Does the getting the Apple Card check your credit? Yes. According to the Apple Card Terms and Conditions [pdf] an authorization is approved at the time of application. This is likely a “hard” credit check.
You authorize us to obtain one or more credit bureau reports (also known as consumer reports) and other information about you from credit bureaus and/or other third party sources for use in (1) evaluating your application for credit; (2) administering and servicing your Account; (3) collecting any amounts owed on your Account; (4) offering other products and services; and (5) other purposes permitted by law. You understand that, after evaluating your complete application and checking your report(s), we may decide not to offer credit or products to you.