Apple branches will almost always fail if you try to force a cutting to root. I am not aware of any varieties that might root from a cutting.

So that leaves only two options for growing apple trees.

Grafting onto a rootstock or grow from seed.

I do grow two apple trees with rootstocks and fruit wood grafts, but years later I am still waiting for flowers or fruit. Apple trees need a lot of mature wood before they will make flowers.

And in bonsai, an apple fruit is more rare, because we have to cut off the biggest wood pieces so the tree does outgrow the small pot. Let it grow to full size, and it is no longer a bonsai. Most people grow crab apple for bonsai, which fruits more easily, and makes a small fruit that looks nice on a small tree.