The Secrets That Apple Don’t Want You To Know

They Let You Spend More Than You Need

Image Source / FoursquareIt always seems like a small amount of money for the ‘extras’ that Apple put out, like a little extra storage space for your phone or more RAM for your laptop. Because it’s so easy to do, it means it’s more likely you’re going to do it – and more money for Apple, of course. So you might want to avoid impulsive spending when it comes to Apple products.

They’ve Probably Seen All Your 'Personal' Photos

Image Source / ForbesIncluding the naked ones. If you have all sorts of photos stored on your phone and take your device in for help, you might be best deleting anything you don’t want seen. Employees might need to transfer your stuff (including photos) and they’ll all show up on the screen as they do…

Apple Might Have A Secret Police Force

Image Source / The GuardianIt's been said that Apple has a secret police force known as the 'Worldwide Loyalty Team'. It's there to protect the secrecy of Apple products. But where does general leak-avoidance cross into the boundaries of invading personal information or freedom, such as employees potentially having to submit their phones for inspection?

Apparently They Purposefully Slow Down Older Models

Image Source / Hipster PixelIt's all a controversial issue but on the grapevine it's said that Apple purposefully slow down older models in order to give consumers that push to constantly spend money on the latest and greatest models - to avoid slower phones. Old tech is naturally going to be slower in comparison to the newest and best, but it's rumoured Apple purposefully makes it so.

Their Logo Has A Dark Meaning

Image Source / AppleInsiderWe all know the apple logo - simply just an apple with a bite taken out of it, no biggie. But did you ever stop to wonder more about what it might mean? Apparently it was a reference to 'Original Sin' - with Eve taking a bite out of the apple in The Garden of Eden. It's less about general eagerness for knowledge than specifically a lust for knowledge.

Controversy Surrounding Working Conditions

Image Source / Wall St. WatchdogThere have been raised eyebrows in regard to the conditions Apple employees are expected to work in, but this is rumours and speculation. It's been said that Apple may neglect the health and safety of its employees, for example, or have employees enduring workplace issues such as discrimination.

Employees Aren't Allowed To Talk About The Company

Image Source / TwitterEmployees aren't supposed to talk about Apple products, such as rumours or speculation about new tech, on any of their personal sites such as blogs or social media. It makes sense why such a huge tech giant would have a shush clause, though - and it also applies to anyone who interacts with Apple, like vendors.

There's Reports Of Tax Evasion

Image Source / AppleInsiderIt's all speculation but reportedly Apple avoids certain taxes, too, and it was claimed it paid no tax for UK sales. But Apple's tax situation is being/has been handled by the proper channels, and there are varying rumours about owing Ireland money vs not actually owing them anything at all!

You Don’t Need To Buy AppleCare Until A Year Has Passed

Image Source / idgesg.netIf you have a Mac, it’s important to protect it – and you might have panic-bought AppleCare straight away, at the same time you first purchased your device. But your Mac should already have a one-year warranty, which means you’re wasting money if you’re buying AppleCare on top of that for your first year – so take it out for the second year onwards!

Their Return Policy Is Actually Really Great

Image Source / ForbesSometimes a lot of big companies have a lot of small print when it comes to returns and refunds. Apple’s return policy actually makes it very easy, with a 14 day policy on your Mac. So if you’ve been thinking you couldn’t possibly get a full refund on such an expensive Mac after buying it, you can if you take it in within 14 days and ask for a refund/replacement!

AppleCare And Full Customer Service Is Still Available For A Used Mac

Image Source / Apple.comYou might have been thinking AppleCare and warranty service are only for shiny brand new Macs and customers who want to pay the extra, but the full customer service support is still there for a used product, too. If it’s less than a year old, it’s still eligible, and you can check for existing plans from the original owner to be transferred to you, for example.

For All Its Amazing Tech, Apple Products Can Still Have Defects

Image Source / ForbesDon’t be so quick to think that any mark or defect must have been you because Apple products are usually so shiny and perfect – it’s always possible to get a product brand new with a defect in place, like a mark or fracture. As soon as you buy your item, make sure to look it over and definitely bring it to Apple’s attention if you find something.

And Don’t Be Quick To Dismiss Defects

Image Source / 9to5mac.comYou’ve waited so long to get your Apple product in your hand and maybe you’ve just excitedly unpacked it at home. You may notice a tiny little fracture and think you don’t have the energy to return it – it’s only small, you can live with it. But that fracture can get worse, and usually when your warranty runs out. Don’t settle for less than perfect! Return it.

Make Sure To Document Interactions With Apple Staff

Image Source / ForbesYou might not have thought of doing this if it’s not an online transcript or live chat, but customer service representatives in person can say anything, so always remember the name of the person you’ve spoken to and document what they’ve told you in-store. Over the phone, ask for their name, and remember the time and date of the visit/call!

Apple Actually Sells Refurbished Products Directly

Image Source / idropnews.comYou might have thought the only way to buy a refurbished Apple product was on eBay or from refurbished stores, but Apple sell these products directly, too. It means you can save money while still getting the same quality of products and service from official Apple representatives.

Make Sure To Inspect Your Product Before The Warranty Or AppleCare Expires!

Image Source / Fortune.comMost people might not even know when their warranty expires when they’re so busy with every day life. And it’s usually the case something will go wrong right when your warranty runs out. Make a point of noting when your warranty expires so that you can do a thorough check of your product before it does so – that way any problems or defects can be dealt with in-warranty to get it replaced for free!

You Have Control Over Getting The Most From Your Products

Image Source / 9to5mac.comIt’s not just about the official Apple service. You have the power to make the most out of your Apple tech. You need to be a savvy consumer who does their research and understands what they need to know when buying or maintaining Apple products – and so you’re not easily swayed by Apple representatives, too.

Any Product Not Manufactured In Over 5 Years Is Vintage

Image Source / nypost.comDid you even think about the possibility of any Apple product being considered ‘vintage’? It just goes to show the rate of new tech. Anything that hasn’t been made in over 5 years is a vintage Apple product – and this makes it difficult if you’re still using that product and looking for parts. Apple store employees will still try to help, though.

Apple Employees Really Don’t Like It When You Forget Your Password

Image Source / ewscripps.comThey’re experts in a lot of things, but guessing your password isn’t one of them. Apparently they hate it when you forget, and even more so when you think they can magically work it out. Not knowing your password can make it take a lot longer to fix your problem.

They Don’t Approve Of People Using Store Computers For Personal Work

Image Source / i.dailymail.co.ukSome people (and maybe you have before) use the in-store computers to actually use, like having video calls for business or with friends, or use the latest Macbook for developing a new music idea for an album. Employees always notice when people pop in to use them for personal use.

The Easiest Way To Get A Job At Apple Is To Be Referred

Image Source / cdn.turner.comSo much for good old fashioned work ethic and qualifications. Because apparently the most likely way you’ll get a job at Apple is if you’re referred by somebody and already know somebody who works at Apple. Employees can also get a referral bonus, too. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know, right?

And They Know When You’re Lying!

Image Source / Apple.comA lot of customers may bend the truth when they’re trying to get a refund or replacement, and Apple employees will know when you’re lying about your product, so make sure to be open with them. They’ll try to help you as much as they can, but if they know you’re lying, they’re probably less inclined to get you a good deal…

Did You Know New Employees Are Clapped In?

Image Source / cnbcfm.comApple employees take morale very seriously – as should any workplace – and to show it, any new employees get an encouraging round of applause when they arrive. One of those awkward moments where it’s the thought that counts but you probably don’t know where to look.

They Won’t Be Rude – But If You Are, They’ll Make It Difficult For You

Image Source / bbci.co.uk‘The customer is always right’ but that doesn’t mean employees can’t make things harder. If you’re rude, you won’t get the best service from employees – they also might be a little unprofessional to get even, such as ‘checking in the back’ for an extremely long time to have you waiting.

Apple Has A Mothership

Image Source / etimg.comEmployees aren’t secretly a bunch of aliens: their headquarters is simply referred to as the ‘Mothership’. And if you are lucky enough to be a senior employee, you’ll usually be flown there for an all-expenses-paid training trip… wow, it really can’t be bad.

It’s Usually Always User Error

Image Source / The ColoradoanYou can’t work it out, or something isn’t working how you expect, and you might think there’s something up with your device. You take it for the experts to tell you what’s going on, but more often than not, it’s user error. If you don’t know how to use the device properly, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with it!

They Don’t Mind If You Call Something By The Wrong Name

Image Source / TripAdvisorHonestly, with so many pieces of tech and loads of different versions, you can be forgiven for calling something the new iWhatchaMaCallIit – and employees won’t actually frown at that. They won’t correct you if you call something by the wrong name because they’re not out to shame you for it! Which is always good to know.

Big Designs Might Have Been Thought Of Around The Kitchen Table

Image Source / Cult of MacFor such a big company, you might have an image of business bigwigs sat around an expensive looking table in an expensive looking office when it comes to deciding on new designs. But apparently a lot of the creative ideas process has been done in more casual settings - like designers sat around a kitchen table.

Apple Didn't Actually Spend Any Money On Advertising The Very First iPhone

Image Source / TechRadarApparently Apple didn't even need to pay for any marketing of their first iPhone product back in 2007, because reportedly the amount of positive customer reviews and coverage in the news channels did all the hard work for them! Not too shabby.

For The Original iPhone, Nobody Outside Of The Company Was Allowed To Be Hired To Work On It

Image Source / CNBCKeeping in line with Apple's love of secrecy and keeping everything within the family, apparently for the very first iPhone model, people hired had to come from inside the company to work on it. Steve Jobs said nobody from outside the company was to be hired to work on it.