Apple's Business Woes: iCloud Nude Celebrity Photos, Bendy iPhone 6 Smartphones and Tax Issues

Apple once stood at the top of the tech market without issues holding it back. Renowned for its seamless technology and for being at the forefront of the industry, it was able to eradicate all competition in sight.

Since the death of Steve Jobs, though, it has been a different story. Problem after problem has set the company back and although it is still able to report massive sales, its reputation has been muddied and questions are being asked about the decision makers.

IBTimes UK takes a look at some of Apple's more negative corporate headlines in recent months.

Bendgate

Apple fans were patient in their wait for the iPhone 6 and for the most part, they were not disappointed.

One thing that has set social media alight, though, are reports the iPhone 6 Plus has been bending in several users' pockets.

Apple has hit back by saying this is a rare occurrence and the truth has been bent out of proportion.

Tax Issues

The Californian company has made the headlines recently over its tax activities.

A European Commission report into its financial dealings in Ireland alleged tax breaks given to the company over 20 years constitute "illegal state aid".

Apple said it "received no selective treatment from Irish officials over the years", but the authorities could still slap it with a potential $17bn (£10bn, €13bn) fine – 10% of its annual turnover.

The Blunder Games (iCloud Hack)

The Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence was unwillingly dragged into the spotlight in August along with Apple's cloud-based storage system, iCloud, as hackers penetrated the supposedly secure structure to obtain nude images of the actress, among other high-profile celebrities.

The hacker who leaked the images claimed they were stolen after gaining access to the iCloud accounts associated with the victims' phones.

Apple said it was looking into the ongoing saga but what makes matters worse for the technology giant is a security researcher allegedly informed it about the security flaw in its service months before explicit images of celebrities were leaked.

Ibrahim Balic, a software developer who lives in London, said he sent Apple a series of emails that detailed ways hackers could break through iCloud's security system.

According to Balic's emails, obtained by the Daily Dot website, he emailed Apple on 26 March to tell the company he had successfully by-passed a security measure that was designed to prevent anyone from hacking into the system.