Apple tree cuttings

Has anyone ever grown an apple cutting in sand to develop roots for a new tree? I have done this with my pussywillows for the past few years. This year I am attempting to do it with apple tree stems that were pruned. I was actually outside while my husband pruned and I gathered and saved 24 small cuttings. I would have saved them all but was not sure how they will do.
My father-in-law claimed that they used to just stick apple twigs in the ground in the spring and they would grow into trees?

If you have had success, let me know, I am excited about this venture.