What happened with me and Apple 

Pretty bananas but entirely unsurprising. I’ve heard from multiple friends about my blacklisted status without ever having spoken to anyone at Apple ever.

Man, really appreciate the comments and support around this video. I sat on this story for so long, it feels great to get it out. One thing I ask is, don't evaluate any other content creators through the lens of this story. Everyone has their own experiences, these are just mine.

i remember every single day after school as a 14 year old, i would open technobuffalo just to see new tech, even at school! crazy to think u were struggling to get your hands on product yet we never lacked quality content, and tbh im so greatful for the childhood u gave me

You know you are fair an unbiased when a company throws a tantrum because you were being honest.

I'm not really surprised at how you were treated. Apple likes to control the narrative. Always has. I'm glad you shared this story. Makes you more trustworthy, in my opinion.

Now you know why iJustine always gets stuff because she just smiles and tells you how great the device is.

Did you get another phone call after THIS video went live? 🤣

I've never understood why Apple does this. They send early-access devices to "hand-picked" channels that almost always give positive reviews. But, just 12 hours later the products are released to the public anyway, and the "blacklisted" channels upload tear-down videos or showcase major issues/negative things etc. I really wish Apple would just send products out to everyone and let them say or do whatever they want. From a consumer's point of view, I don't trust reviews from those who get the early access products. They clearly fit into Apple's agenda which is why they are sent the products in the first place. Anyway, sucks that this happened to you. I remember watching Apple content on this channel way back in the early 2010s. Although, as you said in the video, it's likely a blessing in disguise because you can say whatever you want about Apple now!

While I agree that having a relationship with a manufactures probably makes thing easier, in the end, being true and honest about your content is more important. Especially to you audience. Been watching you since the jon4lakers days and I’ll probably keep watching until you stop making videos

Makes sense as to why so many tech RU-vidrs suck up to apple and won't say anything bad about them. Pretty interesting story.

We appreciate the transparency and honesty. It’s very unfortunate when these companies think they have more control than they actually do.

Apple's Activation Lock Problem: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mfzo8Q_f47c.html

Bravo Jon. I've been watching you since you were just a noobie. Brave choice. No one should be slave by any of these big corporations. If they don't want any complaints then they should make good products and services. Besides, they should appreciate and thank all the reviewers for allowing them to know what they should fix and improve.

Thanks for sharing. Yes start working on that book! Would love to hear the BTS of this crazy job that is RU-vidrs.

While I consider myself an Apple “fanboy”, I realize how terrible this company can be if it comes to PR. Absolutely not acceptable. Thanks for sharing this.

Been following you from the beginning and I've always respected what you do and I respect you even more now. You should never ever let a company dictate what you do and you've always stayed true to what you do.

Kinda sad to see that Apple wanted to control the Narrative, especially when the Company preaches individuality and being yourself. I’m happy you were able to rise above the immaturity they showed. Love your content.

Almost any popular review of an Apple product is always treated with positive responses. This is one of the reasons I actively avoid any videos or articles that talk about Apple from popular channels or news outlet. It creates this narrative for consumers that Apple does everything absolutely perfect and do no wrong. Criticizing their product makes them look bad and they obviously don’t want people to ruin this “premium” image they’ve established. Glad that you’ve stood your ground Jon. Thanks for sharing your story!

Yep - this is exactly how Apple picks winners and losers. Those they hand pick get early devices, lots of traffic, and the corresponding revenue (along with great SEO/recommendation positions for future placements). There's tremendous value in access to them and Apple knows it. Most of this goes undisclosed by those whom Apple picks for review units and access.

Jon, you’re not being salty-the only one being salty is apple 😂. Disappointing to hear you went through that headache but not surprised one bit. Glad you’re doing better and have more creative freedom!

Being blacklisted by Apple is a badge of honor. Back when Steve Jobs was alive Leo Laporte got blacklisted for live streaming an event with his laptop. As I recall he wasn’t even inside the building but when Apple found out he never got invited to an event again.

John! You don’t need a company to grow and you’ve proven it! Happy you’ve let it all out thanks for being open and honest with us!

This is the real reason i have been following you since your TechnoBuffalo Days. You are simply Honest, Humble & Happy .....🍻 Hells Yeah ! It definetly worked out for you 😎

Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve been watching your videos all the way back to your Jon4lakers days. Keep doing what you’re doing and I wish you all the best.

The Apple PR team could have handled this situation more professionally in my opinion. Nevertheless glad it worked out great for you Jon!

I bet apple will be calling you about this video now too. Keep up the good content and don't let these companies bully you into doing what they want! that is why we love you!

I enjoy your tech reviews, Jon! What matters most is the authenticity of your content. You’re beyond blessed. Keep up the good work!

Jon, you’re the most genuine bloke always. One of the first tech RU-vidrs I started watching around 2011. Would love to hear the stories you’ve had over your career.

Thank you for sharing Jon! I’ve been following you since the “ Jon4lakers” days. I always felt you were the most honest and fairest tech reviewer online. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing, Jon! That’s a great story to hear especially seeing where you are now.

Jon, I’ve been watching your videos for the past 10-12 years. Thanks for sharing this.

Thanks for sharing bro! 2018 funny how a few people had similar experiences that year.

Thanks for sharing Jon! Been with you since TechnoBuffalo! Sucks to hear that Apple’s PR team handled it this way. So many other reviewers get away with that kind of content. Just shows how much more you can be trusted as a reliable reviewer!

Glad you made and shared this video with us. On the plus side, due to the pandemic, in-person attendance at Apple events is not any more advantageous to just watching the event at home and making a video about it. You seem a lot happier now with your channel being independent than several years ago, keep up the positivity!

Like about 10 years ago I was working at a place called Maccor out of Tulsa Oklahoma, they built scientific battery control devices basically they were for testing smart batteries that went into cell phones. I was a traveling field representative for Maccor. And obviously went all over the country to various mobile and tech firms, but close to the end of my time with Mac or I was stationed in Palo Alto California and I was working at Apple, during my time there I worked with several of their battery engineers and it was honestly astonishingly sad hearing their stories of how hard they were being forced to work I couldn't believe it but one of the engineers told me it had been 200 days since he had a single day off and I ask why on earth he would do that, and he said "well there are 100 other young and talented engineers who want my job and so if I don't do what I'm being asked I will be replaced". What made it extra shocking to me was less than a month before that I had been at Google's campus in the area and the battery engineer I worked with there spent half the time showing me videos he had taken with his GoPro and then at lunch time they had a concert, like a live concert on the campus I couldn't believe it. That is when my views on Apple and Google sort of took shape. Then years later Google opened a data facility in my hometown, Pryor Oklahoma, Pryor Oklahoma was and still is a very poor area of the country. A large majority of the children in Pryor Oklahoma live in poverty and most of them will never leave the state of Oklahoma. These are statistical facts. Recently I learned that every single year google gives every Pryor student in the 8th grade class the opportunity to visit Washington DC, you know it's very well planned and they learn about our nation and our government, Google is also putting the bill for the hotel and for the chaperones and even for their food. The way the kids pay for their trip is by doing a certain amount of community service. I think it's 12 hours or it might be 20 hours either way it's not a lot. This is all happening while we're hearing stories of iPhones being built in near slave labor like conditions in China. Now I know no company is perfect and every company is in the end driven by their bottom line. It's just nice to know these massive corporations can at least do a little bit to help make people's lives better in the communities they inhabit, even if it is just a PR move they're still helping these kids make memories that will last their entire lives. Anyway I say all that just because I think it's a good way to contrast these two companies. And I know you said you don't have a grudge against Apple but I truthfully do not like them as a company at all, I don't like their corporate philosophy just like I don't like who Steve Jobs was as a person. And I think the way you treat people should matter, that should be the biggest part of your legacy is what happened to the lives that you touched. You know we remember Steve Jobs is this genius , this man with a vision of the future and maybe that's true but also he was an asshole who really hurt people. I think in the end the impact you made in the lives of the people you knew is what matters most. Maybe I'm just not listening but I have not heard any stories of people whose lives were greatly benefited because of their interactions with Apple as a business. Yet I personally know of an entire town that has benefited greatly from their interactions with Google. Anyway that's just my opinion. Thanks

More videos like this! I love this type of video. Very refreshing, and your story was excellent. Glad you were able to learn from this. Every setback is a setup if we choose to see it.

I think it takes a lot of courage to speak out and tell this story. I am happy that you’ve had success regardless. Best of luck in your upcoming endeavors!

This really changed my perception of Apple. I knew they controlled the narrative but not like this, it’s really unprofessional on their part and just shows how great you are with the composure you showed and didn’t deserve to be treated that way at all.

Love that you released this. It's never ok for a company to treat someone like that.

You, Mark and Quinn were some of the people I first subscribed too on RU-vid. Glad you're still going strong despite any roadblocks such as Apple etc. Always look forward to the videos!

Thanks Jon for sharing your story. I just wanted to say that your content is very genuine. I like watching your videos; your channel is considered among the top tech ones that I follow. Your videos and production with such quality could be due to what happened to you. Please don't change the way you produce the videos and how you share your thoughts on today's tech.

Well done for sharing this Jon. I always enjoy your content. All the best.

Any reviewer willing to express their thoughts and experiences with a device thoughtfully and without bias rather than simply gushing about it is one I'll always come back to when that next new product is announced. I appreciate your transparency.

Meanwhile, Unboxtherapy in defiance: iPhone 14 Pro Max First Look - That earned my respect

Thank you for your bravery and honesty to talk about this. It's sad that corporations can blatantly try and restrain information and user experiences on products. More power to you! I have been watching you for a long time thank you for the content you produce.

Dude I appreciate this video it's good to be completely transparent with your viewers. I'm glad you did not fold and formed to their standards like most tech reviews.

John it’s really good that you were able to share this. Especially your forgiving perspective and no hard feelings approach.

This is one of the most incredible, genuine, heartfelt RU-vid videos I've ever seen.

This video is a great view on how you were being treated by Apple, honestly I’m surprised that other reviewers like mkbhd or someone else do very similar videos and yet get away with it, this is just straight up bad from apple’s side to have a bad PR, a reviewer’s job is to review it from their point of view, not from what the brand wants from it

Not surprised at all!! Love this video, so interesting how companies get as they grow. Love the honesty. Keep up the great content.

The console wars and Jon4lakers era were some of my earliest exposure with your business and honestly you remain one of the most honest and real reviewers ever. Keep doing what you're doing. Lots of love from the other side of the world.

This is getting interesting, please continue this series and share your more experiences you've had in your tech journalism carrier.

I’ve been waiting for this since you foreshadowed it on twitter… and man I’m sorry this happened to you. You’d think a multi billion dollar company would treat people who are promoting their products in this manner- sounds to me like they don’t like constructive criticism… now I know why the tech tubers kiss apples … well. You’re amazing keep up the great work.

Thanks so much for sharing! I’ve always loved your videos, and it’s great to know that your Apple reviews are unbiased. Crummy you were treated that way, but great to see that you persevered and grew from that experience.

Thanks for the video. You and Soldier are OGs in this work and trusted voices in the tech world. Thank you! Keep grinding!

Thank you Jon for sharing your experience with us.

Proud of you Jon, really glad it all worked out for you.

I’m so glad you made this video. Now I see why these tech channels always trying to make like the iPhone is the best phone to get or try to just make videos about the phone to act like it’s nothing wrong with the phone

Thanks for sharing, Jon. Not at all surprised by the way Apple PR acted, but still must have been stressful to say the least. Glad you were able to push through and continue being great!

Jon! I think your honesty and sincerity will help you go a long way. You are a honest guy and an amazing tech reviewer and I’ve been watching you since a long time now. It’s quite understandable of Apple behaving in this way cz it’s all about revenue and profits at the end of the day for any company whatsoever more than customer satisfaction and we’ll all agree on this and this is coming from a guy who has been using iPhone since 2010. But I think at the end of the day it’s about being honest and respectful and that’s what these companies should also focus on. But anyways, keep doing what you always do and that’s being amazing always. Loads of love and support for you from India. Hope your family’s doing fine as well. Keep up the good work❤

Great video. Very interesting to know what happened. Integrity and honesty trump everything!

Jon, fantastic video. I’ve been following and loving your content for a long time and it just keeps getting better. Keep up the great work

Watched your first video like 14 years ago. Always found you an authentic guy, glad to hear you're still keeping that up.

Who can be surprised? I’m glad it worked out best for you. This was your experience with your personal phones; no freebies from Apple. Of course they’re going to strike out at you. That’s what bullies do. The same thing is happening with honest reviewers of Rivian, Lucid and other EV startups. We need honest reviews from people with integrity to offset the companies that seem to have lost their integrity (at times). Thanks John - keep up the great work. I’m sure it’s not easy.

It wouldnt surprise me if Apple still does this with top reviewers making sure that they are positive about their devices. Although I agree that now Apple is on the top. Its always been weird to me that Apple was far behind in lots of features but youtube reviewers always shoved this under the table and never spoke about it. Very interesting story, thanks for sharing!

Loved this video. So often setbacks are also the seed of opportunity. It doesn’t matter where you are a career, change for the better is always possible when you are willing to let go of your past ideas, preconceptions and even dreams. It’s never too late to start over. I did it at 60.

2 things immediately came to mind as I watched your always insightful and awesome video 👊🏽 1- you were so right not to take it personally as they really did not want to work with You, they wanted your reach…audience. In hindsight I’ve not always been successful there. 2- I bet that rep didn’t slow walk any cases after that posting 😃 I chuckled at the chastising part. Sincerely… thx for sharing with us Jon.

Been watching your reviews from a long time. Keep up the good work brotha

You (back in the John4Lakers days) and SoldierKnowsBest were I think the first and only tech RU-vidrs I watched a while. Appreciate all that you’ve done over the years for do tech reviews.

Nice video Jon, kinda crazy thinking you were essentially attacked by Apple. I will say the better part of this is that in the end you still are doing what you like to do and that is making videos and sharing them here on RU-vid. It has been a long journey seeing you and this channel grow from a hobby to TechnoBuffalo and seeing where you are now!

Thanks for publishing Jon. You are one of the most honest reviewers on the platform and a pleasure to watch you and your story telling. The “relationship” has done the opposite of hinder you, it freed you.

Thank you, very much for sharing your story! Just being a home computer user, I came to Apple computers in 1996 and my first desktop system was an All-in-One 5400 with an Apple video capture card, and TV/FM radio tuner with its matching black remote control. My grades for Apple computer systems are as follows: During the 1990's a grade of "B"; during the 2000's (what, I call their golden years) a grade of "A"; during the 2010's a grade of "B"; and now with their M-1 and M-2 processor chips transition in the 2020's a grade of "C" (smile...smile).

This guy is a master of fitting thirty seconds of content in a fourteen minute video

Thanks for telling the story! That's one reason I can't stand anything from Gruber anymore. He's grown more and more into a PR spokesperson for Apple, just repeating their arguments. When you can have a podcast, inside Apple on WWDC and have pretty much the complete C-suite there, than you can't be as neutral as you claim to be. I'll keep following you. ;-)

Dude I remember watching techno buffalo in middle school and in my recent years wondering what had happened but all these stories are needed. People need to understand how journalists and individuals are treated by bigger companies and the government protecting big companies. I heard your Motorola story as well which was wild. Stay true to you jon

John, thank you for sharing your story. I’ve been watching your videos for years ! Keep up the great content !

Being true and honest about a review is what viewers want, and you're doing great. Some big tech RU-vidrs are clearly sucking apple if you watch enough reviews on their channels.

Really enjoyed this. Always felt Apple is very self righteous. Makes it clear how other reviewers must be playing along

Good on you Jon for sharing the story, it’s good to know some internal Apple insights from a consumer perspective.

Great video about how things are behind the scenes. Always thought big had to be the apple way or no way when it came to their PR. Some people almost suck up as such to be kept on their list for the future as don’t want to be dropped, this proves you don’t have to say what they want you to say to make yourself known or have a following, you have not heard from them in so long yet have one of the most respected views in my eyes, even more so after this video. Keep up the great work and keep being you…..honest

I'm not surprised. I think it's really bad of them to treat you like they did. But once again; I'm not surprised. I was an iPhone user from their first iPhone but I turned to an android as my latest and I'm happy with my phone. Sure, all phones have their pros and cons. Thanks for sharing your story. It's their loss if they don't wanna talk to you anymore. Greetings from Sweden

Thanks for being open. Need to go back to TechnoBuffalo✌️

mad respect, just makes me want to watch your content more often & trust your Apple reviews even more!

This kind of things make your content more authentic and reliable. Keep the good work Jon!

It’s Apple’s loss. You are a man of principle and I’ve always appreciated your candor and honest feedback on products.

I appreciate you sharing your story bro! I'm happy to see you turned lemons into lemonade and have come out better and stronger than before.

Thanks for sharing honestly! Glad things generally worked out for the better!

You were one of the first tech reviews I subscribed to on RU-vid. Glad things got better for you.

Your loyalty lies with your viewers and readers, not with the corporation, and that is a good thing. Keep telling the truth, sometimes it may get you in trouble, or even blacklisted, but so be it. The truth shall set you free.

I've been watching you since 2015 technobuffalo, I'm glad you are honest explaining your feeling about apple!

I appreciate the transparency of your reviews! It worth the pain.

Thanks for your story man. Been watching your content for years now. Keep up the good work!

The way you said they treated you, like a child, on the phone is why I have a problem with Apple as a company and more specifically their OS. I'm not anti-Apple either, but I don't like to be told that I'm doing things the wrong way and that to have an enjoyable experience I need to do things "the right way" (the way they intend for you to use it).

Jon after 13 Years of watching your content, if there’s one thing I tell my subscribers is to just Be YOU… Give your Honest opinion on tech. I finally woke up and said you know something I’ve had my fill of Apple it’s time to move on to Samsung and I have not looked back so far. I forgot how simple and easy it was not being locked in a closet for so long! You don’t need Apple Bro. They need people like you who are not afraid to tell there Subs how it is… If the phone has issues I would want to know before dropping what?… $1200 now?… Hell No… Hopefully if that PR calls back for any reason just tell him the same way he told you. I don’t need you, you need me. “CLICK” Best F’Off that would ever be. We need more like you Jon everyone else I watch seems to be Bond and Gagged by them. You can see it… PS… Thank You for not only tech reviews but Thank You for moving me into the EV Department of Electric Vehicles mainly Lucid and the other one I forget the name. But I have my eyes on Lucid. Keep that same energy Bro. Till next time!

Thank you for sharing. I hate that you had to go through that. I hope that their P.R. sees this and that someone reaches out and offers you the apology that you deserve.

Wow...this is a way, way, way behind the curtains view. Good for you Jon👏👏👏 your company is just as important.

Thank you for sharing. If anything it makes me respect your perspective and reviews MORE, knowing that Apple doesn’t have their hand in your back pocket.

Apple loves to control every aspect of everything. From their ecosystem to their PR. Moving away from Apple was such a breath of freedom.

Thanks for sharing. Everything happens for a reason. Ironically my iPhone XR has turned out to be quite a robust phone (I still use it!). Appreciate this insight into what happens behind the scenes. Funny enough I remember an old post / review of how the business is ran through a Surface Pro and I thought at that time a full switch had been made from Apple. Wish you all the best. … Checks surface pro review, ahh that was 6 years ago pre the black listing!

Kudos for coming out with this, hope other tech RU-vidrs who have similar experiences with Apple come out too. Maybe Apple might care to change.