As an influencer (often known as one fairly critical and seldom invited to events from any brand, much less Apple), let me put it this way: Are there influencers that are not journalistic in their approach and hold back criticism for fear of losing access? Yes. Is it my perception that Apple leverages an overwhelming number of these influencers to massage the narrative in their favor? No. While no influencer’s employment is bound to “journalistic integrity,” it’s unfair to suggest that there aren’t a huge number of creators that put moral honesty above all else. Michael Fisher, Dave2D, and many other creators are famously *not* Apple users and have previously had rather harsh criticism of the brand, and yet, they were both invited in September. Apple has done a better job than probably any other company I can think of at maintaining a healthy balance of traditional domestic media, foreign media, large-and-midsized “creators” as well as smaller and fledgling new-media creators and at no point have I seen unfair criticism of them result in the revocation of access. And I say that as someone who has never been invited. A final note, I have spent a lot of time with traditional journalists and the notion that they are somehow inherently more knowledgeable or trustworthy is laughable. I lost all respect for a highly-regarded automotive journalist who told me in a few words that if “[automaker] was hoping I’d spare some kind words for [unexciting car], putting me in a run-of-the-mill Marriott wasn’t going to do it.” Now if his EIC found out would he face repercussion? Probably. And an influencer that’s self-employed wouldn’t. But generally speaking, I think the onus is on the reader/viewer to determine the credibility and honesty of the journalist/creator, just as it ever was. Other brands have rather explicitly stopped inviting creators (or entire categories) that have shared harsh words about them or their products *ahem* mountain view *ahem* but Apple isn’t one of those brands, lest I can see.