The phrase "modern apes" refers to the type of apes that exist in the present day, including chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. It excludes extinct apes like the Neanderthals. Full definition
In any event, the actual answer to your query will be lost on you, but apes and humans had a common ancestor that was indeed more like modern apes in many ways (especially with respect to cognitive development), but identical to no modern species. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)