A Quebec cop drama series no longer features iPhones due to Apple’s restrictions on images from its devices and media.
As reported by The press, Antiganga production of Radio-Canada ICI Télé, had to switch to exclusive Android phones such as Samsung Galaxy devices. The reason for this? Apple is very particular about iPhones being used by criminals and the media.
Notably, this is in line with what we have heard Knives out Director Rian Johnson a few years ago. Breaking down a scene from his first Benoit Blanc mystery film, Johnson said that Ransom, the character played by Chris Evans, is not allowed to use an iPhone because he will eventually be revealed as the villain. Ransom’s mother, however, Jamie Lee Curtis’s Linda, could use one because she was ultimately innocent.
Of course, this is a pretty stupid restriction on Apple’s part. Most people wouldn’t even care what phone a character uses, and fewer still would associate iPhone use with crime. It’s also funny when you consider that per Statcounter data cited by The press65 percent of Canadians use an iPhone, so statistically speaking, a criminal would be more likely to use iOS than Android.
The press provided some other interesting details about Apple’s rules when it comes to iPhone use in the media. This includes the requirements that the Apple logo must be visible, the phone cannot be damaged, hacked or used while driving, and the model used in a certain scene must align with the time period in which it takes place, including in flashbacks. Related Apple logos such as FaceTime and iMessage are also included.
With all that said, it should be noted that, per La Presse, Antigang The manufacturers did not make these changes in response to an Apple complaint. A Radio-Canada spokesperson also told the publication that it generally tries to use commercial brands unless there are specific agreements in place.
Image credit: Radio-Canada
Source: La Presse Via: iPhone in Canada