Apple is one of the largest tech companies in the world. Known for its expensive and famous devices that sell a lifestyle, Apple is also known for its secrecy.
And this is why anything about Apple that has yet to be formally introduced, can make headlines.
Unfortunately for Apple, leaks can happen, simply because Apple relies on its partners to manufacture its products.
Fortunately, Apple is very capable in controlling the media, and has for several times, managed to surprise customers despite information about its products were frequently leaking.
But this time, and also for the first time, Apple is threatening leakers that it may take the matter to court, if they continue.
Known leakers, like Kang, said that Apple has sent letters demanding his to stop revealing details of future Apple products, and warn them of legal action in China if he does not comply.
According to social media posts, Apple's letters demand the leakers to not disclose information about unreleased products since they can mislead potential customers, and give competitors an advantage.
Because there is no way for Apple to stop leakers from obtaining data from whatever their sources are, Apple demands the leakers to refrain from posting any images of unreleased Apple products, and shall not refer to posts as dreams or riddles.
Since leaks are leaks, things can change. Apple is concerned "because what is disclosed may not be accurate."
According to a Weibo post from Kang, the letter from Apple warns that it won't tolerate shared leaks of any form.
Kang says that he "won't post riddles and dreams in the future."
He also warns other bloggers that Apple may be auditing their posts, and anything that is posted about unreleased products, could be seen as "infringement and abuse of commercial information."
Kang wrote on Weibo this week (translated):
"I think my experience with Apple products is objective and fair, and the purchase advice has always been to say don’t buy anything, no other nonsense. I have never published undisclosed product pictures, which means that Apple does not welcome riddlers and Dreaming, dreaming will violate their confidentiality mechanism, even if I have a dream, Apple’s competitors will obtain effective information."
"These years, playing Weibo with Apple has been a back-to-back tune. Talking will be reviewed. Without posting or leaking pictures, it is also used as a target. I am really curious about how big this group posting is, and it’s like ours. It’s not surprising that a veteran of mobile phone accessories knows in advance, and I haven’t used this information to make a profit on Weibo."
Apple targets Kang, because he has a good track record. In the past, he leaked the entire iPhone 12 lineup ahead of its announcement, reported HomePod mini details early on, reported on the return of MagSafe for the iPhone, and more.
According to numerous reports, Kang is among a number of reliable Apple tipsters, no matter how much he denies revealing any information on social media.
