Like many other successful tech company , Apple , Inc. is a myth magnet . There ’s a wide-eyed reason for this : The Cupertino , Calif.-based fellowship is enshroud in secrecy . Press and social networking WWW sites are always prevalent with rumors about Apple ’s next big product release – a secret guard more close than " The Hobbit " film production .
The mystique surround the company is both justified and hard - earned . Apple was founded in 1976 and found success speedily with the design of the Apple I Personal computer ( PC ) . However , it was the Parousia of the Macintosh in 1984 ( and the classic television commercial that launched it ) that would make Apple celebrated . It would n’t last , though , as tautness between co - founderSteve Jobsand chair and CEO John Sculley would lead to Jobs ' departure the following yr . Jobs would n’t come back to Apple until 1997 , when the company was in the midst of a exorbitant decline [ reservoir : The Apple Museum ] .
That descent may have been causeless , as no one saw the iMac occur . No one foreshadow the rotatory impact of the iPod , iPhone oriPad , either . As a event of these madly successful merchandise , Apple close await the annual MacWorld conference with expectant prevision , speculating about what new intersection proclamation will be made .
For all Apple ’s tilt - star condition in the tech earthly concern , there ’s still a lot that we do n’t cognise about the society . Here , we ’ll debunk 10 myths about Apple , in no particular Holy Order . whodunit clear – or is it ?
10: Apple is Going Out of Business
The biggest working antic in tech circles is that Apple has been going out of business for 33 year . For decades , it was the remote outlier of the personal computing earthly concern , grabbing a minuscule percentage of the Microsoft - dominate market whenever it could .
Many of Apple ’s product liberation have been encounter with derision from the technical school journalism establishment . A lot of that ire was guide toward the Newton , the first commercially produced , writabletablet PCthat turned out to be a critical and commercial bomb . origination can be costly , and in the minds of some diary keeper , Apple is always one ( fictive ) step away from failure .
One example of this rumor in activity happen in 2007 when Apple insert the iPhone . Today , the iPhone is the most distinguish name in smartphones . In 2007 , though , critics dismissed Apples ' Modern iPhone ( and its toll tag ) as " nothing more than a luxury bauble that will invoke to a few appliance freaks " [ source : Lynn ] . In the 4th quarter of 2008 , several month into an economic recession in the U.S. , Apple trade 4 millioniPhones , representing an 88 percent increase over the same quarter a year before [ source : Apple ] .
critic have also long predicted that Apple will be pushed out of the computer hardware commercial enterprise , coerce to focus instead on software or electronics . In 2006 , forecast said Apple would stop make Macintosh computers by 2010 [ source : Siebold ] . Those conjecture , of course , proved simulated .
Meanwhile , Apple shipped 25 per centum more Macintosh computers in May 2009 than it did one year before . By comparison , the personal calculator securities industry in general only increase cargo by one 1 percent over the same period [ source : Gonsalves ] . In 2009 , Macs describe for a solid 9 percentage of the American PC marketplace , equate to 6 percentage only two years prior [ source : Cheng ] .
Even Apple ’s elusive critic would have a hard sentence obtain anything to criticise about those figures . The next point in our list , though , has some masses preserve an eye on Apple no matter what the number look like .
9: Without Steve Jobs, Apple is Finished
Steve Jobsis synonymous with Apple ’s winner . When he revert to the flounder troupe in 1997 as interim CEO after being ousted in a boardroom coup in 1985 , he lead a mythic Apple resurgence that still continues today [ source : Cheng ] .
Jobs was the black - turtleneck - and - dungaree - cloak tech guru who , year after yr , postulate the stage at MacWorld to preface the world to some of the most groundbreaking computing and electronics gadgets of the retiring two X , include the originaliMac , iPod and iPhone .
When Jobs tread down in January 2009 for a six - calendar month leave of absence of absence seizure due to serious – and undisclosed – health issues , the Isle of Man and his company made newspaper headline around the macrocosm . Could Apple possibly live on without its magnetic genius of a chief operating officer ? The interrogative lingered after Jobs return to work , especially when he eventually resign from his primary executive role in August 2011 . He passed away on Oct. 5 , 2011 , at the years of 56 .
In spite of the innate grief and dubiety tied to his expiry , most expert conceive Apple will have no trouble stock on without Jobs . For one thing , it ’s easy to leave out the fact that , in spitefulness of his personal appeal and influence , Jobs did n’t conceive of or design many of Apple ’s enceinte hit . Jonathan I ve , senior vice president of industrial design , gets credit entry for the original iMacs , the click - wheel iPod and the iPhone 3 K [ reservoir : Arthur ] . What about all those memorable Apple commercials and marketing campaigns ? Remember the " Switch " and " Mac versus microcomputer " ads ? Those were the brainchild of Phil Schiller , senior frailty president of globel merchandising [ source : Dannen ] .
More importantly , the Apple that Jobs left behind in 2011 was very different than the Apple thatSteve Jobssaved in 1997 [ source : Harris ] . Thanks to Jobs , Apple has a cleared imaginativeness , inviolable stigmatization and an unflaggingly loyal following . Even as it moves on comply Jobs ' death , the company will be on certain footing – or as sure as things get in the tech industry – for a long time to come .
Our next myth has caused potential Apple customers to hesitate , but countenance ’s see why it ’s all just a misunderstanding .
8: Macs and Windows Computers are Incompatible
One of Apple ’s biggest marks on pop culture was its " Get a Mac " ad campaign sport actors John Hodgman asPCand Justin Long as Mac . The " Mac versus PC " TV commercial message prompted both serious debates and numerous lampoon . With all that ballyhoo , it ’s easy to take up that Macs and Windows PC are so different as to be utterly unfitting .
It ’s unfeigned that Macs and Windows PC run on unlike operating system . macintosh use the UNIX - basedOS Xwhile Windows machines use , well , Windows . But that does n’t have in mind that the two operating system of rules speak completely dissimilar speech communication .
For starter , just about every common software app runs on both Macs and Windows PC . That include Microsoft Office ( Word , Excel , PowerPoint and Outlook ) , most major Web web browser ( Internet Explorer , Firefox , Chrome and Safari ) , Adobe Photoshop and even iTunes . This mean that Mac and PC users can share almost every type of document or data file . What ’s more , Macs and PCs can easily function on the same home or incarnate web .
For drug user , the major difference between Mac and Windows add up down to cosmetics and semantics . A prospicient - time Windows users might look at a Mac and call for , " Where ’s the Start menu ? Why do n’t software tight when I come home the X ? What the heck is a Finder ? " One other celebrated divergence is games , with some PC game appearing for Mac after the title ’s initial release , or not at all .
Part of the confusion comes from the different ways that the two organisation approach menus . On a Mac , the master lotion menu is always on the top of the blind , separate from the active program windows themselves . So , even when you shut down your web browser app windows on a Mac , the covering you were using is still running . You have to select " Quit " to shut the software completely .
The majuscule thing is you do n’t have to opt between Macs and microcomputer anymore : Apple propose an software called Boot Camp that lets you run Windows on your Mac . When you use Boot Camp , you could select whether to switch between OS X and Windows when you reboot the estimator . Apple ensures that Windows has all the hardware drivers it involve for the Mac you ’re using , though it does specify you to the 32 - bit version of Windows even if you have 64 - scrap Mac hardware .
Now , let ’s calculate at a myth that could hit you mightily in the wallet .
7: Apple Products Aren’t Overpriced
This is a myth perpetuated by Apple ’s talented public relations department and echoed by Apple fans around the world . Apple does not quibble with the fact that , on average , Apple products cost more than interchangeable products made by other maker . alternatively , it argues that its products are so higher-ranking that they ’re deserving the price rise .
Compare the minimalist idol of theiPodto the clunky MP3 instrumentalist that came before it . Consider the intuitive jot - screen magic of the iPhone and the baffling menu on other smart phones . Remember when you consider your firstiMac ? It knock those beige boxes right out of the parking area , did n’t it ?
Of naturally people are willing to pay a little more money for higher-ranking intention and a more satisfying drug user experience . How much more are the willing to shell out , though ? You ca n’t put a price tatter on style , but you may put a price tag end on ironware .
In 2009 , given a MacBook Pro and a Dell laptop computer with nearly the same hardware specifications , the Mac be $ 675 more [ generator : Wildstrom ] . Opinions vary on whether it ’s worth it to pay more than 50 pct more for the MacBook to get your hands on the OS X operating system . Microsoft calls this the " Apple Tax . " Apple calls it just another myth [ germ : fry ] .
Apple ’s prices have also remind creative drudge to invent their own Mac knock - offs . For example , PC hackers at Hackintosh.com maintain steps on how to run Mac OS X on cheaper personal computer hardware , even though OS X is not supported on ironware other than a Mac . For our next myth , we ’ll look at why these exploit to tweak or clone Apple computer software is n’t as easy as it might seem .
6: Apple is a Friend of Open Source
In calculate lore , Microsoftis the monopolistic beast who crushes the creative and entrepreneurial aspirations of modest , open - source ( or non - proprietary ) developers . Apple , on the other hand , is one of the " sound bozo . " It would certainly seem to be true , since OS X is built upon the community - ride FreeBSD kernel and Safari uses open - source technology called WebKit [ seed : Cubrilovic ] . Also , the app computer programing user interface for Apple Io is available for anyone who want to smatter in create their own apps for the iPad , iPhone andiPod jot .
The irony is that Apple , the friend of open source , is now viewed by many techie as more proprietary than Microsoft [ beginning : Asay ] . The complaint , reverberate by many open - informant software developers , is that Apple builds its products by using the very best open - source engineering science and then closes them off to the world behind hermetically sealed cases and team of lawyers .
For object lesson , Apple ’s lawyer recently pressured a small group of Linux programmers to end online discourse of reverse engineering iTunes to figure out how to make iPods ferment with software other than iTunes . Apple say that ’s illegal [ reference : McMillan ] . Apple only wants iPod to operate with iTunes and it only want iPhone drug user to download fresh software through its own on-line App Store . This is frustrating for developers who have to acquire the approval of Apple before they can parcel out their software to consumer .
Software rights are n’t all that Apple ’s fighting for . In our clause Why has Germany blocked sales event of the Samsung Galaxy Tab ? we take a brief look at Apple ’s suit against Samsung and other tablet PC manufacturing business for copying both its hardware and software pattern . Thus , Apple is n’t just protecting its own products , but it ’s making sure others ca n’t benefit from clone the features that made those products successful .
You may not be able to clone Apple products , but would Apple clone one of its products to make another ? We ’ll do that question in the next myth .
5: The iPad is Just a Big iPod Touch
On the surface , this certainly seems true . Both devices execute the Apple iOS and , thus , can run any of the apps available from the App Store . The smell and flavor of the operating scheme is monovular on each devices , as is the sleek , minimalistic look of the silver edging , contraband frame and single push button . Between the two , the iPad give you the larger concealment for an easy experience reading e - rule book or watch videos .
The twist do have some important difference on the inside , though . First , the iPad can function as a enceinte iPhone , too , if you purchase a model that works on a supporting 3 G mobile net ( AT&T and Verizon in the U.S. ) . This is useful for mass who want the convenience of wireless Internet when there is n’t a convenient WiFi connection available .
In addition to the 3 G option , the iPad features a 1 Gc dual - core mainframe . This means it will better fend for the apps you run for , especially for task like keep an eye on video or playing graphic - intensive game .
at long last , the iPad supports full HD video . Apple indicates that the iPad can play video up to 1080p , with 30 reform-minded frames per second . The iPad can also display video up to 1080p when attached to larger screens using Apple ’s proprietary adapters .
Speaking of proprietary adapters , the next myth separates fact from fiction when it comes to whether you ’re better off buying Apple accessories for your computer .
4: Macs Work Better with Apple-brand Accessories
If you visit an Apple retail store , you ca n’t help but notice how every component they trade is designed to front with child together . Every Mac desktop is paired with a matching monitor , keyboard , mouse and speakers . Even the adapter and cables are shaped and colored to complement the Apple aesthetic .
While equalise peripherals and accouterment might help you palpate salutary about your leverage , do n’t think the myth that you ’re better off purchasing them . If the accessory uses USB , WiFior Bluetooth , you have a portion of non - Apple options on the food market since these are industry - standard ways to relate gadget .
For instance , the Apple Magic Mouse is a wireless shiner using Bluetooth and powered by two AA batteries . Besides hold proprietary Multi - Touch that resemble the MacBook touchpad , it ’s just a wireless mouse that will set you back $ 69 . By equivalence , a Logitech V470 Cordless Laser Mouse for Bluetooth retails for $ 49.99 , andLogitechand its retailers across the U.S. often provide discounts of $ 10 or more for this product [ sources : Apple , Logitech ] .
If the accessory requires a proprietary connector , you may need an arranger , but you might not need to buy the accessory itself . For example , a current MacBook declare oneself a Mini DisplayPort ( MiniDP ) for connecting to a separate exhibit . If you apply a non - Apple display with an industry standard technology , like DVI or VGA , you ’ll demand to buy an adapter from Apple to flip-flop between connexion . An adapter will be around $ 29 [ sources : Apple , Apple ] .
As a disavowal , though , we should mark that some accessories offer slight or no reliable alternative . For example , MacBooks use a proprietary MagSafe office adapter , and it ’s stanchly represent its undivided rights to produce MagSafe adapters . You could purchase a MagSafe knock - off , but that ’s high-risk . If the power adapter does n’t work properly , it could cause serious damage your computer that might not be covered under warranty [ generator : Apple ] .
Now let ’s count at a myth that ’s make a lot of hesitation for prospective iPhone buyers .
3: Apple Hates Flash
Flash is a proprietary medium file format created using Adobe Flash software . To catch Flash content , your Web web browser must include a plug - in provided by Adobe . Flash is supported in most entanglement browsers , but it is n’t available on any Apple iOS gimmick , including theiPad , iPhoneoriPod tactual sensation .
The myth behind Apple ’s decision is that the company just hates Flash . This started when Apple unblock its first iPhone without support Flash . Ongoing updates to the Apple iOS platform signaled that Apple had no intention of supporting Flash on its wandering equipment . It seemed as if Apple was wag a silent war against Adobe . Bitterness increase in the media , from both industry critics and Adobe , following the iPad ’s announcement in January 2010 [ source : Dilger ] .
However , in April 2010 , co - founder and then - chief executive officer Steve Jobs published his " view on Flash " statement as an prescribed reaction to public criticism . This set the track record straight on why Apple chose not to tolerate Flash in Apple iOS . Jobs state that while its own products are closed and proprietary , Apple feel that connection standard should be open . This mean supporting standards like HTML5 , CSS and JavaScript and forefend the proprietary engineering of Flash [ source : business ] .
occupation also dispelled the assumption that the entanglement was unserviceable without Flash support . He cue readers that while there is a spate of Flash content on the Web , much of that content is also usable in H.264 data format , which is support on Apple iOS . round out his explanation , Jobs also echoed view from across the technical school diligence indicating an increase deficiency of surety and reliability in Flash technology [ source : Jobs ] .
In light , though Apple distinctly does n’t want to corroborate Flash in Apple iOS , its reasons stemmed from business decision rather than personal opinion . coincidently , the big technical school buzz in November 2011 was that the mute warfare had ended with a victory for Apple . That ’s when Adobe announced that it was halting development of its Flash Player package for fluid browser app , effectively give up interactive Mobile River Web experiences to the new and increasingly popular HTML5 technology [ source : Finkle ] .
Apple may not be keeping track of Flash , but are they keeping cut of you ? In the next myth , we ’ll chance out if iPhone users should concern about Apple descry on them .
2: Apple is Using Your iPhone to Track You
On April 20 , 2011 , startling news reports blanketed media outlets around the world aver that Apple was give chase users of its mobile devices without their cognition . The rumor stemmed from an original report by tech researchers Pete Warden and Alasdair Allan , posted at Warden ’s Github.com site ( call iPhone Tracker ) .
Warden and Allan explain that they ’d found a concealed filing cabinet in Apple iOS following its iOS 4 update in June 2010 . They also cover that they could n’t find any standardized tracking code in the Android Mobile River OS . The news program cycle continued for days without an prescribed reply from Apple , leading to the rumour live on viral across theInternetand a sound inquiry from the U.S. Congress asking Apple to explain its plans and suffice questions about it [ sources : Arthur , Keizer ] .
A week later , on April 27 , Apple finally release a argument to address these claims . In the program line , Apple deny it was get over its user and stated that the data pick up was anonymous , encryptedinformation about cellular tower and WiFi hot spots that the iPhone detects . Apple explain that it was using the data to explicate a crowd - source database " with the goal of providing iPhone exploiter an improved dealings serve in the next couple of years " [ seed : Apple ] .
Despite the affirmation , some critics were still unconvinced . Apple ’s affirmation did not excuse why it concealed the bearing of this conceal file , which hive away the collected location data point unencrypted on the iOS file system of rules . It also described sure action as bugs , include continued collection of location data even with Location Services turned off . Apple promised fixing to these bugs in the " next major iOS software system release , " imply iOS 5 , which was eject by and by the same year [ seed : Keizer ] .
For our net myth , permit ’s take on one of the big reason many people give for choosing a Mac over a Windows microcomputer .
1: Macs Can’t Get Viruses
Perhaps one of Apple ’s biggest marketing point forMac OS Xis its seemingly invincible barrier against virus and other malware . Not so fast , though . Nooperating systemis pure when it come to avoid malware , including the iron - apparel Mac OS X.
The divergence is in how much and what types of malware affect Macs . First , there just is n’t a mess of malware out there contrive for Mac OS X. Malware developers are typically looking to achieve the largest hearing potential with their efforts , and Mac OS X is not a prime target . There are a lot of reasons for this , let in the following :
Second , the types of malware that affect Mac trust less on OS vulnerability and more on the gullibility of the exploiter . For example , one word form of malware disguise itself as an anti - virus program for Macs . It advertised under the name Mac Protector , Mac Defender , Apple Security Center and other title . The malware included everything you ’d look from a distinctive anti - virus curriculum : installation , system of rules scanning and even a command prompt to file the product .
The best way to protect yourself from malware threats on a Mac is to keep the system up - to - particular date . Apple will belike find and cover any Mac OS go vulnerability before they become a big job . In increase , research any new computer software before you install it . That include anything claim to be an anti - virus program or a legitimate Apple production .
In our countdown , we ’ve focused on 10 myths about Apple and its product . With the company ’s popularity , the increasing market place share for Macs and the winner of its mobile product , there will likely be more myths to add up . In the meantime , check out lots more data about Apple myth on the next page .
