Social media platform Instagram has effectively eradicated a fraudulent profile that was posing as Apple’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook.
This deceptive account, identified by the publication 9to5Mac, had managed to accumulate a following that included notables from within Apple’s ranks, such as Lisa Jackson, the Vice President for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, and Alan Dye, who oversees Human Interface Design.
This imposter account had operated using the handle “tim.d.cook.” It’s worth highlighting, however, that since 2013, Cook has exclusively employed Twitter (now referred to as X). Meanwhile, Apple has maintained an authentic presence across various social media platforms. It’s important to note that numerous senior executives at Apple actively engage on diverse social platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Despite this, Cook’s primary and active presence remains on X.
The counterfeit Tim Cook account went to the extent of sharing a selection of photographs.
The initial post materialized on August 20, in honor of World Photography Day. The content featured a pair of images, both captured with an iPhone. Subsequently, a second post emerged on August 23. This was a brief, 30-second advertisement promoting a collaborative campaign with 3DPets. Both posts had been plagiarized from Cook’s verified X page. In both of these posts, emphasis was placed on the capabilities of the iPhone 14 Pro’s camera and its LiDAR functionalities.
While Cook does engage fairly frequently on X, he has expressed reservations regarding the platform’s design. During an exchange with CNBC in 2021, Cook conveyed his concern that aimless scrolling could negatively impact mental well-being. He went on to state, “I believe it has detrimental effects on mental health, not only for the individual but also for those in their vicinity.”
Cook has also voiced criticism against the privacy practices of Meta (previously known as Facebook).
Notably, Apple introduced an anti-tracking feature with the release of iOS 14.5 in 2021. This move drew backlash from Meta, as it had the potential to undermine advertising revenue. Interestingly, Cook has also chosen to abstain from utilizing Threads, which is Meta’s recent foray into the world of microblogging, akin to Twitter.
In other news pertaining to Apple, there are indications that the company might unveil a quartet of new iPhones as part of the iPhone 15 series, scheduled for September 12. These forthcoming iPhones could showcase novel chipsets and enhanced camera systems. Furthermore, the standard iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus are set to embrace a revised notch design, akin to the dynamic notch seen in the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max models. This evolved notch occupies less screen space and can adjust its dimensions based on incoming notifications.
Anticipations are also running high for the impending launch of fresh Apple Watch models in the upcoming month. Enthusiasts can look forward to the introduction of three smartwatches: the Apple Watch 9, Watch SE (2023), and Watch Ultra (2023). Additionally, there’s speculation about the release of new Macs equipped with M3 chips in October. As for the next-generation iPad Pros, their potential debut is projected for early next year. Apple, however, has yet to officially confirm the timelines for these product launches.