Apple Pausing Advertising on X Following Latest Elon Musk Controversy

[MacRumors]

Apple is pausing all of its advertising on social network X, formerly known as Twitter, reports Axios. The decision comes following antisemitic remarks that Musk made on Wednesday.

After advertisers fled from X after Musk's takeover of the social network, Apple continued to pay for ad spots, and has been one of the Twitter's largest ad partners. Back in March, Musk thanked Apple for its support, calling the company one of Twitter's "biggest advertisers."

Apple did temporarily pause ads on Twitter back in November 2022, which spurred Musk to lash out and ask if Apple hated "free speech." Musk also said that Apple had threatened to remove Twitter from the App Store, and said that he would "make an alternative phone" if the social network was ultimately pulled.

The dispute was resolved after Musk met with Cook at Apple Park later that year, after which Musk claimed that Apple had in fact never threatened to remove Twitter from the App Store and that it was a "misunderstanding." Musk ultimately called it a "good conversation," and after that point, Apple "fully resumed" advertising. Reports in 2022 suggested Apple was spending more than $100 million per year on Twitter ads.

With Musk's latest comments, and evidence that X is showing Apple ads alongside pro-Hitler content, it is unclear if Apple will be convinced to resume advertising again sometime in the future. Apple CEO Tim Cook in September said that Apple is "constantly" evaluating whether Apple should be buying ads on the social network.

Apple is not the only company pulling out of Twitter ads. IBM said this week that it is pulling ads, and the European Union also no longer plans to advertise on the social network. The White House earlier today condemned Musk's comments, and X employees told The New York Times that it has been fielding calls from other companies upset with Musk.

Article Link: Apple Pausing Advertising on X Following Latest Elon Musk Controversy

 

[jhwalker]

I'm glad companies like Apple and IBM are walking away from ex-Twitter. It's become a cesspool of "free speech" (read: out-and-out lies spread by propaganda outlets).

 

[rizzo41999]

His businesses will be fine without him.

 

[jz0309]

I 100% support this - Bravo Apple!

 

[Chuckeee]

Why did it take so long?

 

[kc9hzn]

With Musk's latest comments, and evidence that X is showing Apple ads alongside pro-Hitler content, it is unclear if Apple will be convinced to resume advertising again sometime in the future. Apple CEO Tim Cook in September said that Apple is "constantly" evaluating whether Apple should be buying ads on the social network.

That’s always been the risk with user generated content funded by advertising, the idea that your ads could be served next to content you find objectionable. Yet, the world has gone all in on user generated content and advertising.

 

[kirk.vino]

It’s worth noting that Microsoft and Sony have recently pulled out as well. Many big companies are gone. I think it’s safe to assume that he’s pretty much ruined the platform. His “let that sink in” has a whole new meaning now. It’s definitely sinking lol

 

[Capeto]

Took them long enough!

 

[the future]

Never has a finally be more appropriate.

 

[mushy peas]

At this point, if you’re using or advertising on Twitter you’re making a very clear choice, and people are going to judge you for it given Musk’s very clear views.

I’m glad Apple has ‘paused’, but they need to leave permanently or their reputation will suffer.

 

[hagar]

We all knew this was going to happen. Musk can’t manage the town square of the world if there’s no moderation and if he continues to express his conservative political views.

If he insists on turning X into a Truth Social clone and propaganda machine for extreme right republicans, then Apple has no place on that platform. Good for Tim.

 

[Blackstick]

We pulled our $250,000 ad budget on Twitter the day he came in. We didn't want to advertise HR software next to nazi tweets that stayed up even when reported.

That company is bleeding to death thanks to Elon.

 

[maxoakland]

Why do they keep "pausing" these ads and then going back? It's concerning to me that they continue to support such an anti-semitic company

Elon has clearly demonstrated he's anti-semitic. Why does Apple feel the need to go back?

 

[ThaGoochiestMane]

I remember that story about Elon wanting to be the CEO of Apple and Tim Cook laughing at him... Smartest thing Tim has ever done.

 

[Chuckeee]

More “My Pillow” ads coming soon

 

[till]

Tim really should've done this a year ago instead of making nice with Musk, but good. Apple has a million other ways to advertise, they don't need Twitter.

 

[StudioMacs]

Elon Musk loves free speech so much that he wants to keep it all to himself.

 

[Apple_Robert]

What did Musk say? The highlight link in the article doesn’t show anything and I don’t use Twitter to delve deeper.

 

[a m u n]

I’ve reported accounts promoting violence and hate multiple times — no action taken; on the contrary, they now have the blue tick on Twitter / X.

Bravo, Apple! 👏

 

[Redneck1089]

Meanwhile Apple meets with China’s dictator, Xi, and has no issue doing business with a country that places little value on human rights and has an enormous concentration camp filled with Uyghurs.

These mega corporations pandering and faux outrage is beyond parody at this point.

 

[Gloor]

source?

I remember that story about Elon wanting to be the CEO of Apple and Tim Cook laughing at him... Smartest thing Tim has ever done.

 

[SonicSoundVW]

It’s surprising to see a significant number of comments here reflecting a lack of awareness and understanding on this topic.

 

[ntlman]

Call me old fashioned, but I miss the days when the US space rocket program was run by former Nazis, not coked out wannabes

 

[iLuddite]

Stunning and brave

 

[mrat93]

It’s surprising to see a significant number of comments here reflecting a lack of awareness and understanding on this topic.

Oh PLEASE say more…