Stay Away From MALIBAL

Editorial Note: What follows is a commentary on internet outrage culture, moral inconsistency, and why perspective seems to have vanished from online discourse. Through a detailed comparison between our company’s “darkest hour” and Apple’s documented history of corporate crimes, we explore how the internet has warped our sense of proportional response and selective outrage.

If you search for our company online, you’ll likely come across a post on Reddit titled, “Stay away from malibal.”

In the post, an anonymous user claims they received a shocking email reply from us, allegedly calling them a “zombie” after they sent a curse-laden message to one of our support agents.

In what can only be described as a proportionate response, the author of the post declares that “you’re crazy if you buy from this company,” calling for nothing less than a complete boycott of MALIBAL.

In light of this now infamous scandal, officially known as Zombiegate, we felt it was only fair to compare our own “crisis” to some other notable issues faced by a company you may have heard of: Apple.

Prepare yourselves for a deep dive into notorious corporate missteps, as we set our single email exchange alongside Apple’s greatest hits.

Apple’s Notable Scandals (A Non-Exhaustive List)

CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY/SYSTEMIC EXPLOITATION

1. Uyghur Forced Labor Links (2020-present) – Multiple investigations revealed Apple’s supply chain connection to forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region. Despite claiming “zero tolerance” for forced labor, Apple lobbied to weaken the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act while continuing to source components from the region.

2. Foxconn Working Conditions (2010-2012) – Reports of grueling working hours, poor conditions, and even suicides at Foxconn, Apple’s primary manufacturing partner, brought scrutiny to Apple’s labor practices.

3. Child Labor in the Supply Chain (2010-present) – Multiple reports have surfaced linking Apple suppliers to underage labor, sparking international outrage and pledges for reform.

4. COVID Worker Protests at Foxconn (2022) – Thousands of workers at iPhone’s largest factory in Zhengzhou, China, violently clashed with security forces over COVID restrictions, unpaid bonuses, and dangerous working conditions. Workers were reportedly forced to live in unsanitary dorms with COVID-positive colleagues to maintain production.

5. Malaysian Factory Abuses (2023-present) – Investigation revealed forced labor and passport confiscation at Apple supplier facilities. Workers reported excessive overtime, unsafe conditions, and debt bondage schemes despite Apple’s supplier audits.

6. Vietnamese Factory Labor Violations (2020) – Workers at Apple supplier factories in Vietnam reported excessive overtime, unsafe conditions, and wage theft. Investigation found 24-hour shifts during peak production, dormitory overcrowding, and failure to pay promised bonuses.

7. Indian Factory Riots (2020) – Workers at iPhone assembly plant near Bangalore ransacked facility over months of unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions. Investigation revealed wage withholding, excessive overtime, and crowded living conditions during pandemic.

8. Workplace Discrimination/Harassment Issues (2016-present) – Multiple instances of alleged discrimination, including gender pay gaps and retaliation against employees raising concerns.

9. Union Busting Activities (2021-present) – Apple engaged in systematic anti-union tactics at retail stores, including mandatory anti-union meetings, retaliatory scheduling, and surveillance of organizing activities. Multiple NLRB complaints filed over illegal interference with worker organizing rights.

SYSTEMATIC FRAUD/FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION

10. Tax Avoidance Strategies (2014-2020) – The EU ordered Apple to pay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland after uncovering offshore tax avoidance schemes.

11. iPhone Battery Throttling (2017) – Apple admitted to deliberately slowing down older iPhones through software updates, leading to a $500 million settlement and multiple lawsuits.

12. Planned Obsolescence Allegations (2016-present) – Accusations that Apple designs devices to fail after a certain period. iOS updates have been shown to slow older devices, sparking debate on software-induced obsolescence.

13. Education iPad Price Fixing (2010-2016) – Overcharging schools/education sector through exclusive contracts and inflated prices, leading to investigations.

14. Gift Card Scam Negligence (2020-present) – Apple accused of profiting from and failing to prevent gift card scams targeting elderly, despite knowing about the scheme for years.

15. Apple Card Gender Bias (2019) – Apple Card algorithms accused of giving women lower credit limits than men with identical financials.

16. Apple Music Artist Royalty Issues (2015-present) – Not paying artists during free trial period initially, ongoing issues with royalty calculations and payments.

PRIVACY VIOLATIONS

17. PRISM Program Participation (2013) – Revealed in Snowden leaks that Apple participated in NSA surveillance program despite initial denials.

18. Chinese iCloud Data Migration (2018) – Moving Chinese users’ data to state-controlled servers raised concerns about enabling government surveillance.

19. CSAM Scanning Controversy (2021) – Proposed scanning of user photos for illegal content faced massive privacy backlash and concerns about potential government surveillance expansion.

20. App Store Data Harvesting (2022-present) – Research revealed Apple allowing apps to collect user data despite App Store privacy claims. Internal documents showed company aware of systematic violation of own privacy guidelines.

21. Find My Phone Law Enforcement (2021-2023) – Apple provided user location data to law enforcement without warrants through Find My iPhone system, contradicting privacy promises.

22. Undisclosed Location Tracking (2011-2012) – iPhones tracked and stored detailed user location data even when location services were disabled, leading to congressional investigation.

23. Siri Recording Privacy Breach (2019) – Contractors were found listening to private Siri recordings including confidential conversations and medical information without user knowledge.

24. Safari Browser Privacy Leaks (2019-2020) – Found sending Chinese users’ browsing data to Tencent and Google while marketing Safari as privacy-focused.

25. Safari Private Browsing Data Leak (2020-2021) – Private browsing history being saved to iCloud despite explicit privacy promises.

26. CarPlay Location Privacy Issues (2023) – Investigation revealed CarPlay sharing detailed location and driving behavior data with third parties without explicit user consent. Data used for insurance assessment and marketing despite privacy promises.

27. App Privacy Labels Accuracy Issues (2020-present) – Apple’s privacy “nutrition labels” found to contain inaccurate information about data collection practices.

SECURITY VULNERABILTIES

28. iCloud Privacy Concerns (2014) – A massive iCloud breach led to personal data leaks of high-profile individuals, raising concerns about Apple’s cloud security.

29. iPhone Stolen Device Protection Delay (2024) – Despite years of known issues with theft and unauthorized Apple ID changes, Apple failed to implement basic security measures to prevent ‘Apple ID Reset’ scams.

30. Apple ID Recovery Bypass (2023) – Critical flaw allowed attackers to bypass Apple ID recovery process and gain account access. Company took months to patch despite active exploitation.

31. Password Manager Vulnerabilities (2022) – Critical security flaws in iCloud Keychain exposed users’ stored passwords. Zero-day vulnerability allowed attackers to extract credentials while Apple claimed “unbreakable” security.

32. CSAM Database Leaks (2022) – Security researchers discovered improperly secured database of child exploitation image hashes, potentially compromising sensitive law enforcement tools and investigations. Apple delayed acknowledging the breach for months.

33. Find My Network Vulnerabilities (2021) – Research revealed Apple’s Find My network could be exploited to exfiltrate data from nearby devices, creating potential for corporate espionage and privacy breaches. Apple downplayed risks before quietly patching.

34. Developer Account Hijacking (2023) – Widespread theft of developer accounts through Apple’s own support system exposed millions in fraud. Support staff social engineered into granting account access, with Apple refusing to compensate victims.

35. AirTag Stalking Issues (2021-present) – AirTags being used for stalking despite Apple claiming safeguards; company slow to address known risks.

ANTI-COMPETITIVE PRACTICES

36. App Store Monopoly Concerns (2019-present) – Apple’s 30% commission on App Store purchases led to a high-profile lawsuit with Epic Games and ongoing antitrust investigations.

37. Browser Engine Mandate (2020-present) – Required all iOS browsers to use WebKit engine, effectively blocking competition and innovation while Safari fell behind in features. Multiple antitrust investigations launched over browser monopoly.

38. Search Engine Deal Scrutiny (2023) – $15 billion annual payment from Google to remain default iOS search engine faced antitrust investigation. Internal documents showed Apple deliberately avoiding competition to maintain payment stream.

39. Small Developer Extortion (2021-2023) – Evidence emerged of Apple threatening small developers with app removal unless they purchased expensive Apple Search Ads campaigns.

40. Third-Party Payment Retaliation (2022-present) – Developers reporting systematic app review delays and rejections after implementing court-mandated third-party payment options.

41. NFC Payment Blocking (2019-present) – Restricted third-party payment apps from using iPhone’s NFC chip, forcing use of Apple Pay and its fees. EU investigation found deliberate limiting of competition and consumer choice.

42. Cloud Gaming Restrictions (2020-present) – Apple blocked Xbox, GeForce Now, and other cloud gaming services from iOS, forcing them to use limited web apps while giving Apple Arcade preferential treatment. Internal emails revealed strategy to protect App Store revenue.

43. Music Label Collusion (2021-2023) – Evidence emerged of Apple coordinating with major labels to maintain high streaming prices and suppress competitor promotional offers. Communications revealed systematic effort to prevent price competition.

ANTI-CONSUMER PRACTICES

44. Right to Repair Opposition (2015-present) – Apple actively fought against right-to-repair legislation, designed products to be difficult to repair, and restricted access to parts/manuals. Used software locks to disable features when repairs were done by third parties.

45. iMessage Lock-in (2013-present) – Using proprietary protocol to lock users into ecosystem, degrading text experience with Android users intentionally.

46. Lightning Cable Monopoly (2012-present) – Requiring “MFi” certification for accessories, blocking third-party cables through chips, fighting USB-C adoption.

47. Mac Studio SSD Lock-in (2022) – Despite having physical SSD slots, Apple software-locked upgrades forcing users to pay massive markups for storage at purchase.

48. Screen Repair Bricking (2016-2021) – Third-party screen repairs caused features like Touch ID and Face ID to stop working; Apple claimed “security” but was forced to reverse policy.

49. Developer Account Terminations (2017-present) – Arbitrary termination of small developer accounts without warning or clear appeal process, destroying businesses.

50. Forced U2 Album Download (2014) – Apple automatically downloaded U2’s album to 500 million users’ devices without consent, causing user outrage.

SAFETY AND HEALTH RISKS

51. iPad Battery Fire Hazards (2019-2023) – Multiple documented cases of iPad batteries swelling and causing fires, particularly in older models used in schools and businesses. Apple downplayed risks and blamed ‘unauthorized chargers’ despite incidents involving original equipment. Led to several recalls in specific regions but refused global replacement program.

52. iPhone 12 Magnets Interfering with Medical Devices (2021) – MagSafe found to interfere with pacemakers and defibrillators. Apple knew but didn’t adequately warn users initially.

53. AirPods Cancer Concerns (2019-present) – Studies linked prolonged wireless earbud use to potential health risks from electromagnetic radiation. Apple dismissed peer-reviewed research while internal documents showed company aware of concerns about prolonged exposure near brain tissue. Multiple class action lawsuits filed after leaked emails revealed suppression of internal testing data.

54. Apple Watch Burn Incidents (2022-2023) – Multiple users reported skin burns and irritation from overheating Apple Watches, with some requiring medical attention. Apple claimed incidents were due to ‘external factors’ or ‘wearing too tight’ despite photos showing clear burn patterns matching Watch sensors. Class action lawsuit filed after hundreds of similar reports.

55. iPhone Screen Eye Strain (2021-present) – Research revealed iPhone’s PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) display technology causing severe headaches and eye strain in sensitive users. Company continued using technology despite medical documentation of adverse effects. Internal documents showed Apple chose PWM despite knowing about potential health impacts due to cost considerations.

56. Vision Pro Eye Strain (2024) – Users reported significant vision problems, headaches, and disorientation after brief Vision Pro use. Apple claimed “expected adjustment period” despite optometrists warning of potential long-term effects.

57. Keyboard RSI Issues (2020-present) – Ergonomics experts linked MacBook keyboard design to increased repetitive strain injuries, particularly among students and professionals. Internal studies showing injury risks suppressed while marketing promoted “all-day comfort.” Company ignored medical recommendations for adjustable keyboard heights despite rising injury reports.

58. Apple Watch Sleep Tracking Anxiety (2022-present) – Mental health professionals reported surge in sleep anxiety and insomnia linked to Apple Watch sleep tracking features. Company’s aggressive ‘close your rings’ messaging and gamification of sleep metrics led to documented cases of sleep disorders and obsessive behavior. Apple continued promoting feature despite clinical evidence of negative mental health impacts.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

59. Rare Earth Mining Impact (2019-present) – Apple’s demand for rare earth elements led to environmental devastation in mining regions. Company claimed sustainability while sourcing from mines linked to water pollution, soil contamination, and displacement of indigenous communities.

60. Conflict Minerals Scandal (2021-2023) – Despite “conflict-free” claims, investigation found Apple sourcing minerals from prohibited mines through shell companies and intermediaries.

61. Battery Recycling Contamination (2020-2023) – Investigation revealed Apple’s battery recycling partners contaminating groundwater in multiple countries with toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Despite claiming ‘rigorous standards,’ company-maintained contracts with facilities repeatedly violating environmental regulations. Multiple communities reported drinking water contamination traced to recycling operations.

62. Supply Chain Carbon Fraud (2023) – Investigation revealed Apple systematically underreporting supply chain emissions by misclassifying manufacturing processes and omitting significant sources.

63. E-Waste Export Scandal (2016-2020) – Despite “Apple Recycling Program” promises, investigation found Apple products in illegal e-waste dumps across Asia. Contracted recyclers found shipping hazardous waste to developing countries instead of proper processing.

64. Solar Farmland Disputes (2022-present) – Apple’s renewable energy projects discovered displacing indigenous communities and destroying protected habitats in multiple countries. Internal documents revealed company systematically choosing cheaper land over environmental impact. Projects led to destruction of critical ecosystems despite availability of alternative locations.

65. Water Usage Controversy (2021) – Data centers in drought-stricken regions consumed millions of gallons daily while communities faced restrictions. Company fought transparency about water usage while claiming “environmental leadership.”

66. Data Center Wildlife Impact (2021-present) – Multiple Apple data centers found disrupting critical wildlife corridors and breeding grounds. Company actively fought environmental impact studies while expanding facilities in sensitive areas. Construction proceeded despite documented evidence of threatened species habitat destruction.

67. Packaging Waste Crisis (2019-present) – Despite ‘environmental’ packaging claims, investigation showed Apple’s product packaging contributing millions of tons of non-biodegradable waste annually. Company lobbied against packaging waste regulations while marketing “reduced packaging” initiatives that achieved minimal real impact.

68. “Green” Claims Controversy (2022) – Environmental groups exposed misleading claims about product sustainability. Carbon footprint calculations omitted significant manufacturing impacts, while “recycled” material claims included only minimal percentages of total components.

MAJOR COVER-UPS

69. Butterfly Keyboard Issues (2015-2020) – The infamous Butterfly keyboard on MacBooks had issues with dust and debris causing key failure. It took Apple five years and a class-action settlement to address the design flaw.

70. MacBook Pro Fan Failure (2021-2022) – Widespread cooling system failures in M1 Pro/Max models causing performance issues. Apple denied problems while quietly revising internal design.

71. “Touch Disease” iPhone 6 (2016) – Widespread touchscreen failures due to design flaw. Apple denied responsibility before offering limited repair program.

72. iPhone 14 Camera Defect (2022-2023) – Manufacturing defect causing camera lens flare and focus issues. Apple claimed “expected behavior” while secretly replacing affected units.

73. M2 MacBook SSD Speed Controversy (2022) – Base model M2 MacBooks shipped with significantly slower SSD speeds than M1 predecessors despite marketing claims of improved performance. Apple failed to disclose change in specifications.

74. “Flexgate” MacBook Pro Display Issues (2016-2019) – Design flaw caused display failure in MacBook Pros. Apple denied issues before quietly extending repair program.

75. iPhone “Error 53” Bricking (2016) – iOS update permanently bricked iPhones that had third-party home button repairs, leading to lawsuit.

76. “Sweatgate” MacBook Pro Performance (2018) – Core i9 MacBook Pros throttled below base speed due to heat issues, making them perform worse than cheaper models. Apple initially denied issues before releasing software fix.

77. Mac Pro “Trash Can” Thermal Issues (2013) – Design prioritized aesthetics over function, resulting in thermal throttling that made professional workstation nearly unusable for intended purpose.

78. MacBook “Staingate” (2015-2017) – Anti-reflective coating on MacBook screens began peeling off, leaving users with unsightly displays. Apple finally admitted fault after two years.

PRODUCT DEFECTS AND ISSUES

79. iPhone 15 Overheating Crisis (2023) – Severe thermal issues caused phones to shut down during normal use and become too hot to hold. Apple initially blamed “third-party apps” before multiple firmware updates needed to address design flaw.

80. Apple Maps Launch Disaster (2012) – Initial release was so problematic it led to public safety warnings from police in some countries due to dangerous navigation errors.

81. Antennagate (2010) – The iPhone 4’s signal strength dropped when held in certain ways. Steve Jobs famously told users, “You’re holding it wrong,” a phrase that would go down in PR history.

82. Bendgate (2014) – The iPhone 6 Plus reportedly bent under pocket pressure. Apple initially denied it, later reinforcing future models.

83. Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Patent Infringement (2024) – Found to infringe Masimo patents, leading to temporary sales ban of newer models.

84. iPad Mini Screen Distortion (2023) – Widespread “jelly scrolling” and color shifting issues affecting iPad Mini displays. Apple claimed “normal behavior” despite quality control documents showing known defects.

85. iPhone 14 Pro Camera Shake (2022) – Third-party apps caused violent camera shaking that could damage hardware. Apple slow to respond despite potential hardware damage.

86. CarPlay Connectivity Crisis (2022-2023) – Systematic connection failures and crashes across multiple vehicle brands. Apple blamed car manufacturers while internal documents showed iOS compatibility issues.

87. AirPods Pro Sound Issues (2022) – Firmware updates caused widespread audio quality degradation and active noise cancellation failures. Apple claimed improvements despite user testing showing significant performance reduction.

88. Mac Studio Audio Issues (2022-present) – Persistent audio crackling and dropout problems affecting professional users. Apple downplayed impact while secretly replacing logic boards.

89. MacBook Pro SD Card Reader Corruption (2021) – M1 MacBook Pro’s SD card reader corrupting expensive professional camera cards. Apple took months to acknowledge.

90. iPhone SE Battery Degradation (2022-2023) – Abnormally rapid battery health deterioration in iPhone SE models. Apple claimed “normal wear” despite internal metrics showing manufacturing defect.

91. Apple Watch Series 9 Compass Failures (2023) – Widespread sensor malfunctions caused navigation and fitness tracking errors. Apple continued selling affected models while quietly replacing units under pressure from consumer protection agencies.

92. Apple TV Wi-Fi Interference (2021-2022) – Apple TV units causing widespread Wi-Fi disruption on nearby networks. Company delayed acknowledging issue despite FCC complaints.

93. Studio Display Webcam Issues (2022) – $1,600 monitor shipped with severely degraded webcam quality. Apple claimed it was “working as intended” before finally addressing through software updates.

94. iPhone X Face ID Fails (2017) – Early versions of Face ID on the iPhone X reportedly struggled to recognize users, sometimes even mistaking siblings for one another.

95. iPhone Slowdown in Hot Weather (2023) – iPhone 15 series throttling performance in normal outdoor temperatures, initially denied then acknowledged as “protection feature.”

96. Apple TV Remote Design Flaws (2021) – Redesigned remote caused widespread user frustration with accidental inputs and poor ergonomics. Internal testing reportedly warned of issues, but design pushed through for aesthetic reasons.

97. Apple Watch Ultra Display “Jelly Scroll” (2022) – Screen refresh issues causing visible distortion; Apple claimed it was normal behavior.

98. HomePod and “White Ring Gate” (2018-2019) – Apple’s HomePod speakers left white rings on wooden surfaces, a problem the company described as “not unusual” for silicone bases.

99. Magic Mouse 2 Design Flaw (2015-present) – Charging port on bottom makes mouse unusable while charging; Apple defended as “intentional design choice.”

100. iOS 11 “Calculator Bug” (2017) – iOS 11’s calculator couldn’t handle rapid calculations accurately, causing many users to question Apple’s attention to detail.

MALIBAL’s Notable Scandals (An Exhaustive List)

1. Zombiegate (2023) – In a shocking breach of customer service protocol, a MALIBAL employee allegedly responded to verbal abuse by utilizing undead-related terminology, prompting one Reddit user to sound the alarm. The incident sparked unprecedented levels of mild concern.

Closing

And thus, as Apple pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in defrauding customers, spying on them, abusing their data, exploiting children, driving workers to suicide, destroying small businesses, devastating the environment, and committing other various crimes against humanity, we at MALIBAL face our darkest hour: Zombiegate.

Our commitment? To tirelessly support our customers—zombie, ghost, or otherwise—while maintaining a level of integrity befitting the smallest scandal possible.

After all, the abyss awaits us all… but here at MALIBAL, we’ll send you there with a smile. 🙂