Do you plan to switch from iPhone to Android? (2016)

[AustinIllini]

I've tried both iOS and Android. I had a Nexus 5 for a few years and believe me, Android in terms of practicality is by far and away better than iOS. Yes, iOS is easier to use. But it's for those who just want to go in and out of apps. Nothing more. Nothing less.

But what glues me to iOS unfortunately is the fact that I have a Mac, use Photos, use a .me email account and have an iPad. It's just the "eco system" that glues me to iOS. If I could seemlessly sync to this eco system on an android, I'd go straight back to Android and a Pixel.

Depends how you define practicality. Slowing down after 6 months of use isn't really practical. Nor is the less than one day battery life Android still struggles with. Messaging on Android is a disaster as well.

Google services are better, don't get me wrong. iOS needs to get onboard with setting defaults to Google services, but don't pretend Android is that "far and away" better. It's a solid OS and iOS and Android are both viable options, but Google is clearly aware of Android's shortcomings.

I'm not here to get in an iPhone vs Android argument because I have reasons for having an iPhone now, I'm just pointing out these "Android is far and away..." posts are misguided.

 

[jamezr]

Meaning that the post meant to say something along the lines of "I am saying that based on some rumors to get that new design you might have to pay a premium..." rather than "I am saying that to get that new design you have to pay a premium..."?

Because they are rumors on a rumors site.......Half of the threads and posts on Macrumors are speculation or opinions.

 

[C DM]

Because they are rumors on a rumors site.......Half of the threads and posts on Macrumors are speculation or opinions.

And talking about something in present tense as if it's already been happening isn't that.

 

[jamezr]

And talking about something in present tense as if it's already been happening isn't that.

lol....your quote

Because the prices of unannounced devices have been announced already?

Nope they are rumors on a rumor site....surely the irony of your post is not lost on you....

 

[epicrayban]

lol....your quote
Nope they are rumors on a rumor site....surely the irony of your post is not lost on you....

He knows. Let it go. It's deflection, and it ain't worth responding to.

 

[C DM]

lol....your quote
Nope they are rumors on a rumor site....surely the irony of your post is not lost on you....

Thus the question mark.
[doublepost=1491084937][/doublepost]

He knows. Let it go. It's deflection, and it ain't worth responding to.

Deflections are certainly hard at work.

 

[jamezr]

He knows. Let it go. It's deflection, and it ain't worth responding to.

Thanks for reeling me in...i get caught up in the rhetoric around here sometimes

 

[epicrayban]

Again, even if some folks don't like OLED, Apple does:

https://9to5mac.com/2017/04/03/apple-orders-70m-bendable-oled-displays-from-samsung-iphone-8/

Apple reportedly orders 70M bendable OLED displays from Samsung for iPhone 8


Today’s report reiterates that the upcoming iPhone 8 will feature a 5.2-inch OLED screen with curved edges, coming in at more than $1000. Additionally, it adds that all three of this year’s new iPhones will feature wireless charging, but notes that suppliers are still trying to work through overheating issues.

Furthermore, the report claims that the all three models will be waterproof, while the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus will retain the Home button and the iPhone 8 will ditch it. As for 3D sensing, today’s report reiterates that the iPhone 8 will feature support for new biometric technologies such as facial recognition.


I support Apple's decision to go OLED. Another story said Apple aims to go full OLED across all models by 2019.

And if all three models will feature wireless charging, that must mean all three models will have glass backs. Unless Apple has figured out effective inductive charging through metal...


[doublepost=1491320136][/doublepost]

Thanks for reeling me in...i get caught up in the rhetoric around here sometimes

Yep, especially when you consider these folks don't seem overly worried about people discussing Android rumors in other threads. Only when it's Apple rumors then semantics matter. Suddenly, everything needs to be caveated with "based on rumors..." at a rumor-based website.

As I said, if semantics is what they want to worry about in light of Apple potentially fragmenting even more features in a third and more expensive tier, well... what can ya do.

Back to the rumors...

 

[spinedoc77]

That's the problem. I've tried building an android ecosystem in the past. I had 2 android tablets, a chrome book, a smartphone and the chromecast but it wasn't anywhere near as cohesive as my Apple ecosystem. There were no benefits to to owning more than one device even if they were made by the same manufacturer. They didn't work together it was like having separate units.

Also the updates on the tablets (non nexus) are just shocking. I mean you only get one and it takes about a year for it to come through and then after that you are abandoned. The phone situation is a bit better as you do do get updates for about 2 years but they are slow to come through. I mean my iPad Air 2 is two years old and it will be supported better next year when it's three years old than an android tablet that comes out this year.

All of my Apple products just work together and I don't have to think about anything.

Personally I see any "ecosystem" as a negative, but that's just me. I prefer to use paradigms which are not tied to an OS, which basically means anything non-Apple. Sometimes that simplicity that Apple pushes can be a curse, especially if you have to go outside their ecosystem for any reason.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I wouldn't say I'm locked into an ecosystem either. I have an iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch and I like how they all sync together in terms of texting and social media, but that's as far as my personal needs go. I can't use a Mac for work because it's not capable and my emails come through on my phone as well as my works computer (PC). I just use Apple mobile devices because I like iOS and it's simplicity. The fact they are nicely packaged too isn't too bad. I'm one of those people who no longer looks too hard for change because I like what I am using. It makes upgrade decisions easier too.

 

[C DM]

Yep, especially when you consider these folks don't seem overly worried about people discussing Android rumors in other threads. Only when it's Apple rumors then semantics matter. Suddenly, everything needs to be caveated with "based on rumors..." at a rumor-based website.

As I said, if semantics is what they want to worry about in light of Apple potentially fragmenting even more features in a third and more expensive tier, well... what can ya do.

Back to the rumors...

So basically speaking about unknown details of something that doesn't even exist yet in present tense is somehow not a spin of some sort, while calling that out is somehow the spin.

 

[WeatherMate]

iPhone is considered better in term of security and it is also one of the reasons that iPhone is considered less user friendly as compared to other smart phones. I have also used android in the past. It provide a lot of features and it is more user friendly, but android phones are less secure.

 

[The Game 161]

Personally I see any "ecosystem" as a negative, but that's just me. I prefer to use paradigms which are not tied to an OS, which basically means anything non-Apple. Sometimes that simplicity that Apple pushes can be a curse, especially if you have to go outside their ecosystem for any reason.

I don't think anything that all works together and ties in with each other can ever be seen as a negative.

 

[lowendlinux]

I don't think anything that all works together and ties in with each other can ever be seen as a negative.

It's a negative because it ties you to a single vendor and takes you out of control. You may like the system and chose to be in the system but for many a system in general is a problem.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

It's a negative because it ties you to a single vendor and takes you out of control. You may like the system and chose to be in the system but for many a system in general is a problem.

It depends on the user I think. I don't have anything that I couldn't take with me to another device if I wanted. I'd miss the Apple only services but alternatives can be sought. My email is independent of Apple and so is my calendar, contacts and social media accounts. In fact I really don't know what locks many in?

 

[tbayrgs]

It depends on the user I think. I don't have anything that I couldn't take with me to another device if I wanted. I'd miss the Apple only services but alternatives can be sought. My email is independent of Apple and so is my calendar, contacts and social media accounts. In fact I really don't know what locks many in?

A few Apple related example--iMessages, iTunes purchased video, ability to taken calls across all Apple devices, Safari browser, iCloud Photos, FaceTime, iBooks, as well as hardware related lock in (Apple Watch, W1 chip functionality in headphones). You can't access any of those on non-Apple hardware yet competitor's equivalents are all usually accessible across any platform.

I think too often we immediately associate 'ecosystem' with Apple's version and subsequently 'ecosystem' becomes a bad word. Google ecosystem also offers tons of advantages to those who live within it, and without many of the limits that come with doing the same using Apple's. I also prefer the benefits associated within larger ecosystems but completely understand why Apple's lock-in frustrates so many people--I'm not impervious to it but have just decided the benefits I realize out weigh those limitations.

 

[epicrayban]

Front page of MacRumors says the iPhone 8 may be delayed until Oct/November:

...suppliers are encountering "technical issues" in the production of the upcoming "iPhone 8" because of differences in the display lamination process and challenges involved in integrating the 3D sensing front camera system.

The report tallies with a rumor that circulated last month suggesting the iPhone 8 may go on sale later than usual, due to the switch to an OLED display and the new technology needed. In such a scenario, the launch of an iPhone 7s and 7s Plus would go ahead in September as scheduled, with the higher-end iPhone 8 coming later in the year.

Such a staggered release would be highly untypical of Apple, and it's hard to imagine the company holding a September launch event for "S" cycle iPhones with no mention of the highly rumored OLED device. However, it is possible the higher-end phone could be revealed at the same time but launched in limited quantities or at a later date. Barclays analysts recently claimed that Apple will launch its "10th anniversary iPhone" in the usual September timeframe, albeit in short supply until a full stock arrives in the fourth quarter.



Also, a new analyst predicts the price point could come in under $1000 to compete with the S8+:

Apple's widely rumored high-end iPhone with an OLED display is expected to cost upwards of $1,000, but UBS analyst Steven Milunovich believes that a base 64GB model could start at $850 to $900 in the United States. That price point would be similar to Samsung's new Galaxy S8+, which starts at $840 to $850.

Milunovich said the flagship iPhone could start at under $1,000 as part of Apple's "mainstream luxury" pricing strategy. He also believes the 5.8-inch device will be competing at a screen size disadvantage compared to the 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+, leading him to predict Apple will adopt similar pricing as Samsung.


This is all pretty exciting for the iPhone and I have zero doubt this will sell incredibly well, but I'll say again that it's a shame this is looking like the only way for Apple to catch up to Samsung's hardware and features: in a third, more expensive tier that is likely going to be difficult to acquire due to limited supply and possibly won't see release until later in year than we're used to for a new iPhone.

At least the 7S models are expected to gain wireless charging so they'll have new glass backs (presumably looking similar to the current glossy black iPhone 7).

Recently, Apple, in a rather rare and uncharacteristic fashion, came out and admitted they made mistakes with the direction of some of their Mac lineups. This shows something some of us long already knew: that they are fallible. That every decision Apple makes isn't perfectly thought out or fine-tuned or perfectly focused. They are a company like any other that have to make big and, to be fair, difficult decisions. This rare display of humility is something I'm personally happy to see from them. I hope some of this translates to their plans for the iPhone and iOS in the coming years.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

A few Apple related example--iMessages, iTunes purchased video, ability to taken calls across all Apple devices, Safari browser, iCloud Photos, FaceTime, iBooks, as well as hardware related lock in (Apple Watch, W1 chip functionality in headphones). You can't access any of those on non-Apple hardware yet competitor's equivalents are all usually accessible across any platform.

I use all those but none of them lock me in thankfully. I could easily transfer photos, then again I back up to google photo as well. FaceTime id lose but I use Skype too so would not lose too much there plus I can use an iPad for that. iMessage can't be replicated in its form but if just text or use whatsapp more or an iPad... Not that I intend doing any of this but for me, I'm not locked in yet use an iPhone so there is hope.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Front page of MacRumors says the iPhone 8 may be delayed until Oct/November:

...suppliers are encountering "technical issues" in the production of the upcoming "iPhone 8" because of differences in the display lamination process and challenges involved in integrating the 3D sensing front camera system.

The report tallies with a rumor that circulated last month suggesting the iPhone 8 may go on sale later than usual, due to the switch to an OLED display and the new technology needed. In such a scenario, the launch of an iPhone 7s and 7s Plus would go ahead in September as scheduled, with the higher-end iPhone 8 coming later in the year.

Such a staggered release would be highly untypical of Apple, and it's hard to imagine the company holding a September launch event for "S" cycle iPhones with no mention of the highly rumored OLED device. However, it is possible the higher-end phone could be revealed at the same time but launched in limited quantities or at a later date. Barclays analysts recently claimed that Apple will launch its "10th anniversary iPhone" in the usual September timeframe, albeit in short supply until a full stock arrives in the fourth quarter.



Also, a new analyst predicts the price point could come in under $1000 to compete with the S8+:

Apple's widely rumored high-end iPhone with an OLED display is expected to cost upwards of $1,000, but UBS analyst Steven Milunovich believes that a base 64GB model could start at $850 to $900 in the United States. That price point would be similar to Samsung's new Galaxy S8+, which starts at $840 to $850.

Milunovich said the flagship iPhone could start at under $1,000 as part of Apple's "mainstream luxury" pricing strategy. He also believes the 5.8-inch device will be competing at a screen size disadvantage compared to the 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+, leading him to predict Apple will adopt similar pricing as Samsung.


This is all pretty exciting for the iPhone and I have zero doubt this will sell incredibly well, but I'll say again that it's a shame this is looking like the only way for Apple to catch up to Samsung's hardware and features: in a third, more expensive tier that is likely going to be difficult to acquire due to limited supply and possibly won't see release until later in year than we're used to for a new iPhone.

At least the 7S models are expected to gain wireless charging so they'll have new glass backs (presumably looking similar to the current glossy black iPhone 7).

Recently, Apple, in a rather rare and uncharacteristic fashion, came out and admitted they made mistakes with the direction of some of their Mac lineups. This shows something some of us long already knew: that they are fallible. That every decision Apple makes isn't perfectly thought out or fine-tuned or perfectly focused. They are a company like any other that have to make big and, to be fair, difficult decisions. This rare display of humility is something I'm personally happy to see from them. I hope some of this translates to their plans for the iPhone and iOS in the coming years.

The more affordable LCD models interest me more and I have no doubt they'll be the more appealing models in my part of the world. If the huge OLED variant is $1000 in the US, you can bet it'll be the same in pound sterling plus the Brexit tax Apple applies on top. So roughly £1100 or over $1300. No thanks.

 

[epicrayban]

The more affordable LCD models interest me more and I have no doubt they'll be the more appealing models in my part of the world. If the huge OLED variant is $1000 in the US, you can bet it'll be the same in pound sterling plus the Brexit tax Apple applies on top. So roughly £1100 or over $1300. No thanks.

No doubt the 7S models will sell well, too.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

No doubt the 7S models will sell well, too.

No doubt. I'll get one a year after release when they are a lot cheaper.

 

[Wildo6882]

Recently, Apple, in a rather rare and uncharacteristic fashion, came out and admitted they made mistakes with the direction of some of their Mac lineups. This shows something some of us long already knew: that they are fallible. That every decision Apple makes isn't perfectly thought out or fine-tuned or perfectly focused. They are a company like any other that have to make big and, to be fair, difficult decisions. This rare display of humility is something I'm personally happy to see from them. I hope some of this translates to their plans for the iPhone and iOS in the coming years.

This is the part that interests me the most. I've always seen Apple as an incredibly arrogant and pompous company. And this showing of humility makes me think that maybe it is run by humans! I've been all geared up to switch back to Android and then as these rumors ramp up about the next iPhones and then Apple actually admitting they made mistakes, now I'm second guessing if I actually want to leave. I know I'm going to freak out and HAVE to have the next iPhone, so I'd probably be smart to just stand pat.

 

[epicrayban]

This is the part that interests me the most. I've always seen Apple as an incredibly arrogant and pompous company. And this showing of humility makes me think that maybe it is run by humans! I've been all geared up to switch back to Android and then as these rumors ramp up about the next iPhones and then Apple actually admitting they made mistakes, now I'm second guessing if I actually want to leave. I know I'm going to freak out and HAVE to have the next iPhone, so I'd probably be smart to just stand pat.

Yep, it's a start. As I said in the last sentence of what you quoted, hopefully some of this humility carries itself over to the iPhone/iOS. The issue is, there isn't as much outcry on the iPhone side as there is on the Mac side (particularly by the Pro community).

Still, I do hope this brings about some humbling changes. The iPhone is seeing more competition than ever before. It should be clear as day now that they've fallen behind on various fronts both hardware and software-wise. Areas where they clearly used to lead.

Unfortunately, judging from what they may have planned for their iPhones this year, I'm not sure it's going to win me back personally. Releasing a third and more expensive tier iPhone isn't exactly what what I had in mind when they said they were saving all the big features for the iPhone 8 to celebrate the 10th anniversary. It'll also be difficult to buy and may not come out until later in the year, when even more competition will arise from the Note 8 and Pixel 2 phones.

Like I said, Apple probably doesn't see their iPhone/iOS business in any imminent danger -- far from it, despite a small splinter or two in their iPhone sales in 2016. Their situation with Macs were different and I think that's why we saw them come out yesterday to humbly say that they messed up and have plans for better direction.

We'll see what iOS 11 brings about, too. Hopefully with the big 10th anniversary iPhone 8, they have big plans for iOS, too.

 

[Wildo6882]

Yep, it's a start. As I said in the last sentence of what you quoted, hopefully some of this humility carries itself over to the iPhone/iOS. The issue is, there isn't as much outcry on the iPhone side as there is on the Mac side (particularly by the Pro community).

Still, I do hope this brings about some humbling changes. The iPhone is seeing more competition than ever before. It should be clear as day now that they've fallen behind on various fronts both hardware and software-wise. Areas where they clearly used to lead.

Unfortunately, judging from what they may have planned for their iPhones this year, I'm not sure it's going to win me back personally. Releasing a third and more expensive tier iPhone isn't exactly what what I had in mind when they said they were saving all the big features for the iPhone 8 to celebrate the 10th anniversary. It'll also be difficult to buy and may not come out until later in the year, when even more competition will arise from the Note 8 and Pixel 2 phones.

Like I said, Apple probably doesn't see their iPhone/iOS business in any imminent danger -- far from it, despite a small splinter or two in their iPhone sales in 2016. Their situation with Macs were different and I think that's why we saw them come out yesterday to humbly say that they messed up and have plans for better direction.

We'll see what iOS 11 brings about, too. Hopefully with the big 10th anniversary iPhone 8, they have big plans for iOS, too.

I agree with the vast majority of what you said here. But I also don't think having a fragmented OS and slow updates (mostly worried about security) is what I want, either. In my job, I can't have things being open to vulnerabilities for long. So that kind of leaves every Android manufacturer out in the cold for me, aside from Google. The bugs I've seen with the Pixel, however, leave a lot to be desired for me. So it comes down to trust. Which manufacturer do I trust with my information? Apple. Which manufacturer do I trust to quickly fix a security hole? Apple. Which manufacturer do I trust to have hardware that will last? Apple. So I keep coming back to Apple. I do hope that they make some changes to iOS. In particular with the notifications and at least let me put the icons how I want them.

 

[epicrayban]

I agree with the vast majority of what you said here. But I also don't think having a fragmented OS and slow updates (mostly worried about security) is what I want, either. In my job, I can't have things being open to vulnerabilities for long. So that kind of leaves every Android manufacturer out in the cold for me, aside from Google. The bugs I've seen with the Pixel, however, leave a lot to be desired for me. So it comes down to trust. Which manufacturer do I trust with my information? Apple. Which manufacturer do I trust to quickly fix a security hole? Apple. Which manufacturer do I trust to have hardware that will last? Apple. So I keep coming back to Apple. I do hope that they make some changes to iOS. In particular with the notifications and at least let me put the icons how I want them.

No doubt, especially if it's for work.

Just curious, how often does Apple push out security updates? Google pushes it out monthly, and depending on the carrier/OEM, they try to match that, too (for example, my S7E got all the monthly security updates last year except for two separate occasions), but of course, YMMV when it comes to non-Google devices.

Are Apple security updates as frequent as Google's? I don't seem to get any on my iPhone really.

PS. Samsung has a new commitment for their unlocked devices sold in the US. They plan to keep up with monthly security updates. Theirs will probably come after Google's, but as long as they try to match each month, that'll keep me happy.