Zombies almost never pick up items, ad giving a golden apple to zombie villagers doesn't work.

Sorry for the spelling problems Iam on my ipod

Not all zombies pick up items - this is an ability each mob may or may not have.

Also, you need to use a splash potion of weakness before rightclicking a zombie with a golden apple has any effect. You don't literally give them the apple.

If you want to make them pick up items. You have to edit their NBT tag.

You don't have to; on Hard mode some will spawn with the ability to do so naturally. Also, I think OP said he was playing Survival, so I don't think NBT editing is a proper suggestion.