Yes deer love apples. I have seen deer stand up on their back legs and stretch to get apples of the tree. They don't have a lot nutritional value, but are more less like candy to them.
I used to hunt a place with a pear tree on it, and got to watch the deer do exactly what you said.
I have an apple tree at home that is loaded this year, and will take some of the excess to the field. Coons love them too.
My trail pics show more coons than deer eating them, but I will admit/say deer love the apples too.