Is Apple’s ‘No Villain Clause’ for iPhones On-Screen Real? The Truth About the Tech Company’s Rule for Movies and TV Shows

When the iPhone rings, the good guy will probably answer.

That’s because, allegedly, Apple doesn’t allow villains or villains to use their products on TV, film, or in commercials. The entertainment industry coined this “no villain clause” rule.

In 2020 Knives out director Rian Johnson was the first major filmmaker to speak publicly about Apple’s alleged product stipulations. Since then, eagle-eyed viewers have discovered several films that seem to have found a loophole, including M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller, Trapin which a serial killer uses a device strikingly similar to an iPhone.

But how much truth is there in the long-standing Hollywood theory? Here’s everything there is to know about Apple’s alleged “no villain clause” — including a few famous examples.

Warning: Trap, knives out and glass bow spoilers ahead!

What is a “no villain clause?”

Keifer Sutherland and Leslie Hope in ’24’.

20th Century Fox Film Corp/Everett

Apparently, Apple does not allow villains or villains to use their products on screen. This became widely known as the “no villain clause”.

Although the policy is not explicitly written in Apple’s guidelines for the use of Apple trademarks and copyrights, the document states that “an Apple product should only be presented in the best light, in a manner or context that reflects positively on Apple products and Apple Inc. ”

The guidelines also state, “You may not use the Apple trademark or any other graphic symbol, logo, or icon owned by Apple in a disparaging manner.”

Is the “no villain clause” real?

Nicholas Braun, HBO, Succession, Season 3 – Episode 4. Macall B. Polay/ HBO

Apple has never confirmed or denied the existence of the “no villains” clause.

Director Rian Johnson, who directed films such as Knives out, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Looperis one of only a handful of people in the entertainment industry to speak out about the rumored rule.

During the interview with Vanity Fair In 2020, he said: “Apple, they let you use iPhones in movies, but — and this is very important — if you’re ever watching a mystery movie, the bad guys can’t have an iPhone on camera.”

“Any director who has a villain in their movie that’s supposed to be a secret wants to kill me right now,” Johnson added jokingly.

Meanwhile, prop master Heidi Koleto discussed the alleged Apple product rule in an episode Wrap the drink podcast in August 2024.

“Apple is very specific,” she explained. “I once got a script where an actress was supposed to be looking at her phone while driving drunk and crashed a car. They wanted to see a text message pop up and I had to say, ‘We can’t do that. We established this character with an Apple phone. We can’t have her driving drunk and crashing while looking at her iPhone. He will never work with me again.’ ”

Rian Johnson attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon on February 13, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California.

Monica Schipper/WireImage

Koleto said Apple sends the props department an email outlining their expectations, including “how they want [the iPhone] seen” and “what cases you may put on him.”

In keeping with Kolet’s experience, many have theorized that the company is including a clause in its product placement deals with filmmakers. However, in 2012 Business Insider and several other outlets reported that Apple does not pay for product placement.

“Apple won’t pay for their products to stand out, but they’re more than willing to share an endless supply of computers, iPads and iPhones,” Gavin Polone, executive producer Curb your enthusiasmsaid Bloomberg Businessweek.

Apple did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

What are some famous examples of “no villain clauses?”

Chris Evans as Ransom Drysdale, Ana de Armas as Marta Cabrera and Rian Johnson on the set of ‘Knives Out’.

Claire Folger/Lionsgate/Kobal/Shutterstock

There are several examples in television and film that could prove Apple’s alleged “no villains” clause to be true, including Johnson’s Knives out. In the film, every character has an iPhone except Ana de Armas Marta’s character (who acts guilty) and Chris Evans’ character Ransom (who is guilty).

Some fans even think Johnson winked at the supposed rule Knives outits sequel, glass bowincluding dialogue that says the soon-to-be-introduced villain doesn’t have a phone at all.

Another example is HBO Succession. While most of the characters use iPhones, viewers never see antagonists Logan Roy, Gerri Kellman or Tom Wambsgans with an Apple product.

NowThis Nerd also pointed out that the “no villain clause” apparently dates back to the early 2000s when the series 24starring Kiefer Sutherland, broadcast for the first time. Look carefully — the good guys seem to use Macs, while the bad guys use PCs.

Are there any exceptions to the “no villain clause?”

‘Trap’.

Warner Bros.

After Johnson’s eye-opening interview, viewers discovered several movies that don’t seem to follow Apple’s supposed “no villains” clause.

IN John Wickthe man who killed John’s dog and stole his car was seen using an iPhone, and Josh Hartnett’s serial killer character in Trap also appears to be using an Apple device. Some fans have pointed out that the iPhone also appears in the villain’s briefcase in the 2015 Marvel film. Ant man.

While it’s still unclear what the exact parameters are around using Apple products in film and TV, it’s still fun to look for iPhone Easter eggs on screen — you’ll just have to wait until 2025 to see what Johnson does in Knives out 3.

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Source: HIS Education