Apple's 'Immune to Viruses' Myth Fades as Mac Malware Skyrockets
• Apple perpetuated a myth starting in 2006 that Macs don't get viruses through a clever ad campaign, though it was partly true at the time due to far fewer Macs than PCs.
• As Macs grew in popularity, malware threats increased 400% by 2020, dispelling the myth.
• Apple quietly removed its virus immunity claims from its website in 2012, replacing them with weaker security assurances.
• The myth endures because it fits Apple's brand image of reliable, sleek products even as threats have grown.
• Apple now acknowledges Macs are susceptible to hackers, with security tips to protect them, a reversal from its long-running marketing around immunity.