AP Style for Technology
1. Why AP Style for Technology Matters
A writer who mishandles tech terms looks outdated, inconsistent, or unprofessional.
A writer who follows AP Style presents technology clearly, accurately, and in a way that matches modern newsroom standards.
Correct tech formatting improves:
- Clarity
- Professionalism
- Reader trust
- SEO consistency
- Mobile readability
- Brand credibility
- Editorial consistency
Every Total Apex contributor must master AP Style tech rules because they appear constantly in gaming, tech, entertainment, lifestyle, news, and guides.
2. AP Style Basics for Technology Terms
AP Style answers the question:
Is this a proper noun, a product name, a generic term, or a branded service?
AP Style distinguishes between:
- Generic tech terms (lowercase)
- Brand names (capitalized)
- App and website names (capitalized)
- Tech verbs and slang (lowercase)
Clarity and consistency come first.
3. Generic Tech Terms (Always Lowercase)
AP Style lowercases all generic technology terms, even when they feel important.
Correct
- internet
- website
- webcam
- web browser
- online
- offline
- homepage
- smartphone
- laptop
- wifi (AP Style: Wi-Fi)
- hashtag
- login (noun), log in (verb)
Incorrect
- Internet
- Web site
- On-line
- SmartPhone
AP Style modernizes tech language — keep it simple and lowercase.
4. Brand Names (Always Capitalized)
Brand names follow the company’s official capitalization.
Correct
- iPhone
- Android
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Chrome
- Safari
- Windows
- MacBook
Incorrect
- Iphone
- youtube
- tiktok
- playstation
Brand names = proper nouns = capitalized.
5. Apps, Websites, and Platforms
A. Capitalize App and Website Names
Correct
- the TikTok app
- the YouTube website
- the Instagram app
- the Facebook site
Incorrect
- the tiktok app
- the youtube site
B. Do NOT Capitalize “app,” “site,” or “website”
Correct
- the app
- the site
- the website
Incorrect
- the App
- the Website
C. No “www.” or “http://” in URLs
AP Style removes unnecessary prefixes.
Correct
- Visit totalapex.com for more.
Incorrect
- Visit http://www.totalapex.com..
6. Social Media Terms
A. Capitalize Platform Names
- TikTok
- YouTube
B. Lowercase Generic Actions
Correct
- tweet
- retweet
- post
- like
- follow
- unfollow
- subscribe
- comment
Incorrect
- Tweet (unless starting a sentence)
- Retweet (unless starting a sentence)
7. Tech Verbs and Slang (Lowercase)
AP Style lowercases all tech verbs:
Correct
- to google something
- to tweet
- to DM someone
- to livestream
- to screenshot
- to upload
- to download
Incorrect
- to Google something (unless referring to the company)
- to Tweet
- to LiveStream
8. Devices, Models, and Versions
A. Capitalize Brand + Model
Correct
- iPhone 15
- Galaxy S24
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
- MacBook Pro
Incorrect
- iphone 15
- galaxy s24
B. Lowercase Generic Device Types
Correct
- smartphone
- tablet
- laptop
- desktop
- headphones
Incorrect
- SmartPhone
- Tablet (unless starting a sentence)
9. Gaming‑Specific AP Style Tech Rules
Correct
- multiplayer
- single-player
- open-world
- first-person shooter
- third-person game
- patch notes
- update 1.2.3
- DLC (spell out on first reference: downloadable content)
Incorrect
- Multi-player
- Open world
- FPS game (spell out first: first-person shooter)
10. Common AP Style Tech Mistakes (and Fixes)
A. Capitalizing generic tech terms
❌ Internet
✔️ internet
B. Lowercasing brand names
❌ youtube
✔️ YouTube
C. Using symbols instead of words
❌ 5’ screen
✔️ 5-inch screen
D. Using “www.” in URLs
❌ www.totalapex.com
✔️ totalapex.com
E. Capitalizing tech verbs
❌ He Tweeted.
✔️ He tweeted.
11. AP Style Across Total Apex Verticals
News
- The website crashed Tuesday.
- The app launched in beta.
Gaming
- The update went live on PlayStation 5.
- The patch added cross-platform support.
Entertainment
- The trailer debuted on YouTube.
- The cast did a livestream on Instagram.
Lifestyle
- The app tracks daily habits.
- The website offers free workouts.
Tech
- The iPhone 15 features a new chip.
- The laptop weighs 3 pounds.
Tech terms appear everywhere — consistency is essential.
Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers
AP Style tech rules are all about clarity, consistency, and modern newsroom standards.
Total Apex AP Style Tech Essentials
- Lowercase generic tech terms
- Capitalize brand names
- Capitalize app and website names
- Lowercase tech verbs
- Spell out units and measurements
- Avoid “www.” and “http://”
- Use clean, modern formatting
- Keep tech writing simple and readable
Mastering AP Style tech ensures every Total Apex article — across news, gaming, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle — is polished, consistent, and newsroom‑ready.