Bye, Bye for now Apple, it has been fun!

[turbineseaplane]

My first Mac was the 20-inch G5 iMac, in its lovely white plastic. It still runs, and I use it from time to time with software that I can still compile on it. However, when the move to Intel was announced, I was very disappointed, and I decided to use Windows+Linux dual boot Acer laptops for some years. Then, when I needed a new laptop, I realized I needed the lightest in the market, and I got a 2010 13inch MacBook Air (Snow Leopard). I've been working in Macs since then, because every bit in the design of that MBA and Snow Leopard was perfection.

But what Apple has done since Steve passed away is to get away from perfection as fast as possible.

And, now, the only reason why I still use Macs is that Windows is not adequate, and that Linux, while much better than Windows, still cannot compare to the Mac. However, they continue destroying MacOS everyday, so I guess that sooner or later it will intersect with the Linux curve, and I'll need to switch.

Why am I so disappointed with Apple. The list is not complex. In order of importance, the reasons why I would jump today if MacOS was not still better than Linux, are:

1. Abandoning standards and releasing unnecessary new custom APIs that makes it hard to maintain multiplatform apps. Instead of adopting Vulkan, they introduce Metal. Instead of pushing OpenCL (which they created, by the way), they deprecate it. The absurdity is so high that they even need to officially support a Wine-based translation layer in the Apple Game Porting Toolkit. Incredible.
2. Not letting you downgrade iOS, nor have high control on updates: it behaves like if the iOS device is not yours, and Apple controls the device (yes, Windows is doing the same now, but rather than a justification it just shows how wrong Apple is these days). I don't like iOS at all, but I notice that Apple dreams of MacOS behaving the same as iOS in terms of updates, so I rate this as #2 in my list even if it's not Mac-specific (yet).
3. Pushing services and subscriptions. Sorry, but no, I don't want any subscription at all. I want Macs and MacOS only. Period.
4. Pushing the iPad in such a way that it looks a Macbook alternative, and, even worse, transforming MacOS so that it looks more like iOS. In the end, we can see a horizon where MacOS and iOS will merge. Again, no, Apple, that's not what I want nor what I need.
5. Not being able to release a 15inch Macbook Air that can compete in terms of weight with the LG Gram. The MBA weights 50% more than the LG at the same display size. Yes, the excuse is obvious, the MBA is aluminum, but Steve Jobs would have released the lightest 15inch in the market no matter the needed changes, because that is what the Macbook Air is supposed to be, the lightest in the market.
6. Getting rid of Nvidia. No matter how good the next M3 Ultra will be, being able to have a set of Nvidia boards in the Mac Pro was a very good thing, and Apple decided to eliminate that.
7. The Swift language. First, Objective C was better. Second, Rust and C are better than Swift. Third, the world doesn't need a new language which doesn't introduce anything new that other languages already have, and whose only result is that it's going to fragmentate more the source code of Mac software and make it more difficult to port and maintain, no matter in what OSs you can install the Swift compiler. Do you really want to design a new language? Then design one that has features that nobody has and that helps write better apps. Swift is a step backwards compared to Objective C.
8. Nonsense in MacOS requirements of new devices: The latest Magic Trackpad 2 requires at least Big Sur (really?). Come on, the previous version ran even on Snow Leopard. It just shows they want to bring the iOS sense of obsolescence to the Mac.
9. Not giving the proper value to great innovations that make the Mac the best platform. Just to name an example, Snow Leopard introduced the "3 finger drag" as a standard option in the Trackpad settings. That setting is so good, that everybody I showed this feature, thanked me and kept it enabled forever. But Apple maybe thought it was too good, and instead of making it enabled by default, they buried it hidden in the accessibility settings (it's still there, but I fear someday one of their "bright" minds will decide to drop it). Or... the magsafe, another great thing that some "bright" mind thought was too good and had to be dropped (in this case they realized about the mistake years later and brought it back). EDIT: I just remembered that they even dropped the boot chime years ago and then brought it back. Incredible, what Apple has done without Steve is incredible.
10. Design flaws. This should never happen in the Mac, but it happens, because they have changed their priorities. Now somebody said that the goal is to have bezel-less displays. Fine. Then they realize that this would require a notch at the top. No problem, the Mac UI can be destroyed because the goal is not having bezels anymore (and moreover, we love the iPhone more than the Mac, and it has a notch, so that's perfect!!!). Nonsense.

This list is incredible

I agree with every word of it

You really had me by the time I got to "3 Finger Drag"
That is the first thing I always make sure is enabled (when a Trackpad is in the mix)

It's SUCH an intuitive way to move things around that I just can't believe they relegated it to a buried accessibility pref.. Nuts

 

[turbineseaplane]

Still using Apple stuff. But I got damn near close to ditching right before apple silicon was announced, when their hardware had become nearly untenable for basic use. And I’m approaching a similar spot with their software today. I hope they get their act together.

This is an underrated concern (software quality)
Unlike with hardware, where Apple still has the chops and we know they can course correct, their software has been on a steady march downhill for years.

I don't know how much more runway they have if this is the trajectory.

The niggles and bugs in each OS release...the abomination (still) that is SysPrefs (w/e they call it now) on macOS... we could go on all day

It's really worrying and their forced release schedule for software is a huge contributor to the problem.
Nobody needs or wants "all new*** versions!" every single year.

 

[burpootus]

I didn't know how to breach this subject because I am not writing this based on one OS or hardware's superiority. I like Mac's. They are beautiful, functional and powerful. They are a rip off to a certain extent, I hate Apple's business practices and manufacturing. I hate a lot of things within the various OS that Apple develops. But I love a lot of it too. Not the first sentence but the second, The OS is pretty sweet, and the various devices all have great software and hardware. Apple is pretty much King in terms of the "Best". The best security, the best design, the best cpu/gpu in mobile, and so much more. So I am no hater of Apple. But over time things have gotten to a point where I either hobble along and deal with it or I vote with my dollars to hopefully start to make a change.

I am one person so I am meaningless to Apple but if enough people in a similar situation as I am do what I do then it will start to hurt Apple's bottom line and then they might pay attention and start to change.

I am talking about the ladder and lock in. Two things I hate most about Apple right now. There equipment in some cases is objectively better but not in all areas. The ladder is the technique of upselling the customer by holding back certain features that are not costly but hamper user experience in such a way a user wants to go up the ladder to the better model, then they will want better than base specs. Everything pushes you up the ladder and gets progressively more expensive. Ram/SSD upgrades anyone? Pro motion only on a pro device although pro motion would enhance the overall experience of all users and is not a pro level feature in other brand devices. This pushes many consumers to buy an iPad Pro over an iPad Air when they really only need an air for their use case.

Lock in we all know the Apple ecosystem is great. Say you have an iPhone a Mac and an iPad. They all work great together and you can share files, make calls and texts from any device. Say you get an Android phone and keep the rest. Now your entire ecosystem is broken and no longer can you do any of the things you could with your iPhone. Even though you bought the Mac and iPad and should have the same functionality no matter the phone or computer you use but Apple locks you in and gimps your experience on purpose so you don't buy anything other than Apple products. Apple could easily offer some basic compatibility and basic feature sharing but they don't. They could still offer more features for Apple products but give all basic compatibility and save special features for Apple to encourage people to buy Apple rather than just have it wreck their experience.

So it is been a long time coming but I have decided to let go of my Mac and iPad and just go Windows and Android for a while. I don't know if I will go back to Apple because until they change I would be forced to go all in or nothing. I don't want to buy something and have half the features work because of free choice. The convenience for lock in is a bargain I am no longer willing to make and I shouldn't. Apple should want their products to work well with other products just from a business use perspective.

I know a lot of people don't care about this issue or even like it and it makes them feel exclusive or special in a special group or club. But I want to use multiple different devices together and not have to have separate ecosystems. So I will stay on Windows/Linux/Android side of things. I may be back because I still like Apple. Then I could talk cost. I can't afford to keep two separate platforms, it has become too expensive in this economy for me. I can get so much more ram and ssd and better hardware with a couple of exceptions for a lot less than Apple. Sure a 16" MBP with M3 Pro is a better laptop than my 16" Samsung GalaxyBook 4 Pro 360 in some ways but it costs a lot more and is a lot heavier and the Ultra is available if I needed graphic horsepower and it is still cheaper than equivalent MBP. Obviously Intel has not caught up with m series yet. Although Meteor lake is a huge step in the right direction it is NOT YET equivalent to M3 in all areas. But the difference in terms of performance and battery life are so much better than before that Intel is now in m series ballpark. Intel has to get to 4nm probably before they will be competitive directly but by then who knows how advanced Apple m series will be. But in my opinion it is not about having the absolute best but good enough. Specially if I am saving over $1000. I personally think Intel is finally good enough. Room for a lot of improvement-yes. But good enough I can go a whole day without worrying about charging and I can get the same performance on battery as plugged in if I adjust settings and battery life is still good enough. Maybe I get 6-8 hours slamming the machine on battery vs 10-12 if I am not. I can deal with those numbers. What sucked before was 3-6 hours average battery life with 1-2 on heavy use and a big difference throttled on battery no matter the settings. That is a huge improvement.

So I have settled on two devices since I have to have a back up device no matter what platform and I like a 14" and 16" for different taks. I was going to get a 14" chromebook but they suck so much in terms of getting a nice chromebook that doesn't cost $1000. So in order to get a fast and responsive Chromebook with a decent ssd, ram, and processor, decent bright screen and speakers in something other than plastic you are looking at $1000 and the specs still aren't as good as a comparable priced Windows laptop. So I ditched that idea and decided on two Windows laptops, one Android tablet, an Android phone, an android watch and some ear buds. They all work flawlessly together and have more features than are available in an Mac.

So my two laptops have OLED 120hz touchscreens with AR coating and variable refresh rate and a hardened glass. You can't get anything like it on any Mac no matter how much you spend. I have a pencil or stylus with every major device I own. S pen on phone, tablet and PC. Not available on Mac or iPhone. Then there are new AI features like a circle to search feature in Windows!!

I will sell all my Apple stuff and end up paying a little out of pocket but I will be happy with everything I own. Samsung and HP give generous specs for the cost compared to Apple. I have a 2tb drive on the HP and 1tb drive on Samsung and Samsung gave me a free 2tb portable ssd. If I were to try to get just a 2tb drive it would cost a lot.

Apple products are really great but both Android and Windows OEM's have drastically improved on their top end devices the design, quality and materials to get close or even surpass Apple.

If I were to go all in on Apple with only one laptop, one iPad, one watch and ear buds it would cost me at least double and I would half the specs in order to do it with lesser hardware in some areas. M3 would be faster in some ways but not all. M3 Pro or better is faster and better in battery life but at the price point of pro m3 and decent specs cost gets prohibitive specially in the 16" which I would want but it is such a heavy beast. It is close to 5 pounds while my 16" GB4 is only 3.5 pounds. Big difference. And the GB4 still feels solid and has an objectively better screen for everything but brightness.

So while I will miss Apple and I have no hard feelings I am pretty confident with my choice. I have been using computers since before Apple 2 and Windows 95. I remember DOS and green and amber CRT screens. So I am very comfortable in any computing environment from flashy GUI to Text prompts. Apple and Unix have always been more complex for me to use because there are more steps for me to take toa accomplish the same task in Windows. Linux is very similar to Unix but some interfaces can look a lot like Windows. And I really like the ability to use Linux if I want to on my laptop.

I may visit a Chromebook again when they get some more compelling devices. I really like ChromeOS and being able to use a full Linux install within ChromeOS is very cool. The hardware just needs to catch up. I am not paying $600 for a laptop with EMMC storage or a celeron processor. I can't stand 250nits 45%ntsc screens!! Like put an ultra 7 155h 16gb ddr5x ram, 120hz Oled touch screen, minimum 256gb nvme pci4 ssd. all in a nice aluminum build. Priced at say $799. It would be the perfect Chromebook but now we got crap.

So Windows and Android for now....

I had a spec‘ed out 2015 iMac 27” as my main computer, and as it came time to replace it, I was pretty upset when Apple announced that the 24” was going to be the only iMac offered for the foreseeable future. So I decided to go with a laptop, which would primarily be used docked, as my main computer. I hope to make a computer last for 8 or so years if possible, and I decided I needed to jump from a 3TB drive to a 4TB drive to account for future storage needs. Well, I didn’t have much luck finding a 15-16” Windows laptop with 4TB of storage, that didn’t cost almost as much as a M3 Macbook Pro. So I ended up with the Macbook. I definitely have some of the same gripes as in the OP, plus the current sorry iMac situation (entry level M3, limited storage, limited screen size, etc.), among other things, but all things considered, I stuck with Apple for another computer cycle. But they best be forewarned…

 

[turbineseaplane]

The iMac 27 situation is particularly ridiculous

They are selling a 27" 5k display -- strap an M chip in there and sell what people want, for goodness sake!

The 24" iMac is a totally unsatisfying replacement for a 27 iMac 5k owner -- same for a Mac Mini/Studio + Display (and talk about expensive!)

 

[Ethosik]

Very low to non existent most of the time. Even under heavy load I feel air and lightly hear air flow but it is never crazy.

But just like Ryzen 7th gen or better the fans still come on. It isn't silent like a MBA or even as silent as a M series MBP. The MBP has to really be pushed to start spinning the fans where as the Ultra 7 win spin more of the time depending on the mode. If on balanced fan noise will always be low to non existent but if on performance it changes a bit.

That being said there is a significant difference between prior generations. As I said max spinning is very low decibels on two different laptops.

But if you are used to m level of quiet and expect it to be exactly the same you will be disappointed. If you expect it to be a lot better than i7 13700h in terms of battery life and thermals then you will be happy.

Intel still has some tweaking to do with this node and needs to move to the next fairly quickly.

I feel once Intel hits 5nm or lower then we will start seeing m series battery life. But loud spinning fans and fans just running at idle are a thing of the past. The fans only run if I am doing something and only if I have perfect mode set on. If you use balanced mode you will never hear fans. Maybe a big update or serious multitasking and GPU intensive work, tons of tabs you might hear em. Again in performance mode it ramps the fans aggressively and that is the only mode I hear any fan noise and at Max I could push the machine it was never loud.

Could you link the system you have? As long as it’s the same or better than a PS5 and has less heat output than my desktop and is relatively quiet I’ll check it out.

 

[MagicBird]

So Windows and Android for now....

Wow, someone felt the need to self-justify their purchases in public.

Good on you I guess.

I for one still like Continuity too much

 

[RandomTox]

I've been waiting for iMac 27" M-processor upgrade for many years now and about to switch to PC as well.

 

[maflynn]

Wow, someone felt the need to self-justify their purchases in public.

You know whats funny about this statement is that it literally defines nearly every member on macrumors

Just look at any of the hardware forums, iPhone, iMac, mbp, etc - they have myriad of order threads or just bought threads.

Yet you need to call out the OP for posting his purchase decisions?

 

[Lioness~]

I've been waiting for iMac 27" M-processor upgrade for many years now and about to switch to PC as well.

A larger iMac with M-chip, forget it, won't happen.
Either you buy a Studio or Mini with a Studio Display or a cheaper display from elsewhere.
Or diss it all, your choice.

 

[JohnRckr]

Same, switched to Android from 15PM just today, great decision. Still keeping my MBP tho

 

[bcortens]

As long as people keep buying the 8/256 model, Apple will keep offering it.

Not enough people speak with their wallet to send the message to Tim and friends.

As for the ecosystem, I’m locked in and would likely regret cutting my losses jumping back to Windows.

My wife uses a PC for her work daily and hates it. She relishes jumping onto her MacBook and my iMac after hours.

This is kind of like blaming the victim, if the 16/512 model costs over $400 USD more than the 8/256 then it becomes kind of unreasonable to expect people to move to the higher end model.
They can’t speak with their wallet and remain in the Apple ecosystem, that is what is is insidious about the removal of third party upgradable storage and RAM.

While I doubt they can maintain memory bandwidth while simultaneously supporting upgradable RAM I do think they should have all macs and iPads offer replaceable storage modules.

 

[MacCheetah3]

This is an underrated concern (software quality)
Unlike with hardware, where Apple still has the chops and we know they can course correct, their software has been on a steady march downhill for years.

I don't know how much more runway they have if this is the trajectory.

The niggles and bugs in each OS release...the abomination (still) that is SysPrefs (w/e they call it now) on macOS... we could go on all day

It's really worrying and their forced release schedule for software is a huge contributor to the problem.
Nobody needs or wants "all new*** versions!" every single year.

This is part Apple (for listening to ->) and FOMO user fault. For example, when Apple introduced their version of extra Lock Screen customization to appease Android wannabes, I was strongly opposed — and still mostly am. Why? I don’t need or want it. I don’t need or want most of the mostly ridiculous social network-related bling either (i.e., FaceTime and Messages effects, etc). And what does it do? Requires more maintenance, creates a higher possibility of messing something else up (something fundamental). Another personal example: PC RGB. My current Windows rig has plenty of it, because almost every “premium” component includes this ‘feature’. However, for my next build, I’m purposefully going to hunt down components without RGB, or do my best anyway. Just more cumbersome stuff that can go wrong, requires more setup, and (for me) becomes boring quickly. On the other hand, I like the small but plenty performance of the Mac mini, for example. It has drawbacks but function. RGB, being able to change your Lock Screen clock font provides little to no function.

Taking a few more steps… I’m certainly not anti-enthusiast, that is, tinkering, those who want to mod, those that want to try things for the sake of proving they can. Something like:

What has surprised me it the total lack of a class action lawsuit over the whole BTO garbage technology philosophy Apple Inc has assumed for the last 20 years or so, Steve Jobs was so brave to produce the 1st generation of the MacBook Pro, it was in some way modular, in that it was not hard for 3rd parties to develop ways to use the slim dvd drive as a 2nd hard drive, the replaceable battery, replaceable RAM, solved problems...

I am pretty sure every macbook pro user has at one point or another felt that "if only I could add a bit more RAM.." What I see is the Macbook Pro should be modular, you buy modules from istore or 3rd party MFI products, the Macbook Air is BTO, and the Macbook plastic as a student laptop, robust, functional.

If Framework is modular, then Apple with it's R and D budget is not able to produce a modular laptop, this is not one of cannot, it is one of deliberate and considered choice, and that leads to the question why?

This is also the mentality for Linux (beyond server use). It’s an OS that’s not designed for the mainstream user: lacking lots of common software support but allowing a lot of customization.

So, where did Apple go wrong? Placating to many of the type commenting in this thread — no doubt trying to capture extra market and thus revenue. With that said, we have the blatant irony of this thread, wanting vast customization but also reliability — psst.. They don’t go hand-in-hand.

I want to go back to the “just works” simplicity. When I have spare time, I’m all for the enthusiast mentality (e.g., assembling PCs). In other words, I don’t want my Mac (i.e., main computer) to become a project.

P.S. The other irony: bringing up Steve Jobs. Apple’s vision and to an extent the “just works” was because the attitude of Apple knows what you want, ignoring and even defying “this is what the other companies are doing."

 

[maflynn]

I will say that I find iOS to be vastly superior to Android in ways that are important to me. I like how we iPhone owners get annual upgrades where as android owners might get a single upgrade and then it’s an extended wait

As for pc vs Mac; I think windows has more upsides then macOS

 

[turbineseaplane]

I like how we iPhone owners get annual upgrades

Boy, I don't at all

I wish it was more like 18-24 months

The forced annual release schedule is a big part of why we are trapped in endless bugs and glitch cycles

Right about when things finally get ironed out.... "here comes yet another iOS version"

 

[Lioness~]

Boy, I don't at all

I wish it was more like 18-24 months

The forced annual release schedule is a big part of why we are trapped in endless bugs and glitch cycles

Right about when things finally get ironed out.... "here comes yet another iOS version"

Annual updates, not a chance.
This time I will hold on to my mini with my life, not a chance I buy a phablet.
I plan to keep this as long as possible, included battery change and extra care and love.

 

[contacos]

I am honestly thinking about trying a Fold later this year. I have had iPhone since iPhone 3G and some second Galaxy devices on the side and it’s time to try what else is out there. I’ll still have my 15 Plus.

I also don’t think I’ll ever replace my iPad Air 4. I have had 5 iPad generations (I think) but I don’t really use a tablet anymore. I always end up using my phone for some reason.

I also don’t like the attitude of Apple nowadays. It’s off putting. Same reason I cancelled Amazon Prime last month and I have had it since the moment it launched

 

[Technerd108]

My first Mac was the 20-inch G5 iMac, in its lovely white plastic. It still runs, and I use it from time to time with software that I can still compile on it. However, when the move to Intel was announced, I was very disappointed, and I decided to use Windows+Linux dual boot Acer laptops for some years. Then, when I needed a new laptop, I realized I needed the lightest in the market, and I got a 2010 13inch MacBook Air (Snow Leopard). I've been working in Macs since then, because every bit in the design of that MBA and Snow Leopard was perfection.

But what Apple has done since Steve passed away is to get away from perfection as fast as possible.

And, now, the only reason why I still use Macs is that Windows is not adequate, and that Linux, while much better than Windows, still cannot compare to the Mac. However, they continue destroying MacOS everyday, so I guess that sooner or later it will intersect with the Linux curve, and I'll need to switch.

Why am I so disappointed with Apple. The list is not complex. In order of importance, the reasons why I would jump today if MacOS was not still better than Linux, are:

1. Abandoning standards and releasing unnecessary new custom APIs that makes it hard to maintain multiplatform apps. Instead of adopting Vulkan, they introduce Metal. Instead of pushing OpenCL (which they created, by the way), they deprecate it. The absurdity is so high that they even need to officially support a Wine-based translation layer in the Apple Game Porting Toolkit. Incredible.
2. Not letting you downgrade iOS, nor have high control on updates: it behaves like if the iOS device is not yours, and Apple controls the device (yes, Windows is doing the same now, but rather than a justification it just shows how wrong Apple is these days). I don't like iOS at all, but I notice that Apple dreams of MacOS behaving the same as iOS in terms of updates, so I rate this as #2 in my list even if it's not Mac-specific (yet).
3. Pushing services and subscriptions. Sorry, but no, I don't want any subscription at all. I want Macs and MacOS only. Period.
4. Pushing the iPad in such a way that it looks a Macbook alternative, and, even worse, transforming MacOS so that it looks more like iOS. In the end, we can see a horizon where MacOS and iOS will merge. Again, no, Apple, that's not what I want nor what I need.
5. Not being able to release a 15inch Macbook Air that can compete in terms of weight with the LG Gram. The MBA weights 50% more than the LG at the same display size. Yes, the excuse is obvious, the MBA is aluminum, but Steve Jobs would have released the lightest 15inch in the market no matter the needed changes, because that is what the Macbook Air is supposed to be, the lightest in the market.
6. Getting rid of Nvidia. No matter how good the next M3 Ultra will be, being able to have a set of Nvidia boards in the Mac Pro was a very good thing, and Apple decided to eliminate that.
7. The Swift language. First, Objective C was better. Second, Rust and C are better than Swift. Third, the world doesn't need a new language which doesn't introduce anything new that other languages already have, and whose only result is that it's going to fragmentate more the source code of Mac software and make it more difficult to port and maintain, no matter in what OSs you can install the Swift compiler. Do you really want to design a new language? Then design one that has features that nobody has and that helps write better apps. Swift is a step backwards compared to Objective C.
8. Nonsense in MacOS requirements of new devices: The latest Magic Trackpad 2 requires at least Big Sur (really?). Come on, the previous version ran even on Snow Leopard. It just shows they want to bring the iOS sense of obsolescence to the Mac.
9. Not giving the proper value to great innovations that make the Mac the best platform. Just to name an example, Snow Leopard introduced the "3 finger drag" as a standard option in the Trackpad settings. That setting is so good, that everybody I showed this feature, thanked me and kept it enabled forever. But Apple maybe thought it was too good, and instead of making it enabled by default, they buried it hidden in the accessibility settings (it's still there, but I fear someday one of their "bright" minds will decide to drop it). Or... the magsafe, another great thing that some "bright" mind thought was too good and had to be dropped (in this case they realized about the mistake years later and brought it back). EDIT: I just remembered that they even dropped the boot chime years ago and then brought it back. Incredible, what Apple has done without Steve is incredible.
10. Design flaws. This should never happen in the Mac, but it happens, because they have changed their priorities. Now somebody said that the goal is to have bezel-less displays. Fine. Then they realize that this would require a notch at the top. No problem, the Mac UI can be destroyed because the goal is not having bezels anymore (and moreover, we love the iPhone more than the Mac, and it has a notch, so that's perfect!!!). Nonsense.

Regarding number 10. Now we have a notch in all the laptops, even the pros BUT NO FACE ID? On top of that now the Pro phones have a pill cut out so the notch is gone? So now we have a split design language and none of it makes sense or is cohesive. Have a iPhone 15 Pro Max and MacBook Pro or an iPad and your hardware design language has notches and doesn't on the latest generation.

I mean I would understand the notch in the laptops if it were like a 9mp 4k camera and had FaceID but just a camera and big notch? Why not use a hole punch cut out like the 15PM??

I also resonate with everything you said. What a good list. I am sure someone will ChatGPT your post and summarize your summarization. Lol

The entire Tech industry with the subscription model for everything needs to stop. They like a nice constant cash flow but they are trying to take too much. I want to buy software and use it until a better and newer version comes out and then I decide if I want to buy it. But it is a dream for software developer's because they never have to do anything significant in new releases because there is no reason to get people to upgrade. It takes away incentive to innovate. On top of it they can release a half baked product and promise updates to finish it over time. No more deadlines just rolling releases. Nothing makes me angrier than the entire subscription model and I avoid it as much as I can in all the software I use (obviously Windows I can't change and need to use).

Apple was the last bastion of safety at least I thought. Since they sell the hardware they have no need to advertise to us or set up subscription models............Now here we are with ads in the App store and everything is a subscription. The ladder is here too. Apple One?

The time they were going to put an official back door into the OS in the name of CSAM scanning was also a huge deal for me as a matter of principle from a Company that supposedly champions privacy and security was officially proposing to eliminate both in the name of child porn? I get it. Child porn is awful. But most people have nothing to do with it so you are going to intrude the privacy and open a back door into the 100% for what a 1%-2% maybe even less of the worlds population? Makes sense to me. Once we all pushed back they stopped but for me a permanent scare was made and this was another reason the entire privacy and security of MacOS and other Apple OS and products rings hollow just like their environmentalist claims.

So sure, Microsoft isn't great but it is the devil I know and understand. Because I know and understand it I can take steps to mitigate it and be prepared if privacy and security are compromised. Same with Google, Samsung, etc. At least all of these companies are more open either by choice or by market forces over time. Apple has not faced this same pressure and has complete control over everything which was fine when I had more trust in the company and I no longer do.

 

[Technerd108]

I will say that I find iOS to be vastly superior to Android in ways that are important to me. I like how we iPhone owners get annual upgrades where as android owners might get a single upgrade and then it’s an extended wait

As for pc vs Mac; I think windows has more upsides then macOS

Appreciate your perspective. I was flipped upside down. Preferred MacOS over Windows but also preferred Android over iOS in several ways that are important to me.

I just got tired of trying to make two incompatible systems work together.

 

[turbineseaplane]

On top of it they can release a half baked product and promise updates to finish it over time. No more deadlines just rolling releases.

Welcome to "console and PC games"
It's a dreadful situation

 

[turbineseaplane]

So sure, Microsoft isn't great but it is the devil I know and understand. Because I know and understand it I can take steps to mitigate it and be prepared if privacy and security are compromised. Same with Google, Samsung, etc.

Such a great point

Apple has turned into one that "really has to be watched", as they are awfully busy marketing one type of image, while sort of quietly partaking in some very different other ones.

At least with some of the ones you mentioned I just sort of know what I should expect going in.

 

[thmsnt]

Boy, I don't at all

I wish it was more like 18-24 months

The forced annual release schedule is a big part of why we are trapped in endless bugs and glitch cycles

Right about when things finally get ironed out.... "here comes yet another iOS version"

I think once the final iOS 17.X comes out (and is smooth/stable) I'm gonna stick with it and only install the security updates until the final version of iOS 18 comes out. No reason to jump onto buggy major releases anymore.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I think once the final iOS 17.X comes out (and is smooth/stable) I'm gonna stick with it and only install the security updates until the final version of iOS 18 comes out. No reason to jump onto buggy major releases anymore.

100% with you

I've always talked about doing this ... and never done it, but I'm going to this time.

Now that I'm running Monterey on my desktop and laptop, I'm quite comfortable completing the loop and keeping my iPhone and iPad Mini back off the current iOS

If I had the ability to, I might go back even further (I'd have to think about it)

 

[Technerd108]

100% with you

I've always talked about doing this ... and never done it, but I'm going to this time.

Now that I'm running Monterey on my desktop and laptop, I'm quite comfortable completing the loop and keeping my iPhone and iPad Mini back off the current iOS

If I had the ability to, I might go back even further (I'd have to think about it)

As much as I love modern OS's and how much they have improved over the years it has come at a cost of enormous bloat and legacy code. ChromeOS may be limited in functionality but it is a much more modern OS in the sense it was designed for being lightweight and secure and has much less bloat than other OS.

I really wish Windows and MacOS would not just focus on new features but improving the performance of the OS. Trimming useless code, debloating and organizing. Instead of getting better with ram we need more ram? Why do improved versions of every OS seem to need more ram even when there are no major new features? Why doesn't anyone complain about this? Instead it is just the endless cycle of more and more powerful hardware and more ram to compensate. I get that we will never go back to 512mb ram and be able to function but improved ram efficiency in each new OS release should be a goal. Include new features and use more ram, no problem. But also optimize and get as lean as possible. But sloppy bloated OS seem to be the norm because-features......

 

[Altis]

100% with you

I've always talked about doing this ... and never done it, but I'm going to this time.

Now that I'm running Monterey on my desktop and laptop, I'm quite comfortable completing the loop and keeping my iPhone and iPad Mini back off the current iOS

If I had the ability to, I might go back even further (I'd have to think about it)

Apple loves to let you go far enough just to kneecap the device with no way back. Because they know best and care so much for you!

I know if I updated my phone it would be unusable. As it is, I'm getting decent life out of it still.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Why do improved versions of every OS seem to need more ram even when there are no major new features? Why doesn't anyone complain about this?

Haven't you heard?
Nobody needs more than 8GB of RAM because Apple Silicon is gravity defying, cures cancer and has solved world peace