Apple has lost it's luster.

[Anandc]

Privacy at this point it's very important now. When it comes to privacy, Apple is miles ahead compared to anyone in the tech industry.

 

[zakarhino]

Not all 'S' years are going to blow your mind with new brand new pieces of tech. 4S release was like this, not much new about it except Siri (which still isn't very helpful to this day) and the A5 chip. The 4S release was focused on software and evolutionary improvements to the existing hardware (rather than revolutionary/new tech like the telephoto lens in the 7 for example). The XS release was the same sort of deal, if not better.

I think the fact that next year is supposedly the release of OS 11 & iOS 13 (yes, OS 11, not OS 10.X), combined with the fact that this year's S upgrade was uninteresting/safe EXCEPT for the relatively large increase in chip tech means that we're in for a treat next year -- both in terms of how iOS 13 is going to use the A12 chip and how the next iPhone is going to be a reflection of the software decisions taken with iOS 13.

I'm okay with a lackluster S upgrade year if it means they're working hard to develop something great for the next one.

 

[torana355]

I love that Apple is doing so well, they are the reason I'm getting such awesome android phones these days, companies like Samsung are forced to innovate at a much faster rate to try to sell thier products and that means better technology for less in my pocket. I would also like to thank all the people who actually buy these Apple products with those huge markups in price, it means I'm getting more for less from the Android counterparts who need to drop thier prices to be able to sell units.

 

[zakarhino]

Well, i'm not only moving on, I've moved on. You should as well.

I will never use a Google spyware device. Privacy is one of the biggest reasons why I stick with Apple.

 

[Nexus One]

Apple lost its luster the day Steve Jobs died.

But I don't want to get into the same rhetoric every single day with this topic.

 

[tonybarnaby]

Privacy at this point it's very important now. When it comes to privacy, Apple is miles ahead compared to anyone in the tech industry.

What kind of damage could big bad google do with your info? They’re not coming to your house and robbing you or stealing your money.

 

[1144557]

What kind of damage could big bad google do with your info? They’re not coming to your house and robbing you or stealing your money.

https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...ctivating-battery-saver-almost-fully-charged/

So you think its cool Google can remote access your device at a system level whenever it wants with no notice?

What if Google does so and "accidentally" wipes your device? Or someone figures out how to access that back door? Why there is an OS level back door to begin with is baffling.

If there is a door someone will find a way in.

 

[throAU]

First 7nm chip? Anyone?

See, if you have to resort to listing off technical specs that have absolutely no direct bearing on the end user experience, and that the average end user has no clue or care about, then that's an indication of how true the OP's statement about lack of innovation is. Apple is also in no way responsible for the 7nm manufacturing process, that's down to TSMC or Samsung.

Everyone will be on 7nm with their new processors by the end of the year or early next year (except intel).

Apple bought in first. So what? That's purely down to release timing, if this phone was released in June it wouldn't be on 7nm.
[doublepost=1537047925][/doublepost]

What kind of damage could big bad google do with your info? They’re not coming to your house and robbing you or stealing your money.

Targeted marketing, selling the info to people such as your employer, your insurance company, etc.

 

[mcdj]

As long as I live I will never understand people who come to an Apple forum to tell everyone they don't like Apple.

If someone walked into a McDonald's and started rambling on for all to hear about how Burger King is superior, they would be considered mentally unstable.

Equally unstable would be anyone who engages them.

 

[swarlos]

At one point in time it was worth it staying in the Apple locked down egosystem. The technology far surpassed what other's were doing. Those times have long gone.. They are simply not an innovative company any more. Tricking those in to thinking, it's the latest, it's the best..

I watched just a summary of the nonsense yesterday, this clown on stage was talking about the new Watch. "I know you guys are worried about the battery life, but we are pleased to say, it hasn't changed.." What kind of spin is that?

Needless to say I switched to Android 2 years ago, and haven't looked back. Sure Android's messaging system needs some love, but everything else is a better experience. It's not locked down, it's not controlled. I don't live with a bag of dongles and I am free..

Well, i'm not only moving on, I've moved on. You should as well.

Why are you telling us to move on? Every Android thread is like this, “ Oh I’ve seen the light and Android is end all be all of mobile OSes you plebs still on Apple have no idea what you’re missing! If you don’t move on you’re stupid and are blinded by Apple”

Puhlease Android sucks hairy monkey balls.

 

[tonybarnaby]

Why are you telling us to move on? Every Android thread is like this, “ Oh I’ve seen the light and Android is end all be all of mobile OSes you plebs still on Apple have no idea what you’re missing! If you don’t move on you’re stupid and are blinded by Apple”

Puhlease Android sucks hairy monkey balls.

Very mature response. You showed him!

 

[swarlos]

Very mature response. You showed him!

This forum lacks in maturity so I figured I should make him feel at home.

 

[swarlos]

I remember being a huge android fanatic and hating apple, before the iPhone 4. But I never looked for Apple forums or blogs to comment or participate in any way, because I didn't care about their products. However, for many reasons, I switched from Android, and no longer like Android products, and like Apple a lot. Now, I still don't go to Android blogs and forums, as I really don't care about their products. I am truly fascinated that people, who aren't fans, actually take the time to go to a website of their products' competitor to discuss why they don't like it, and to bash them. Its like, if you don't like Apple, "why do you even care? why are you here?"

Even though I don’t use Android anymore I do like to lurk the forums of the new devices that come out. Like the last month I’ve just been in the Note 9 forums reading peoples thoughts, love to look at the home screen threads (most are ugly as sin) and the battery life threads.

I don’t go making threads though putting down Android or the people that buy what they choose to.

Same for the Pixel 3XL I’ll be lurking that forum but I hate the Pixel phones because they truly are hot garbage.

 

[Anandc]

What kind of damage could big bad google do with your info? They’re not coming to your house and robbing you or stealing your money.

HOW HACKERS SLIPPED BY BRITISH AIRWAYS' DEFENSES

The airline also said in its disclosure that the attack impacted its mobile users. Klijnsma found a part of the British Airways Android app built off of the same code as the compromised portion of the airline's website. It's normal for an app's functionality to be based in part on existing web infrastructure, but the practice can also create shared risk. In the case of the British Airways Android app, the malicious JavaScript component the attackers injected on the main site hit the mobile app as well. Attackers seem to have designed the script with this in mind by accommodating touchscreen inputs.

Source:
https://www.wired.com/story/british-airways-hack-details/

---

Triout Malware Carries Out Extensive, Targeted Android Surveillance

More specifically, a closer look at the malware showed that Triout records every single call a user makes as a media file, then ships them off to the C&C packaged with Caller ID information. It also logs every incoming SMS message and the sender, captures every picture and video the user takes, captures GPS coordinates and records all call logs (including date, time, call duration and Caller ID) – and sends it all to the Triout operators.

Source:
https://threatpost.com/triout-malware-carries-out-extensive-targeted-android-surveillance/136773/

---

These Android phones have security defects out of the box, researchers say

At least 25 Android smartphone models—11 of which are sold by major U.S. carriers—carry vulnerabilities out of the box, making them easy prey for hackers, according to a new study from security researchers

Source:
https://phys.org/news/2018-08-android-defects.html

---

These above articles are just a small fraction of what happens in Android World. Though Google has become much better than ever before to fight against hackers but it's the Open Platform of Android which will always attract hackers to breach your devices.

I'm sure you must have heard of numerous viruses on Windows but very rare on Mac OSX. That's the same thing with Android and iOS.

Some people don't seem to care about it as they are more confined on features at cheaper price but there is always a cost to be paid. In Apple you pay the cost for the security and in Android you pay the cost of your own data.

 

[Outsiderdude26]

So is Samsung captain. I don't see Samsung trying to get into the car business..

I just want to point out that Samsung has been in the car business for over 2 decades.

Renault Samsung Motors

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Samsung_Motors

 

[theramod]

So is Samsung captain. I don't see Samsung trying to get into the car business..

There is actually car manufacturer "Samsung" in South Korea but it is owned by Renault. Don't know if it has anything to do with actual Samsung that produces electronics though. I doubt it.

 

[russiaak47]

At one point in time it was worth it staying in the Apple locked down egosystem. The technology far surpassed what other's were doing. Those times have long gone.. They are simply not an innovative company any more. Tricking those in to thinking, it's the latest, it's the best..

I watched just a summary of the nonsense yesterday, this clown on stage was talking about the new Watch. "I know you guys are worried about the battery life, but we are pleased to say, it hasn't changed.." What kind of spin is that?

Needless to say I switched to Android 2 years ago, and haven't looked back. Sure Android's messaging system needs some love, but everything else is a better experience. It's not locked down, it's not controlled. I don't live with a bag of dongles and I am free..

Well, i'm not only moving on, I've moved on. You should as well.

They make bigger screen, thicker iphones with more battery this year is very innovative, especially the price increase!

 

[44267547]

Has Apple really lost its luster? [According to the OP’ thread title,] No, They have not. Has Apple changed dramatically as a company over the course of 20 years? Yes, they have. Not everybody’s going to find them appealing or what they change in terms of hardware, pricing strategy, ect Let’s remember that this is just a tech forum with very vocal opinions.

 

[lsutigerfan1976]

I hope more of you start to think this way. It makes it easier for me to get my hands on the new iPhone every year.

 

[MiniMoke]

Apple to me has NOT lost it's luster. And this comes from someone who didn't even own an Apple product until nine months ago. Played a lot with them in high school/college (but those were Apple IIe).

I am ever the skeptic. NEVER buys a product on first look, NEVER ever bought an item from the old phone call solicitation schemes/methods. If I buy a product of ANY cost, it is researched repeatedly - and on the highest items of value (like vehicles) it's akin to a CIA/MI-6 sort of operation. Gather intelligence, investigate, do trials, be a painindeazz to forums the world over and to salespeople local. Work the "back and forth" of trial over time and getting info from others. Read. Read. Read.

Over time, things become evident as they apply to my use, and while I won't say "Apple is the best" as a blanket statement, I will say that for my use, both functionally as a device, and over time, Apple is clearly the best FOR ME. And it isn't even close when the totality is considered.

The three big things that make Apple the juggernaut on phones is that 1) superior software hardware integration, 2) general product quality, 3) software/security updates delivered uniformly and in a pretty responsive manner (yeah, I know, debatable in some instances, but if your text goes buggy in software and your mfgr/carrier has no fix, phone is done). Those three things make for "The Basics" that I consider important in a general sense. Particularly the updates being delivered uniformly and good for as long as Apple's updated software will run on your phone - the androids tend to quit updating after a couple of years, and with something as private as your phone, not updating it for security holes etc isn't an acceptable solution.

I am the guy who is the first to throw the "X brand is for fashion statement only" and other such barbs when I think the product is substandard. I live in a place that's almost entirely based on how the package looks regardless of whether or not it's hollow inside, and where "hollow inside" is often considered "elite". That said, I won't shame a product that becomes popular for being too shiny, or gains popularity from a certain segment. I don't care. Does it work? And since it's a phone, does it do it everyday, because it's my phone? Does it do it easily? I bought the Apple phone I own now (8 Plus, seemed like a phone I could live with) out of necessity/emergency, and bought one, just because I told myself for a while that I wanted to try them - and also knowing they have good resale. I took that phone on a holiday trip where that phone became HUGELY important (ticket trades blowing up and other meeting and business issues) and was sold on it within 48 hours. I had literally owned it for four days, and had to shoehorn two hours aside to get it set up before I left, but when I consider how easy that all was I know well why I pre-ordered for our second phone this week.

I'm not a "phone geek"/customizer - I seek to do what most productive people with a phone would want to do with it. I have no emotional side in the Android/iOS wars other than to find what works for me. It tends to bite in in the rear when I buy anything on that basis. My phone is much like my car - a UTILITY item and not a "fashion statement". It gets me to work and A>B. When I bought initial brand Car A and had service headaches with it on the basis of where it was made, rather than what the anecdotal and research reports stated, well I did it to myself. Afterwards I bought the brand I should have bought in the first place (it starts with T) and have never lost a vehicle to mechanical failure in 22 years of continuous ownership. There are cars with better ergonomics, better "road and track" drive quality (performance), and more "sexy" brands to be sure, but the reliability and being still pretty good in needed areas all around is enough for me.

Apple is a similar product. Performs well, quality build, has a good service record generally, and continues to hum along and change the game - even though it seems not in "leaps and bounds" anymore. But you're looking at devices, and not the bigger picture, which shows us that the device we know as a "PC" or Mac" is being migrated into your hand, more and more. It doesn't mean that cameras are obsolete, nor your desktop computer, or the Postal Service, or your bank teller/ATM, or your heart monitor. BUT - more of that moves into your hand - each and every day. THAT's the "news". It is Apple's job to move the public into that environment and make it as easy as possible to do it. That's where Apple RULES the market. Might the specific people find what's better for them elsewhere? Sure. But when Apple has that dominating of a presence against all other brands, they are doing something right for both ends - the techie/power user AND the more normal user.

For me, the latest example of Apple's gargantuan force in this year's announce wasn't the flagship at all. It's the Xr. That phone is going to CRUSH in popularity and be the hottest item under the tree. Why? Because it brings enough "new" to the table for the "normal user": Full screen, a larger format that's still sleek, choice of colors (that "product red" is HOT) and an all around phone that will be very good for most people and be a noticeable upgrade. People will buy a "third down the line phone" just because they will WANT IT. Sure the LCD isn't any better than an 8 Plus - but an 8 Plus still looks pretty good in the bigger picture. Apple will sell a bazillion of these, and while those of us wanting envelope pushing, next new earth shaking change, it's the "oh that guy, too bad it's......." that will be stomping in the market like an 800 lb. gorilla and making the beancounters party like no tomorrow. And it isn't a slouch, with A12 chip, and at $799 with a 128GB drive, it's Apple's way of bringing a baseball bat loaded with lead to the market.

Apple hasn't lost it's luster - at all. Their biggest challenge is that they have to be all things to more people. It's managing that which is their big challenge. If we had to earn a living by predicting what Apple will do next (and furthermore it's impact on the future of the company/what it says about the company) we would all be broke by now, and especially on internet forums where every day sans Steve Jobs had Apple one step away from that rhetorical downstairs place from which it would never emerge. History has proven different. If Apple goes down in any serious way anytime in two decades (I would guess) you will be worried about much, much more than Apple. You won't care about Apple in that instance. Which goes to show the degree of risk to "Apple" losing anything save for a few critics. Apple isn't going after just more phone sales, they're going after Google (own maps, probably own search, own music, own email wouldn't surprise - at least more of what Google does). It's wayyyyy beyond the specific device. But they are still pretty good at that device thing, too.

Thanks for this very well written piece!

At last a sensible answer to all the gibberish in this thread.

 

[FFR]

Why is UFS crap?

Did you ever wonder why android phones can’t record 4K at 60fps for any extended amount of time?
I harp about it all the time on the forum.

From what I read NVME may be a bit faster, but UFS also has benefits. Just about all OEMS are going to UFS except Apple. They basically put a Macbook NVME controller into the iPhone so it makes sense. But still why is UFS crap?

Not just a bit faster, Apple’s Nvme is extremely fast, being more expensive, and offers more bandwidth.

Yes your right about android oems all going ufs, it’s cheaper and gives them higher profit margins at the expense of the consumer.

Since most android oems try to match Apple pricing, consumers are basically getting ripped of by cheaper components and most don’t even know it, hence crap.

 

[Sackofnickels]

HOW HACKERS SLIPPED BY BRITISH AIRWAYS' DEFENSES

The airline also said in its disclosure that the attack impacted its mobile users. Klijnsma found a part of the British Airways Android app built off of the same code as the compromised portion of the airline's website. It's normal for an app's functionality to be based in part on existing web infrastructure, but the practice can also create shared risk. In the case of the British Airways Android app, the malicious JavaScript component the attackers injected on the main site hit the mobile app as well. Attackers seem to have designed the script with this in mind by accommodating touchscreen inputs.

Source:
https://www.wired.com/story/british-airways-hack-details/

---

Triout Malware Carries Out Extensive, Targeted Android Surveillance

More specifically, a closer look at the malware showed that Triout records every single call a user makes as a media file, then ships them off to the C&C packaged with Caller ID information. It also logs every incoming SMS message and the sender, captures every picture and video the user takes, captures GPS coordinates and records all call logs (including date, time, call duration and Caller ID) – and sends it all to the Triout operators.

Source:
https://threatpost.com/triout-malware-carries-out-extensive-targeted-android-surveillance/136773/

---

These Android phones have security defects out of the box, researchers say

At least 25 Android smartphone models—11 of which are sold by major U.S. carriers—carry vulnerabilities out of the box, making them easy prey for hackers, according to a new study from security researchers

Source:
https://phys.org/news/2018-08-android-defects.html

---

These above articles are just a small fraction of what happens in Android World. Though Google has become much better than ever before to fight against hackers but it's the Open Platform of Android which will always attract hackers to breach your devices.

I'm sure you must have heard of numerous viruses on Windows but very rare on Mac OSX. That's the same thing with Android and iOS.

Some people don't seem to care about it as they are more confined on features at cheaper price but there is always a cost to be paid. In Apple you pay the cost for the security and in Android you pay the cost of your own data.

You seem to be very knowledgeable. Can you shed some light on the article below?

https://us.norton.com/internetsecur...nfects-millions-of-apple-store-customers.html

Apparently Apple's App Store had 39 infected Apps. XcodeGhost infected millions of Apple customers through the App Store. Did they fix the problem? The article was authored by Norton so they must be aware of it no? Seems no OS is completely safe.

 

[Anandc]

You seem to be very knowledgeable. Can you shed some light on the article below?

https://us.norton.com/internetsecur...nfects-millions-of-apple-store-customers.html

Apparently Apple's App Store had 39 infected Apps. XcodeGhost infected millions of Apple customers through the App Store. Did they fix the problem? The article was authored by Norton so they must be aware of it no? Seems no OS is completely safe.

I never said iOS is completely 100% safe, quote me if I have said it.

Secondly read this article straight from Norton

"If we’re talking purely about the level of threat that exists on the two platforms, it would seem iPhone and iPad users have the better side of the deal. Studies have found that a far higher percentage of mobile malware targets Android than iOS, the software than runs Apple’s devices."

Source:
https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-mobile-android-vs-ios-which-is-more-secure.html

And yes, I am knowledgeable

 

[Sackofnickels]

I never said iOS is completely 100% safe, quote me if I have said it.

Secondly read this article straight from Norton

"If we’re talking purely about the level of threat that exists on the two platforms, it would seem iPhone and iPad users have the better side of the deal. Studies have found that a far higher percentage of mobile malware targets Android than iOS, the software than runs Apple’s devices."

Source:
https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-mobile-android-vs-ios-which-is-more-secure.html

And yes, I am knowledgeable

I never claimed you said iOS was completely safe. I said it "seems" no OS is completely safe. General comment with no particular target in mind. Also, I was truly interested in getting your take on XcodeGhost.

And thanks for setting me straight.

 

[jeyf]

I don't think Apple has lost its luster at all ... I think the TouchBar MacBook Pro, AirPods, HomePod, and Apple Watch have all been fantastic products.

i do not work for Apple:
TouchBar //not getting a lot of support even for apple applications
MacBook Pro //the defective keyboard wound up in the Courts (class action)
HomePod //expensive
Apple Watch //old peeps wear watches, redundant, another mouth to feed in the house

mid life crisis at the 40 year old Apple Inc
limited market space & the competition is well developed
for my money i would rather make an extra school and or mortgage payment. Apple is the trillion dollar money pit.