yes the liquid colmn above the apples surfaces will exert force on the apple.......

but it will also exert force on the liquid blow it.. same force isnt it

so its effect cancels out bcos

 

the force exerted on apple will force it to go down and force on the liquid will help to lift the apple..........

so it is like even if u remove da upper part thre will be no diff. will it

becos equal and opp. forces r removed ................

 

this i think will clear it off

like th idea rate or else nudge me...........

 

 

Cheers!!!!!!!!