Apple doesn't like secrets being revealed outside the company's premises. It is no surprise that leakers are not welcome at Apple. CEO Tim Cook sent a chilling message to leakers this week: You don't belong here and we will find your place.
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The Verge reports that the Apple CEO was upset by two announcements he made last week at an all-hands meeting about the company's policy regarding unvaccinated employees. He also announced that Epic v. Apple antitrust case would be given frequent testing.
Cook stated in an email that he received from Apple employees Tuesday and said that he had received complaints about the leaks at the all-hands meeting. Cook was also frustrated. Cook also pointed out that this follows leaks at its September product launch.
These connections are crucial for a team. Cook said that these connections only work if the content is kept within Apple. We are doing everything we can to find those responsible for the leaks. We do not tolerate the disclosure of confidential information. This includes IP of products or details of meetings. We are aware that there is a small group of leakers. We also know that leakers of confidential information are not allowed to be here.
Apple has been taking steps to stop people selling stolen iPhone prototypes. These are thought to have been taken by Chinese workers who steal them from factories and then post about it on social media. Apple sent a cease-and-desist letter to one seller, asking them to stop buying, selling, or advertising the devices. It requested a list of all those who had given the prototypes to the seller.
Apple doesn't like leaks because they can have a negative impact on accessory manufacturers. Based on leaks, these companies could create accessories that don't fit the final product.
Apple is also mad at leaks that make it impossible to surprise people at product launches. This, it claims, is an important part the company's DNA.
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Apple is entitled to be upset and to take steps to stop leaks. It is important to be able to see the bigger picture and make appropriate decisions for each situation. It's one thing to leak an iPhone prototype. But it's another to leak the covid-19 testing policy of the company, which would probably have come to light anyway or comments made after a trial, although the latter is more sensitive.
Cook may be trying to scare them into a never-leaving again approach.
