- In 2014, Tim Cook emphasized Apple's commitment to privacy, stating that Apple sells products, not user data, with iAd being a minor part serving advertisers under strict privacy rules.
- By 2026, Apple has expanded its advertising footprint significantly, including ads in the App Store, News+, and upcoming Maps, which contradicts Cook's earlier stance and may erode user trust in privacy claims.
- Apple maintains a privacy-first approach technically, but public perception is skeptical; users often equate ads with tracking, making it hard for Apple to prove privacy protection in ad-serving systems.
- The author argues that Apple should revert to clearer privacy policies to rebuild trust, as advertising revenue from new ad ventures is minimal compared to profits from the Google/Safari deal, which doesn't tarnish Apple's reputation.