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

[tbayrgs]

TL;DR - I'm a long time user of Apple gear who's becoming so fed up with their direction that's it likely I'll be looking elsewhere for any new gear needs.


I'm using predominantly all Apple gear now, save for a handful of secondary devices (Chromecasts, Fire TVs, Google Wifi and an Echo Dot) but with every new Apple announcement, decision, or product release, it's becoming less likely any replacement gear will be from Apple.

The Apple TV is lagging behind all of its competition, Apple refuses to open up the functionality of iOS, especially on the iPad whose hardware is more than capable, the latest MBP updates completely missed the mark in nearly every regards (battery, horsepower, RAM, connectivity) and they're letting their desktop products die on the vine. I've been waiting to replace my aging Mac Mini and it's looking more likely that my only future option will be some iteration of an iMac--overkill for my needs and likely far, far more expensive. I gave them a pass on using the same basic iPhone design for the 3rd year in a row with the understanding that next year will be a massive redesign with compelling innovation. Now, rumors are indicating that they're going to recycle the same design for a 4th year for 2 models and that the newest redesign may push $1,000. My favorite Apple product right now is my Apple Watch and sadly, they device is next to useless on it's own.

I'm just getting fed up with their complacency and the apparent arrogance that their consumers will just bend to their will regardless of the products they put out. Unless they make some sort of about face over the coming year or two, they'll not only be losing my business but all the business they'd get from my family and many friends who come to me for tech advice/recommendations.

 

[epicrayban]

It's great that Apple is finally catching up to features that have been standard in other flagships, but the tragedy is that if the rumors are true, they will be saving these features for a top-tier iPhone that can approach the $1000+ range. Just because these features are new to an iPhone.

I've argued this for years: Apple has the branding power to get away with their own "timeline" on how and where to introduce new features; the brand simply sells no matter how slow they move (some of that is changing finally).

But as a customer and user though, it's a tiring game indeed.

 

[Radon87000]

It's great that Apple is finally catching up to features that have been standard in other flagships, but the tragedy is that if the rumors are true, they will be saving these features for a top-tier iPhone that can approach the $1000+ range -- just because it's new to an iPhone.

And to add insult to injury its probably just 32GB storage at that price point!

 

[epicrayban]

TL;DR - I'm a long time user of Apple gear who's becomeing so fed up with their direction that's it likely I'll be looking elsewhere for any new gear needs


I'm using predominantly all Apple gear now, save for a handful of secondary devices (Chromecasts, Fire TVs, Google Wifi and an Echo Dot) but with every new Apple announcement, decision, or product release, it's becoming less likely any replacement gear will be from Apple.

The Apple TV is lagging behind all of its competition, Apple refuses to open up the functionality of iOS, especially on the iPad whose hardware is more than capable, the latest MBP updates completely missed the mark in nearly every regards (battery, horsepower, RAM, connectivity) and they're letting their desktop products die on the vine. I've been waiting to replace my aging Mac Mini and it's looking more likely that my only future option will be some iteration of an iMac--overkill for my needs and likely far, far more expensive. I gave them a pass on using the same basic iPhone design for the 3rd year in a row with the understanding that next year will be a massive redesign with compelling innovation. Now, rumors are indicating that they're going to recycle the same design for a 4th year for 2 models and that the newest redesign may push $1,000. My favority Apple product right now is my Apple Watch and sadly, they device is next to useless on it's own.

I'm just getting fed up with their complacency and the apparent arrogance that their consumers will just bend to their will regardless of the products they put out. Unless they make some sort of about face over the coming year or two, they'll not only be losing my business but all the business they'd get from my family and many friend who come to me for tech advice/recommendations.

I've been warning about this for years. Agree with almost everything here.

All my computer products at home are Macs and Apple accessories (Thunderbolt display, Airport Extreme, etc.) and while I don't have the need to upgrade yet, Apple's latest decisions in all these categories have been disappointing, as you've pointed out (they're not even making future WiFi routers or displays!). The first item on my list to upgrade is my 13" rMBP. I'm exploring Chromebooks. That's what it's gotten to.

And the iPhone... don't get me started. You know my position on that. Jumped ship years ago. It's been a pleasure watching Google and Android, and certain OEM partners grow.

 

[jamezr]

I've been warning about this for years. Agree with almost everything here.

All my computer products at home are Macs and Apple accessories (Thunderbolt display, Airport Extreme, etc.) and while I don't have the need to upgrade yet, Apple's latest decisions in all these categories have been disappointing, as you've pointed out (they're not even making future WiFi routers or displays!). The first item on my list to upgrade is my 13" rMBP. I'm exploring Chromebooks. That's what it's gotten to.

And the iPhone... don't get me started. You know my position on that. Jumped shipped years ago. It's been a pleasure watching Google and Android, and certain OEMs grow.

This year i replaced my aging iMac with a 27 inch HP all in one 2 TB hard drive latest i7 proc and 16GB ram and saved about $800 in doing so....
I was thinking of upgrading to the latest MBP then realized my 2014 13 inch MBP has more functionality because it has more ports and a MAGSAFE power connector.
I am in the same boat so to speak as you and @tbayrgs
But I have to admit...i will get the new iphone....i get a new one every year and that won't stop any time soon

 

[Wildo6882]

TL;DR - I'm a long time user of Apple gear who's becomeing so fed up with their direction that's it likely I'll be looking elsewhere for any new gear needs


I'm using predominantly all Apple gear now, save for a handful of secondary devices (Chromecasts, Fire TVs, Google Wifi and an Echo Dot) but with every new Apple announcement, decision, or product release, it's becoming less likely any replacement gear will be from Apple.

The Apple TV is lagging behind all of its competition, Apple refuses to open up the functionality of iOS, especially on the iPad whose hardware is more than capable, the latest MBP updates completely missed the mark in nearly every regards (battery, horsepower, RAM, connectivity) and they're letting their desktop products die on the vine. I've been waiting to replace my aging Mac Mini and it's looking more likely that my only future option will be some iteration of an iMac--overkill for my needs and likely far, far more expensive. I gave them a pass on using the same basic iPhone design for the 3rd year in a row with the understanding that next year will be a massive redesign with compelling innovation. Now, rumors are indicating that they're going to recycle the same design for a 4th year for 2 models and that the newest redesign may push $1,000. My favority Apple product right now is my Apple Watch and sadly, they device is next to useless on it's own.

I'm just getting fed up with their complacency and the apparent arrogance that their consumers will just bend to their will regardless of the products they put out. Unless they make some sort of about face over the coming year or two, they'll not only be losing my business but all the business they'd get from my family and many friend who come to me for tech advice/recommendations.

This is pretty much exactly how I feel. I have little to no desire to be locked into only using Apple products. I feel like that would be tech prison.

I've been on a 6s Plus since December of 2015, and really don't want to switch to a 7 Plus because it's essentially the same design as my 6s Plus, but loses the headphone jack. And the only real upgrade (for me) is the slightly better camera. I feel like Apple does the bare minimum anymore because Apple loyalists will buy anything that they put out, regardless of if it's actually a good product. iOS, to me, is stale as can be. It isn't intuitive to use. The notifications are TERRIBLE. But they claim it's the most advanced OS ever - because loyalists eat it up. The only thing I don't want to lose is iMessage, but I'm finding ways around it.

Right now, I'm on a mission to jump firmly back into some freedom with Android. Not to mention the bang for your buck you can get with Android and Google. You can get a good phone, watch, Chromebook and Chromcast for the price of a 256gb iPhone 7 or 7 Plus. That's just insane to me. And for what? Just to have iMessage so my family doesn't complain about my green bubbles?

 

[RossMak]

TL;DR - I'm a long time user of Apple gear who's becoming so fed up with their direction that's it likely I'll be looking elsewhere for any new gear needs.


I'm using predominantly all Apple gear now, save for a handful of secondary devices (Chromecasts, Fire TVs, Google Wifi and an Echo Dot) but with every new Apple announcement, decision, or product release, it's becoming less likely any replacement gear will be from Apple.

The Apple TV is lagging behind all of its competition, Apple refuses to open up the functionality of iOS, especially on the iPad whose hardware is more than capable, the latest MBP updates completely missed the mark in nearly every regards (battery, horsepower, RAM, connectivity) and they're letting their desktop products die on the vine. I've been waiting to replace my aging Mac Mini and it's looking more likely that my only future option will be some iteration of an iMac--overkill for my needs and likely far, far more expensive. I gave them a pass on using the same basic iPhone design for the 3rd year in a row with the understanding that next year will be a massive redesign with compelling innovation. Now, rumors are indicating that they're going to recycle the same design for a 4th year for 2 models and that the newest redesign may push $1,000. My favorite Apple product right now is my Apple Watch and sadly, they device is next to useless on it's own.

I'm just getting fed up with their complacency and the apparent arrogance that their consumers will just bend to their will regardless of the products they put out. Unless they make some sort of about face over the coming year or two, they'll not only be losing my business but all the business they'd get from my family and many friends who come to me for tech advice/recommendations.

Pretty much my sentiments, I have been using Apple products for a number of years but I think the price of the latest iPhone will mean that I will switch away.

iPhones have always been expensive but I will see what the prices are when they come out but I think this year is the year I will be switching. I will keep running my MacBook for a few more years as there is plenty of life in it but I have been looking at SurfaceBooks more and more recently.

 

[dumastudetto]

A for me, (Mac keyboard broken, I apologize), I've been entertaining the thought of getting an Android this year. Android is much more open, while Apple has unapologetically touted a "less is more philosophy", replacing the headphone jack with a dongle.

However, I am concerned about my data getting in the hands of a hacker or the government.

There are some interesting Android devices out there, but definitely not me. I'm iPhone for life.

 

[epicrayban]

It's already frustrating that Apple keeps the best features for the Plus while the regular iPhone doesn't get everything. Now there are rumors that there might be a third iPhone with all the 2017 new features (new to the iPhone) at a premium price?

Not fun.

I love that Samsung and Google offers no compromise size options. Besides the obvious screen and battery size differences, a Pixel is a Pixel, and a Galaxy is a Galaxy.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Unlike the phones from 2016 though, the OLED iPhone and bezel less Galaxy S8 are pretty exciting imo .2016 was overall meh. But I agree $1000+ for a phone is kinda pushing it.

The only phone I liked the look of in 2016 was the S7 and it's shortcomings disappointed. I own a 2015 iPhone 6S and it's the best phone I've owned despite it probably being the oldest model I've taken on an upgrade.

I'm not the type of person who gets excited overly by screens but understand it's important on here. My priorities have shifted and as long as my phone has iOS, works with the watch and is reliable and snappy, I'm happy.

 

[epicrayban]

News this morning about the iPhone 8 potentially having a "function" touch bar on the bottom bezel is very interesting. Could this mean some form of consistent back-navigation?

Apple may replace the home button with a ‘function area’ on the next iPhone

http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/15/14631110/apple-phone-8-home-button-kuo-touch-id

 

[epicrayban]

And now another rumor that says not only will Apple add IRIS/facial scanner to unlock the phone this year, but that it might straight up replace Touch ID. I find there is zero chance of this happening, but if it does happen, I wonder if the technology for fingerprint scanning underneath the display screen just isn't mature enough. Samsung was rumored to go this route and now it's looking like the scanner will go to the back instead (+IRIS scanner), and now potentially Apple may replace the Touch ID, too. It's possible the tech isn't ready for prime time yet.

I want to reiterate I highly doubt Touch ID will disappear from the iPhone. They are interesting rumors though.


http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/16/14641990/apple-iphone-rumor-touch-id-3d-face-scanning
Apple may replace Touch ID with 3D face scanning on the next iPhone

 

[iSheep5S]

I think you need both. I've been on android for two years and just came back to iPhone a couple of weeks ago...

I have android in my system but have a Mac, Pad, Phone and PodTouch and Watch... This is all a pretty recent change bar the iPad.

I have been pondering a second device even if it's the Motorola Moto G 4th gen. Which has respectable specs...

 

[The Game 161]

News this morning about the iPhone 8 potentially having a "function" touch bar on the bottom bezel is very interesting. Could this mean some form of consistent back-navigation?

Apple may replace the home button with a ‘function area’ on the next iPhone

http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/15/14631110/apple-phone-8-home-button-kuo-touch-id

Don't like the thought of 5.1 inch worth of screen though

 

[jamezr]

Don't like the thought of 5.1 inch worth of screen though

Same here seems like not enough screen real estate....

 

[epicrayban]

Don't like the thought of 5.1 inch worth of screen though

It's an upgrade from the 4.7" one at least.

It'll be interesting to see if they'll really do a third top-tier iPhone that sits between the screen sizes of updated iPhone and iPhone Plus models. Again, not thrilled about this rumor. Apple finally does something new and potentially exciting, but only keeps it for a super high-end model with even higher premium prices than we're used to.

I still have no doubt it'll sell through the roof.

 

[The Game 161]

It's an upgrade from the 4.7" one at least.

It'll be interesting to see if they'll really do a third top-tier iPhone that sits between the screen sizes of updated iPhone and iPhone Plus models. Again, not thrilled about this rumor. Apple finally does something new and potentially exciting, but only keeps it for a super high-end model with even higher premium prices than we're used to.

I still have no doubt it'll sell through the roof.

Will be hard going from 5'5 to 5'1 certainly when it's billed as 5'8 device.

Been wanting OLED on the iPhone for years so I will buy it but like a bigger screen. That said I use my iPad for most key browsing anyway though.

 

[max2]

Maybe if there was the app AirVideo HD.

 

[tbayrgs]

So a possible iPhone Touch Bar along the bottom? WTF Apple...

TL;DR: Sounds like more complicated for the sake of being complicated ******** from Apple

Apple seems intent on abandoning simplicity for the sake of adding complicated **** simply to show they can.

- Ditch the mechanical home button and headphone jack so you can include a more complicated 'Taptic engine'. Doesn't save a failure point (my guess is the Taptic Engine had more failure points than mechanical home button) AND we lose a perfectly functional port

- Instead of making the entire screen of a Mac a touch interface, they tack on a secondary touch strip that is counter-intuitive to normal use (instead of touch typing with your eyes on the display, take your hands off the keyboard and look away at this tiny little strip ). On top of that, let's fragment the Mac user experience as you aren't able to use the same UI and workflow on any other Mac. Oh, and it requires a secondary CPU and OS to manage it...

- And now you have the opportunity to blow away the market with a ridiculous display:body ratio that would increase usable screen real estate yet instead, you hijack a sizeable portion for what sounds like a virtual version of the garbage you just added to your Macs. So instead of intuitive, consisent controls (a la Android), we'll have to constantly look or maybe scroll through options as they change when we navigate around the OS and apps. You're basically adding a version of LG's secondary display to the bottom of the phone--go ask them how well that's worked out.

Whatever happened to the Apple whose design and functionality seemed to be based upon elegance and simplicity?

 

[Radon87000]

The iPhone 8 is sounding more and more like a mishmash of other Android flagship features

 

[Shanghaichica]

Same here seems like not enough screen real estate....

It's worrying. I'm not sure if I could use a 5.1 inch phone. On the other hand I've so many Apple products (iPhone, iPad, mac, Apple TV, watch, airpods) and they all work seemlesly together. An android phone wouldn't fit into that.

But 5.1 is too small

 

[epicrayban]

So a possible iPhone Touch Bar along the bottom? WTF Apple...

TL;DR: Sounds like more complicated for the sake of being complicated ******** from Apple

Apple seems intent on abandoning simplicity for the sake of adding complicated **** simply to show they can.

- Ditch the mechanical home button and headphone jack so you can include a more complicated 'Taptic engine'. Doesn't save a failure point (my guess is the Taptic Engine had more failure points than mechanical home button) AND we lose a perfectly functional port

- Instead of making the entire screen of a Mac a touch interface, they tack on a secondary touch strip that is counter-intuitive to normal use (instead of touch typing with your eyes on the display, take your hands off the keyboard and look away at this tiny little strip ). On top of that, let's fragment the Mac user experience as you aren't able to use the same UI and workflow on any other Mac. Oh, and it requires a secondary CPU and OS to manage it...

- And now you have the opportunity to blow away the market with a ridiculous display:body ratio that would increase usable screen real estate yet instead, you hijack a sizeable portion for what sounds like a virtual version of the garbage you just added to your Macs. So instead of intuitive, consisent controls (a la Android), we'll have to constantly look or maybe scroll through options as they change when we navigate around the OS and apps. You're basically adding a version of LG's secondary display to the bottom of the phone--go ask them how well that's worked out.

Whatever happened to the Apple whose design and functionality seemed to be based upon elegance and simplicity?

100% with you on the Mac touch bar. At first, I thought the idea looked and sounded cool, but it became very evident that it's an incomplete attempt and a poor explanation for it, too. The idea that reaching up to the screen makes your arms too tired is directly in conflict with the idea of the iPad + keyboard dock. And then you factor in the price and lack of ports... no thanks.

As for the iPhone, I'm once again cautiously optimistic about the touch bar. If done right, it could finally be the end of iOS' inconsistent back navigation, which is still a major problem. Even within Apple's core apps, the back-gesture isn't always consistent because sometimes menus slide up or appear, and the only way to get rid of it is to hit a "cancel" button (e.g., when composing a new text message, if you decide to discard the message and want to go back to your main screen of convos, the only way out is the cancel button upper right. Gestures don't work here on this screen:

So I have my fingers crossed that this iPhone touch bar, if true, could be the solution to this particular problem. I don't believe it'll end up being a second screen ala the LG V20. I think, if anything, it'll be more like what you predict: the macbook touch bar with dynamic changing function keys. I just hope one of the functions is a consistent back navigation. But even then, it's unfortunate that if the rumors prove true, this may all be saved for a third top-tier iPhone. Wouldn't doing that fragment the 2017 iPhone lineup?

I don't think 3D Touch is "simple" either. Long-press just makes so much more sense and doesn't require a special screen. I've been using the 6S for the past few weeks and find virtually no use for 3D Touch other than editing when typing. But as you already know, I try to do as little typing as possible on my iPhone and don't believe gesture-editing is worth the trade for gesture-typing.

We'll see what happens later this year. A lot of interesting rumors.

 

[The Game 161]

It's worrying. I'm not sure if I could use a 5.1 inch phone. On the other hand I've so many Apple products (iPhone, iPad, mac, Apple TV, watch, airpods) and they all work seemlesly together. An android phone wouldn't fit into that.

But 5.1 is too small

Yep same as my thinking.

S8 plus is sounding better to me right now I must admit. 6.2 inch screen sounds amazing

 

[nviz22]

Originally voted "no, staying with iPhone." Well, that changed because the 7+ wasn't that great of an experience. For the price I was paying, it was totally not worth my time and $.

 

[epicrayban]

A new report that is making the rounds is saying that the top-tier "iPhone 8" will not feature a curved OLED display after all due to yield shortages. So even when Apple finally wants to jump on board curved screens, they might not be able to due to production issues.