A fake, AI-generated video of Apple CEO Tim Cook asking for Bitcoin went viral on social media, causing a frenzy during the company’s highly anticipated ‘Glowtime’ event. The video, live-streamed on what appeared to be Apple’s official YouTube channel, prompted widespread speculation that the tech giant’s account had been hacked.
As soon as the video surfaced, netizens began sharing it across various platforms. Many users expressed confusion, with one X (formerly Twitter) user posting, “Apple’s official US YouTube channel has been hacked! A fake AI-generated video of Tim Cook is currently streaming, asking viewers for Bitcoin.” Another user humorously added, “Tim Cooked Us!” as speculation ran rampant over whether Apple’s security had been compromised.
The viral deepfake video overshadowed Apple’s major announcements during the event. Tim Cook unveiled the iPhone 16, the company’s first iPhone designed specifically with generative artificial intelligence (AI) in mind. Cook emphasized the cutting-edge AI features of the new device, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce the first iPhones designed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence and its breakthrough capabilities,” during the live presentation from Apple’s Silicon Valley headquarters.
Apple, which saw $39 billion in iPhone sales last quarter alone, hopes that the AI-driven features of the iPhone 16 will encourage customers to upgrade from older models and keep the company ahead in the competitive tech market. The iPhone remains critical for Apple, accounting for about 60% of its revenue.
While Apple has yet to issue an official statement regarding the fake video, it remains unclear how the AI-generated content slipped into what appeared to be an official stream. The incident highlights growing concerns over the use of deepfakes and their potential to cause confusion during live events.
