In a recent podcast interview with Joe Rogan, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took a sharp jab at Apple’s innovation track record, claiming the tech giant hasn’t created anything groundbreaking since the iPhone, introduced by Steve Jobs in 2007. While Zuckerberg acknowledged the influence of Apple’s flagship product, his critique highlights broader questions about what it means to innovate in today’s tech landscape. But can Meta’s record stand up to scrutiny when held to the same standard?
Apple’s Vision Pro and the Innovation Debate
Zuckerberg’s comments specifically targeted Apple’s Vision Pro, its high-end mixed-reality headset unveiled in 2023. While he dismissed it as a lackluster attempt at innovation, others argue that the device represents Apple’s push into spatial computing—a bold leap for a company that thrives on ecosystem refinement rather than constant invention. Apple has also revolutionized industries with products like the Apple Watch, AirPods, and its M-series chips, each reinforcing its dominance without necessarily being groundbreaking.
Critics of Zuckerberg’s statement argue that Apple’s strategy revolves around perfecting existing technologies to create seamless user experiences. Whether it’s the iPad reimagining tablets or the Apple Watch transforming wearable tech into a health-monitoring powerhouse, Apple’s innovations often focus on evolution over revolution.
Meta’s Record: Innovation or Borrowing?
In contrast, Meta (formerly Facebook) has built its empire on two fronts: social media dominance and forays into virtual and augmented reality. While Meta has undeniably shaped digital communication, its history of “borrowing” ideas from competitors raises questions about its originality.
1. Instagram Stories & Reels: Meta’s decision to integrate Stories and Reels into Instagram was a direct response to Snapchat and TikTok, respectively. While successful, these features weren’t groundbreaking—they were adapted from platforms that pioneered the formats.
2. WhatsApp and Oculus Acquisitions: Rather than building from scratch, Meta acquired WhatsApp to secure its place in messaging and Oculus to enter the VR market. While these moves strengthened its portfolio, they weren’t homegrown innovations.
3. Threads: Meta’s recent Twitter/X competitor, Threads, was marketed as a fresh take on microblogging but closely mimicked its rival’s structure. Adoption surged initially, but engagement faltered, raising doubts about its long-term impact.
Zuckerberg’s Grievance with Apple
Zuckerberg also criticized Apple’s “random rules,” referring to the company’s tight control over its App Store and the fees it charges developers. This complaint underscores a long-running tension between Meta and Apple, particularly over privacy updates in iOS that limited data tracking—a core component of Meta’s advertising model. Zuckerberg claimed that without Apple’s restrictions, Meta’s profits could double, but this assertion sidesteps the broader industry demand for consumer data protection.
The Bigger Picture: Evolution vs. Disruption
The debate between Zuckerberg and Apple reflects two contrasting philosophies in tech. Apple emphasizes refining user experiences within a tightly controlled ecosystem, while Meta focuses on rapid iteration and expansion, often by emulating or acquiring rivals. Both approaches have their merits, but neither company can claim a spotless record of originality.
If Zuckerberg’s critique hinges on Apple’s lack of revolutionary products, it’s worth asking how many of Meta’s innovations could be considered truly groundbreaking versus reactive. The Vision Pro may not be the next iPhone, but Meta’s VR ambitions, such as the Quest headset, have yet to yield a device as transformative either.
Mark Zuckerberg’s critique of Apple invites scrutiny of both companies’ contributions to the tech world. While Apple hasn’t replicated the disruptive success of the iPhone, it has consistently redefined categories. Meta, on the other hand, excels at adapting ideas to scale but often toes the line between inspiration and imitation. In the end, innovation in tech isn’t just about invention—it’s about impact. Both Apple and Meta have left indelible marks on the industry, albeit through very different paths.
