Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has sparked fresh Big Tech debate after criticizing Apple during a viral resurfaced clip from his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience (#2255).
In the widely circulated segment, Zuckerberg argued that Apple has not delivered meaningful breakthrough innovations in years, suggesting the company has largely relied on the success of the iPhone era while tightening control over its ecosystem.
Zuckerberg acknowledged the iPhone as one of the most important inventions in modern tech history, but claimed Apple’s momentum has slowed significantly since then.
He stated that Apple has “kind of been sitting” on the iPhone legacy for nearly two decades, arguing that most updates in recent years have been incremental rather than revolutionary.
He also questioned Apple’s growth trajectory, suggesting iPhone sales may be flattening or declining as users hold onto devices longer due to minimal upgrade incentives.
A major point of criticism was Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem.
Zuckerberg argued that Apple has made it difficult for competitors to build comparable integrations with iPhones, especially in areas like accessories and connected devices. While he praised products like AirPods for their seamless experience, he claimed the company’s closed system limits broader innovation.
He also revisited long-standing industry criticism of Apple’s App Store policies, describing its commission structure as a way of “squeezing people” as hardware growth slows.
The comments also reflected the broader competitive tension between Meta and Apple, particularly in emerging technologies.
Zuckerberg positioned Meta as more aggressive in next-generation innovation, highlighting its work in artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and smart wearables through products like Quest headsets and Orion AR glasses. He contrasted this with Apple’s more controlled and closed ecosystem approach.
The resurfaced clip, originally from a long-form conversation aired in early 2025, was reposted on X (formerly Twitter) by @cptdankkk on May 24, 2026. It quickly gained millions of views, reigniting debate around whether Apple has lost its innovative edge or simply matured into a more ecosystem-driven company.