Apple: The fruit that became a worldwide phenomenon
The name Apple is now a world-reknowned brand, famous for bringing into the world the iMac, iPod, and iPhone. With its name tied to innovation, Apple has been the leading brand in smartphones, mp3 players and user-friendly personal computers. But a huge name such as this one isn’t without its surrounding myths and rumors. Critics have been using these myths about Apple as an opportunity to demean the company’s reputation. More often than not, these critics have been proven wrong. So what are these myths exactly?
Myth #1: Without Steve Jobs, Apple is done
Steve Jobs is widely known as the founder and CEO of the company and is acclaimed as a top innovator and a tech guru. One thing’s for sure; Apple wouldn’t be where it is if it wasn’t for him. Critics and fans alike have thought that without him, Apple is going to go under. But with his death in 2011, this myth was proven wrong as Apple is still up and going. Sure they grieved Job’s death, but the company went on with their operations to bring us even more innovations and gadgets.
Myth #2: Macs cannot get viruses
This myth is probably the most popular as it is perceived that Macs don’t get viruses while PCs do. This is false since no operating systems are invulnerable to malware, including the Mac OS. Macs still have their own share of malware but most developers don’t bother creating ones for Mac since the PC market is larger and more accessible. The malware that affects Macs aren’t focused on the operating system’s faults but more on the gullibility of the user. Sometimes, these malware attacks are disguised as anti-virus programs scattered around as ads. Generally, there aren’t many threatening malware that exists for Macs but the surest way to protect yourself from malware is to keep your Mac updated. Yes, it’s that important.
Myth #3: Macs and PCs are incompatible
The most common argument between Mac and PC fans are the incompatibility issues. They say that Mac software isn’t compatible with PCs and vice versa; this is not entirely true however, as a lot of programs are usable in both Macs and PCs such as Microsoft Office, most browsers, Adobe programs, and even iTunes. There are even programs that let Mac users to boot the Windows OS and even PC software to boot the Mac OS. A significant difference between the two would be the availability of games. PCs can play almost every game that is available on the market, and Macs get a platform of their own a few months after the game’s release or maybe not at all.
Myth #4: Apple is Spying on You
Two years ago, news circulated that Apple installed a tracking code in their iOS 4 update. This has kept Apple users on their feet, really wary and afraid that Apple is tracking their every move. The rumor was so widespread that it spawned the US Congress to conduct a legal inquiry. But Apple has denied the allegations, saying that the data they collected were about WiFi hotspots and cellular towers that are being detected by the iPhone.
Myth #5: Jailbreaking Apple Devices could Land You a Spot in Jail
Contrary to popular belief, jailbreaking your iPad and your iPhone is not illegal. Of course, it can affect your warranty negatively but as per the U.S. Library of Congress, jailbreaking your Apple device does not mean you are breaking or infringing copyright laws. Myth busted? Busted or not, these myths about Apple are the most popularly known among critics and users. There are probably more popular myths or less popular myths surrounding this widely known gadget giant but it would be too big a list if I were to enumerate and describe them all. More myths may emerge in the future and it would be up to the critics and fans to gauge whether these myths are true or not.
