Accurate Apple leaker Analyst941 has been found out through a multi-step sting operation by Apple. As a result, the tipster deleted their Twitter account and left the MacRumors forum. Furthermore, Analyst941 says they – along with their source inside Apple – are now facing legal consequences.
Apple is known for its secrecy and tight control over its products and software. The company does not tolerate leaks that could spoil its surprises or give away its competitive edge. That’s why it was surprising when a new leaker emerged on Twitter last year, claiming to have insider information on upcoming Apple software releases.
The leaker, who went by the username Analyst941, first gained attention when they revealed accurate details about the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island, a feature that visually merges the two cutouts on the display using software. Analyst941 then went on to share what they claimed were details on iOS 17, watchOS 10, and other Apple software updates.
Many of Analyst941’s leaks were unverified and unconfirmed by other sources, but they seemed plausible and consistent with Apple’s style and direction. Some of their claims included a redesigned home screen for iOS 17, a new health app for WatchOS 10, and a dark mode for macOS 13.
Apple’s Sting Operation Uncovers Leaker
On Wednesday morning, Analyst941 deleted their Twitter account and posted a farewell message on the MacRumors forums, where they also had an account under the name anonymous-A-S. In the message, Analyst941 claimed that Apple had identified and fired their source through a “multi-step sting” operation.
“I will no longer be around, but you deserve a proper goodbye. I don’t want to share too many details right now because of the legality of things — but a multi-step sting has gotten my sister fired from Apple, and unfortunately I am afraid next is legal action being taken against both of us, separately. I can’t believe I did this, I’m so sorry to my sister and Apple as a whole. I don’t know what else to say. I know she is destroyed, she also hates me right now, like I don’t even know that I have a sister anymore. I don’t know if I even have a life beyond this, I don’t know what can happen at this point.”
According to Analyst941, their source was a sibling who worked on Apple’s software teams, directly under Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering. Analyst941 said that Apple had planted false information about Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro with their sibling, knowing that it would be leaked to them. When Analyst941 shared that information on Twitter, Apple was able to trace it back to their sibling and fire them.
A Mixed Response from Apple Fans
Apple has not commented on Analyst941’s claims or confirmed their sting operation. The company has a history of cracking down on leakers and taking legal action against them. In 2018, Apple sent a memo to its employees warning them about leaking confidential information and stating that 12 employees had been arrested for doing so.
While the situation has drawn sympathy on MacRumors forum, many commentators say the leaker– and their sister – knew what they were doing was against Apple’s policy.
Apple_Robert points out: “You and your sister both knew that what you were doing was wrong and you decided that some perceived internet fame was more important than doing the right thing. The price you and your sister will be paying for your actions will be justly deserved.”
Yaxomoxay says the pair could be in serious trouble: “It’s not that he and his sister are bad, I am sure they are nice people. However, they are utterly irresponsible. Corporate espionage is serious, very serious. They leaked information for what? For an iPad? They risked their financial well-being, freedom, and future to leak what is somewhat irrelevant information on something that next year will be old. And they did it in a very stupid way. We ain’t taking about the Pentegon Papers here.”
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS 13, and other software updates at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. The event will be held online due to the ongoing pandemic. It remains to be seen if any other leaks will emerge before then or if Apple has successfully silenced them.
Last Updated on June 30, 2023 6:09 pm CEST by Markus Kasanmascheff
