Apple tree - powdery mildew? Or something else?

Colleague's apple tree. Thanks!

 

Hi looks like "canker" too early for any mildew as it effect the leaves but also it could be looking closer to the picture if you rub with your finger do they come off ? as it may be a scale insect ?

 

Hi Simon, Have a look at the pictures in this link...https://www.google.fr/search?q=wool...&sa=X&ei=ejb7VJuDCovrUuv5gsAF&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ
It's not a bad infestation yet and if there are no leaves or buds on the tree it could be treated with a mix of cooking oil and washing-up liquid diluted in water and sprayed on very thoroughly. Or a proprietary fruit-tree winter treatment.
If it's allowed to get a hold, it's bit of a so-and-so to control as insecticides just run off the waxy/fluffy coating.

 

Looks like scale to me.
Hard to understand what pic 2 is, just looks like a snapped branch to me.

 

Hi Pete
I think he was showing what it looks like under the bark