Raw apples safe? how to cut?

I know they typically say not to give raw apple until they are 3 or 4 because it's a high risk choking food. My 20 month old loves raw apple but I've always given it cut super small for the past few months since when I give slices, he shoves them in and takes bites that are too big for him and it gets very scary, more than gaging. Anyway is it safe to serve like this cut up? How do you give your toddlers raw apple? Or do you just not give it?