type of apple vs type of apples

Question

There are 4 types of apples: sweet, sour, spicy, and tangy. Referring to the sweet type

1. This type of apple is prevalent in northern regions.
2. This type of apples is prevalent in northern regions.

Which of the above two is correct? I think (2) is correct. We are classifying apples. Apples are not singular. So, type of apples seems more appropriate.

Answer 1

Michael Swan, in Practical English Usage, Third Edition says

When we are talking about one sort of thing, we can use sort of, kind of or type of followed by a singular noun.

This sort of car is enormously expensive to run.
I'm interested in any new type of development in computer science.

Singular sort of, kind of and type of can also be followed by plural nouns, especially in an informal style.

I'm interested in any new kind of developments...

So, usually and particularly in formal writing, it's singular. It seems to be that you might use the plural if it's appropriate when sort of is omitted. Thus

This car is enormously expensive to run.
I'm interested in any new development...
I'm interested in any new developments...

Swan even goes on to include "these sort of cars" in his treatment, which does indicate how singular and plural are used [but note the singular sort!] It sounds odd to this native speaker, though, and I don't think I'd ever use a plural demonstrative; consequently I'd only use the singular "sort of apple".