Apple's top secrets that you've never heard before

Apple, the world’s most valuable company and the crown jewel of Silicon Valley, is known for its sleek design, innovation, and cult-like fan base.

From the recently-launched iPhone 17 to the powerful M5 chip, the Cupertino-based tech giant is known for shaping the future.

But beneath the glossy marketing and minimalist Apple Stores, there’s a world the company rarely talks about, one filled with secrecy, controversy, and ruthless business tactics.

Here are seven Apple secrets that even loyal fans might not know.

1. The privacy promise isn’t so perfect

Apple loves to market itself as the “privacy-first” company, but insiders reveal a grey area, the tech giant still profits indirectly from companies like Google, which pays billions to remain the default search engine on iPhones.

2. The innovation slowdown

Critics argue that Apple’s once-revolutionary iPhone updates have become predictable. 

With each release feeling more like an upgrade than a revolution, and even Apple fans admit it.

3. Steve Jobs’ ruthless legacy

Steve Jobs built Apple into an empire, but his management style was notoriously cutthroat. Former employees describe him as both a visionary and a perfectionist tyrant.

4. The "Apple police" are real

To stop product leaks, Apple created an internal security unit, often nicknamed the Apple Gestapo, known for conducting surprise raids and monitoring staff for suspected whistleblowers.

5. Ethical supply chain controversies

Apple’s relationship with suppliers like Foxconn has drawn criticism for poor working conditions and labour violations, an issue that continues to haunt its reputation despite promises of reform.

6. The “blood minerals” problem

Many Apple products once relied on minerals sourced from conflict zones in Africa. While Apple claims progress in ethical sourcing, watchdogs say full transparency remains elusive.

7. The billion-dollar tax loophole

Apple’s complex “Double Irish Arrangement” helped it avoid paying billions in taxes for years. 

Although the EU has since cracked down, the company’s global tax practices remain under scrutiny.