Apple was the notable no-show at President Trump's AI lunch, which included every other major tech company. CNBC reports that the absence raised eyebrows in the industry and in Washington.
The outlet offers no official explanation from Apple, but notes the company has a track record of looking out for its own interests. That reputation, rather than any stated reason, is the context observers are left with.
Whether the snub was deliberate or simply a scheduling conflict, the report suggests Apple's absence fits a familiar pattern of the company keeping its distance from political gatherings unless they serve its goals.