Apelinq is a Maximal who appears in the opening scene of the film Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. He is a large, powerful gorilla-like Cybertronian distinguished by his predominantly white and red coloration, which gives him the appearance of an albino gorilla, and his bright orange optics. Before the events of the film, he served as the leader of the Maximals on their home world, a role of great responsibility that included guarding a powerful artifact known as the Transwarp Key.

In terms of personality, Apelinq is portrayed as a just, wise, and deeply selfless leader. He operates with a clear understanding of the needs of the many over the self, a principle that defines his final actions. He is also remarkably brave and strong-willed, facing impossible odds without flinching. When confronted by the Terrorcon leader Scourge, who offers to spare Apelinq's planet in exchange for the Key, Apelinq refuses, declaring that the Maximals would rather die than allow the planet-eater Unicron to reach other worlds. This defiance, even in his final moments, cements his legacy as a legendary defender willing to lose a single battle for the sake of a much larger war.

Apelinq's primary motivation is the protection of the Transwarp Key and the prevention of Unicron's cosmic rampage. He understands that if the Key falls into the hands of Unicron's herald, Scourge, it would allow the chaos-bringer to open portals through time and space, enabling him to consume countless worlds without end. This singular goal drives his decision to pass on the Key and his leadership, choosing to sacrifice himself to give his crew a chance to escape and continue the mission.

His role in the story is that of a sacrificial mentor and a catalyst for the main events. Although his screen time is brief, his actions set the entire plot in motion. He entrusts the Transwarp Key to his subordinate, Optimus Primal, and formally names him the new leader of the Maximals. Apelinq then stays behind to stall Scourge, engaging him in a hopeless fight to buy Primal and the others precious time to flee their dying world. His sacrifice becomes a defining oath for the surviving Maximals, who vow to protect the Key no matter the cost, honoring the legacy he left behind.

Regarding key relationships, Apelinq's most significant connection is with Optimus Primal. He had long viewed Primal as his potential successor, and in the face of annihilation, he officially passes the mantle of leadership to him. His adversary is Scourge, the leader of the Terrorcons, who kills him and takes his insignia as a trophy. While his development is limited to his final stand, the character is defined by this singular moment of transition: from a leader protecting his charge to a martyr who ensures the survival of his people's mission.

In terms of notable abilities, Apelinq is a formidable warrior in combat. He wields a pair of curved, retractable arm blades, which he uses to fight Scourge. His body is described as that of a big, bulky gorilla, granting him immense superhuman strength, and he is acknowledged by Scourge as his planet's great warrior. His alternate mode is that of a mountain gorilla, a form he shares with his successor, Optimus Primal.