologies in new Macs with macOS or iOS devices - all I'm hinting at is that MacRumors and every other site that deals with leaks and rumor based stories have now become a toxic place to be and more and more radical thinkers infiltrate the forums without perhaps even wanting more than to say that they are leaving the Apple eco-system - just to stir the pot.

Many on here comment on Wall Street issues and the inner workings of Apple stock and shareholders this and that.. well, how is that of any of our business?!

Also,, I'd like to mention that I'm known to be a bit naive and accepting here on MacRumors. I'd like to destroy my image of knowing everything about anything. I know a little of everything and that's cool too. Every where I look here in my outside surroundings, there's a sticker protesting everything and everyone. I say to them, here's a knife for you each and the field there is all yours.. Now go get at it!

That's just not viable, but could solve a few things here and there.

It's all fine. We're here to be queer with each other. Now let's get to sucking.

 

[Robert.Walter]

Refresher for Tim:

Not all disclosures are bad, nor should all disclosures be considered leaks.

Leaking product plans = bad.

Disclosing personnel policies & practices of a company claiming to be a rights leader = not a leak and not bad.

 

[Robert.Walter]

Well Tim also says that Apple removed Power Bricks for the environment.

Apple also believes slowing down phones and forcing people to upgrade frequently is good for environment.

I agree with first sentence.

But my iPhones 6S and iPad Air 2 both in 15.1 would like to call BS on your second sentence.

 

[Bogstandard]

The leaks really robbed me of any anticipation regarding the release of the iphone 13 this year.
They were spoilers, rather than leaks.

 

[dysamoria]

[...]

Many on here comment on Wall Street issues and the inner workings of Apple stock and shareholders this and that.. well, how is that of any of our business?!

It’s our business because certain people in power over our economies and legislation think Wall Street is the economy. It’s not; it’s just a gambling den for rich people that constantly abuses the rest of us.

 

[allan.nyholm]

It’s our business because certain people in power over our economies and legislation think Wall Street is the economy. It’s not; it’s just a gambling den for rich people that constantly abuses the rest of us.

I mean,, don't you ever get tired having that mindset? How about lighting up a little and be more positive for a change

 

[cmaier]

Refresher for Tim:

Not all disclosures are bad, nor should all disclosures be considered leaks.

Leaking product plans = bad.

Disclosing personnel policies & practices of a company claiming to be a rights leader = not a leak and not bad.

no, that’s actually a leak.

 

[dysamoria]

I agree with first sentence.

But my iPhones 6S and iPad Air 2 both in 15.1 would like to call BS on your second sentence.

My iPhone 6s is abysmal these days and I don’t see how the OS version could be responsible because I haven’t updated since the last iOS 12 update (legit reasons).

However, the performance gets worse with regard to typing into text boxes almost monthly. There’s lag just being able to start typing, which wasn’t there a year ago, and the slowness on twitter dot com reveals that the keyboard is a multithreaded pile of algorithms whose intended effects can seriously be corrupted by sluggishness.

Seems a services side problem: Websites and Apple text services.

[EDIT: unless text services and web browsing are more EFFICIENT on a newer OS version]

[EDIT 2: it’s also been overheating while on certain websites, seemingly from nowhere]

I’m struggling to not be pushed to buy a new phone before they put TouchID back, because I don’t want to depend on FaceID.

 

[I7guy]

Refresher for Tim:

Not all disclosures are bad, nor should all disclosures be considered leaks.

Leaking product plans = bad.

Disclosing personnel policies & practices of a company claiming to be a rights leader = not a leak and not bad.

That’s all we’ll and good, but it’s up to the ceo to decided what is appropriate or not. Employees are under an NDA, so there is that.

 

[dysamoria]

I mean,, don't you ever get tired having that mindset? How about lighting up a little and be more positive for a change

I have very little about which to feel positive. I’m not homeless and I’m generally healthy (questionable, but I can at least pursue jogging at the moment).

I didn’t start with a negative viewpoint. It’s one that I acquired over decades of observing how toxic American laissez-fairs capitalist culture is.

I also used to think I was kinda apolitical. Life experiences made it clear that politics is wherever humans are.

A lot of it is realizing how much privilege I started with, as I lost out to people who had more privilege and who were willing to ignore any ethics or rules to get what they wanted while screwing others. Checking my own privilege was part of understanding what happened and being willing to see how others have suffered even worse than myself.

It all matters to me more now than ever before, because my own suffering has informed my empathy for others.

 

[Rockanrolero]

There are leakers in the maternity ward… they still refuse to up their diaper game 🤷🏻‍♂️😂