Hi Rosemary,

Thank you for reaching out to the Master Gardener Helpline. Thinking back to last spring did you notice a discoloration of the leaves or fruit? Often, the markings on the fruit can tell a lot about the disease or pest you may be experiencing. I can't quite tell from your photos, are there dark spots or blemishes/cankers in the bark? Here's a link that could help you narrow down what is wrong with your apple tree:

Apple Tree Problems

Are you able to dig a little at the base of the tree to examine the roots? A fungal disease such as Black Rot or Phytopthora  Root or Crown Rot can affect the tree at the base or underground at the roots and can be hard to notice at first. Depending on severity, it will spread either fast or slow (over a few growing seasons) causing branches to die over time. The spores live in the soil and thrive in wet/compacted ground. Look for brownish-red discoloration in the crown or roots or even blackening. (a healthy root system will have a whiteish color) Phytopthora commonly affects many trees and shrubs including rhododendron/azalea, roses and fruit trees. Management can be tricky, but practicing good sanitization of tools, water management and early detection can be helpful.

Here are a couple links with some useful information:

Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot of Fruit Trees

Phytopthora Root Rot

good morning.  To answer your questions, the leaves were on the top branches only, and were slender, pointed and 'crinkley".  Not oval and smooth as normal leaves.  The apples (only nine of them as opposed to almost a bushel the previous year), were oval, very small, not round, spotted and all nine dropped off exceptionally early.  The bark is dead and curling, peeling in some areas.  Some branches were dead as the ends broke if bent.  Some branches still had some life in them as they bent but didn't break.  ONe question I have: should I cut off the dead branches?