SPDR S&P 500 (SPY)

[imiloa]

VIX is certainly influenced by AAPL
because SPY is influenced by AAPL.
the question is degrees of influence.
in AAPL's case, 3% mathematically.

fwiw, i grok your gripe on this.
VIX simply reflects forward looking sentiment
on whether S&P will rise or fall over next 30-day period.

but given that S&P has moved almost lock-step with oil many times over the last few months,
imo, stating that oil does not affect VIX
is both incorrect, and disregarding the fact
that S&P, and thus, VIX, have many influences.