I planted this macintosh tree last June and knowing nothing of trees, just put it in the ground with no pruning and I let it produce some apples. (I now know was a mistake).

Branches are bending down. Maybe from the apples last year. Some sources I read suggest bending down is good and others say otherwise so I'm more confused now than ever.

Anyhow I've removed the apples this year so at least that's done. Next I need to know if the tree is in good shape or if significant pruning should be done (I've never pruned before).

What's clear to me after reading is that my central leader is bending down and that is not likely a good thing so it probably needs to be corrected.

Does that mean I should I cut off the leader (and if so, where) or should I put a stake in the ground and tie it up straight? Oh and if I should cut off the leader.. should I wait till the winter at this point?

I should note I'm in Ontario - so a short growing season and also this is a backyard tree that I'd like to get as big as possible (I'm not looking for a small highly pruned dwarf-sized tree in the end)