Apple scolds Uber after discovering it continued to track users’ data

Over the weekend, Apple nearly put an end to Uber after it found out the ride-sharing app was flouting its rules.

One of the most fascinating parts of a recent profile by The New York Times on Uber’s controversial chief executive, Travis Kalanick, was an anecdote that describes an encounter between Kalanick and Apple’s chief executive, Tim Cook.

The meeting happened after Apple employees discovered that Uber was tracking iPhones—even after users deleted the app.

The practice enabled Uber to continue tracking phones that were wiped by users who intended to create new Uber accounts to essentially defraud the company. Not only did they add code to capture the phone’s digital footprint—a huge no-no for iOS developers—the company also put a geofence around Apple’s headquarters to prevent employees from discovering the added, illicit code.

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The Times describes the encounter in its profile:

When Mr. Kalanick arrived at the midafternoon meeting sporting his favorite pair of bright red sneakers and hot-pink socks, Mr. Cook was prepared. “So, I’ve heard you’ve been breaking some of our rules,” Mr. Cook said in his calm, Southern tone. Stop the trickery, Mr. Cook then demanded, or Uber’s app would be kicked out of Apple’s App Store.

For Mr. Kalanick, the moment was fraught with tension. If Uber’s app was yanked from the App Store, it would lose access to millions of iPhone customers — essentially destroying the ride-hailing company’s business. So Mr. Kalanick acceded.

The Times also reported:

Mr. Kalanick was shaken by Mr. Cook’s scolding, according to a person who saw him after the meeting.

But only momentarily. After all, Mr. Kalanick had faced off against Apple, and Uber had survived. He had lived to fight another day.

Kalanick and Uber are no strangers to controversy.

The company has a track record of rule breaking and all-around bad corporate behavior. However, it’s valued at roughly $70 billion, is available in 70 countries and is continuing to grow, despite campaigns such as #delteUber, which attempts to thwart its success.

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