Getting Sick of Apple

[macarne]

I am a Mac user since 20 years and start using iPods and iPhones since they arrive in the market. The same with iPads and nearly everything apple bring on the market. I run a small company and every one here get apple equipment since years. So I am also getting some kind of sick of apple. May MacBook Air for example. It loves to crash (mostly the nice friend finder) it needs already two logic board repairs in 1 1/2 years. Is this what I know from Apple? Absolute not. In some way they destroyed my trust of 20 years. It's not the quality they build in the past. It feels more and more like a mass use product. And that's what I don't like. 20 years ago using a Apple computer was a statement. Like driving a Saab. But this times are gone. And it's ok. But Apple make it more and more hard to love them. First they take away the server line. We used 25 of them and we loved them. Yes we use some Mac mini but as every one knows it's not the same. So we switched to Dell. I just placed an Dell order of 15000 GBP for some new workstations, as the new Mac Pro, is also a joke. For the same price of 3 Dell workstation with a heavy power I only would get one Mac Pro with less power and nearly no option to upgrade. So I also bought a Dell latitude laptop for myself. And what can I say? The design is ok. But when I start using windows I know why I used Apple since 20 years. It's ugly and feels very uncomfortable for me. So well I now am back on the air. Even if I am not happy with it. It feels more right. I don't have any alternative (at the moment).
I know it's a dream but Apple should not loose the connection to the pro user. And stop deploying new OS every year. Just build LTS versions and make them rock solid. But as mentioned before that's a dream ...

 

[apolloa]

You clearly didn't read my post because I was speaking specifically about apps on an Android phone that Google includes (that's what 1st party means ). Is Samsung or Motorola responsible for Google+, Keep, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Wallet, Play Books, Play Movies, Play Music, Clock, Drive, News & Weather, or YouTube? All of these apps are included on my GPE device and all put there by Google. And these are as much 'bloat' as any app included on iOS by Apple.

And if you hadn't gotten that far yet, read the posts a couple spots above yours about email apps.

You Tube isn't bloatware is it? I had to install Keep onto my Nexus 5, Clock? I don't know, seems like you are pulling straws with suggesting a couple of these apps are bloatware. But I will admit you can't uninstall them, but at least you can stop them from running permanently.

 

[seragnone]

I grew up w/a CADD manager father during PC infancy. Custom built all my PC's after 1st store bought one in 94. Have never liked the "M" back door loops and the sloppy engineered software. After 2006 #3 blue screen of death crashes it took 2 whole days constant OS updating on a T1 line. After that wasted weekend my younger genius electrical engineer son suggested have u tried a MAC? All my profs' use them & they live them. I love the fact my 2006 Mac runs like the day it was new. I've owned every iPhone made & w/ all my iPhone, now own the 6 I love the reliability, stability, and dependability. Versus the wild side of phablets and the ability to change software things...not for me. Integrated functionality is what I have time for. Everything else wastes my time. Good luck w/ your choices. Life is about choices.

 

[lowendlinux]

You Tube isn't bloatware is it? I had to install Keep onto my Nexus 5, Clock? I don't know, seems like you are pulling straws with suggesting a couple of these apps are bloatware. But I will admit you can't uninstall them, but at least you can stop them from running permanently.

Yes it very much is along with 90% of the stuff on my phone that I can't remove.

 

[soulreaver99]

I can totally understand people getting sick of Apple. Not really impressed with iOS 9 or even El Capitan. Finally decided to Jailbreak iOS 8.4 on my iPhone 6 Plus and am running Windows 10 on a separate partition and all is well now

 

[lisq199]

What I'm doing is that I use Apple hardware without using their services.
My main phone is an iPhone 6 Plus and my main PC is a MacBook Pro, but I avoid iCloud, iTunes Match, and now Apple Music, etc.
I know things like iCloud and Apple Watch are pieces of crap, but I don't really mind because Apple is not forcing me to use them.
The only thing Apple did in recent years that pissed me off is that they switched OS X's system font from Lucida Grande to Helvetica Neue.

 

[iMi]

I've been playing with the Fire Phone. Yes, that Fire Phone. Before you bring out the pitch forks and set up a fire pit on which to burn me consider the latest update and the price paid. First, I'll say this phone is by far the best bang for the buck. It essentially cost $60 if you are a Prime member and intent to renew membership. It does just about everything my iPhone 6 does at 8% of the iPhone's price tag. Yup, just 8% of the price.

Things I love about the Fire Phone:

• Carousel - Absolutely awesome feature once you get used to it. You can now pin favorite apps, so you don't just get the most recent apps in the carousel, but those you actually care about having handy. They come up first. Under the main icon you have usual and actionable items. Mail shows recent messages. Phone shows recent calls received and made. Silk browser shows recent pages visited. Clicking on any of those items brings up the app. You can also perform quick actions, such as delete a message, right from the carousel.
• Reception/Connectivity - Vastly better than the iPhone. I haven't dropped a single call yet. I drop several daily on the iPhone. This device works beautifully on T-Mobile.
• Dynamic Perspective - This one is actually useful in many ways. You know, Apple recently filed a patent to bring just about the same functionality to the future iPhone. Of course when that happens, everyone will be talking about how innovative they are and no one will remember Amazon. Apple is the classic "close follower" when it comes to innovation, but I digress. Dynamic Perspective is best used to hide the top menu bar. I love it. It leaves a clean interface at all times. Tilting the phone shows the bar.
• Full Exchange Support - Once I loaded my Microsoft Exchange account, all calendar entries and contacts synced immediately. Made the setup easy.
• Little Things - For example, when you start typing a phone number a list of contacts pops up and is continuously narrowed down the more numbers you add. You can click the contact name to dial anytime.
• Better Camera and Photo App - Way better in my opinion.
• Side loading Google Play is a Must - Really makes the experience 10X better and is super easy to do. Works flawlessly.

I'll keep messing with it. The more I use it, the less I see myself going back to the iPhone. There are some things I really miss, but the Fire phone has other things I like a lot more. There are also some issues with the phone itself. It isn't perfect for sure but it's pretty good overall!

 

[ackmondual]

For me, not giving the IpT6 a 4.7" has gotten me for the first time since the IpT3, to not insta-buy the next new IpT. I'm still going to use my IpT5. I've got games on there, and the battery's holding up for now. When it dies, we'll see what our options are then.



I've ran into no small # of folks who say Apple is becoming more and more like the corporate stooges they mocked in their 1984 TV ad....

 

[farfromovin]

What I'm doing is that I use Apple hardware without using their services.
My main phone is an iPhone 6 Plus and my main PC is a MacBook Pro, but I avoid iCloud, iTunes Match, and now Apple Music, etc.
I know things like iCloud and Apple Watch are pieces of crap, but I don't really mind because Apple is not forcing me to use them.
The only thing Apple did in recent years that pissed me off is that they switched OS X's system font from Lucida Grande to Helvetica Neue.

This is my philosophy too. If you think photos is bad, try what windows offers, oh they don't! I used to be in the Apple ecosystem and left it in 2011 for 3 years cause I got a smoking fast gaming pc instead of a new mbp, that led to Nexus devices, etc... I'm back on the Apple sauce again after getting fed up with my giant overheating laptop. I love Apple hardware and honestly I find that something as simple as syncing or backing up photos from my mobile is very difficult and/or over complicated on pc.
I don't subscribe to any services, and like the look of all the new software.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I've been playing with the Fire Phone. Yes, that Fire Phone. Before you bring out the pitch forks and set up a fire pit on which to burn me consider the latest update and the price paid. First, I'll say this phone is by far the best bang for the buck. It essentially cost $60 if you are a Prime member and intent to renew membership. It does just about everything my iPhone 6 does at 8% of the iPhone's price tag. Yup, just 8% of the price.

Things I love about the Fire Phone:

• Carousel - Absolutely awesome feature once you get used to it. You can now pin favorite apps, so you don't just get the most recent apps in the carousel, but those you actually care about having handy. They come up first. Under the main icon you have usual and actionable items. Mail shows recent messages. Phone shows recent calls received and made. Silk browser shows recent pages visited. Clicking on any of those items brings up the app. You can also perform quick actions, such as delete a message, right from the carousel.
• Reception/Connectivity - Vastly better than the iPhone. I haven't dropped a single call yet. I drop several daily on the iPhone. This device works beautifully on T-Mobile.
• Dynamic Perspective - This one is actually useful in many ways. You know, Apple recently filed a patent to bring just about the same functionality to the future iPhone. Of course when that happens, everyone will be talking about how innovative they are and no one will remember Amazon. Apple is the classic "close follower" when it comes to innovation, but I digress. Dynamic Perspective is best used to hide the top menu bar. I love it. It leaves a clean interface at all times. Tilting the phone shows the bar.
• Full Exchange Support - Once I loaded my Microsoft Exchange account, all calendar entries and contacts synced immediately. Made the setup easy.
• Little Things - For example, when you start typing a phone number a list of contacts pops up and is continuously narrowed down the more numbers you add. You can click the contact name to dial anytime.
• Better Camera and Photo App - Way better in my opinion.
• Side loading Google Play is a Must - Really makes the experience 10X better and is super easy to do. Works flawlessly.

I'll keep messing with it. The more I use it, the less I see myself going back to the iPhone. There are some things I really miss, but the Fire phone has other things I like a lot more. There are also some issues with the phone itself. It isn't perfect for sure but it's pretty good overall!

I've played with the Fire Phone too and I found it a mixed bag for me personally. I tried not to be put off by the low review scores before I dabbled. Like any smartphone it gets the job done. I could do most of the things I currently do on iPhone 6 with the Fire except Apples' exclusive features like iMessage, FaceTime, and photo stream which are all pretty important everyday features for me. The interface is far less polished but as you say this device is a fraction of the price of the iPhone. I am lucky in that I upgrade every 2 years so price isn't a concern when spread across a monthly tariff. If the Fire is the device you prefer then all the power to you on that. It's a personal preference that nobody can argue with.

In your opening post you mentioned your annoyance at Apple forcing subscription services on you with the intent to take your money with limited functionality and apps you cannot remove. Is the Fire phone not very similar in that regard? Can you remove Amazon exclusive apps and alter the default for the Fire Fly search that is effectively designed to direct you to purchase through Amazon?

To be honest I have no problem with companies doing that. It's their product and it should be designed to make them money. You do after all have the choice not to buy it in the first place. What are your thoughts?

 

[iMi]

In your opening post you mentioned your annoyance at Apple forcing subscription services on you with the intent to take your money with limited functionality and apps you cannot remove. Is the Fire phone not very similar in that regard? Can you remove Amazon exclusive apps and alter the default for the Fire Fly search that is effectively designed to direct you to purchase through Amazon?

To be honest I have no problem with companies doing that. It's their product and it should be designed to make them money. You do after all have the choice not to buy it in the first place. What are your thoughts?

Very valid point, but there are important differences I see...

Let's leave out the two headsets and assume they are fundamentally the same and cost the same. A point could be made that Apple's hardware already carries a premium and should arguably deliver premium experience. By comparison, if you purchased a Toyota you'd expect to pay extra for luxury features such as leather seats, etc. But if you bought a Lexus, you'd expect premium features to be included even in the base trim model.

But, let's leave out the hardware comparison and just focus on the subscription services.

In one corner we have Apple. It previously offered strong software, "free" of charge, with many premium features. It then decided to monetize on this software, and the fact that millions of people use it, by releasing updates that now require a subscription to fully enjoy while removing many features. They essentially want more money from you for software that delivers less functionality and value.

In the other corner we have Amazon. It started with a 2-day shipping subscription for $79 a year - that's it... They later increased the price to $99 a year as the service grew. So, yes... In some way you have the same idea of subscription model. But unlike Apple, Amazon continually works to increase the value of their subscription. The same 2-day shipping plan I've happily purchased for many years now includes:

• Unlimited Prime movies and shows - 50,000 +
• Unlimited, commercial free Prime Music - millions of songs and stations, free to stream, no ads
• Borrow one free best-selling book every month
• Unlimited photo storage at FULL resolution of any photos taken with the Fire Phone
• Unlimited ANYTHING storage for just $59 a year more
• And more is on the way... if we are to believe Amazon.

Apple Music alone costs 20% more than all the services mentioned above. Add iCloud plans that are ridiculously priced and you're looking at a pretty annoying nickel and dime scheme. Amazon seems to be moving in the opposite direction. They offered a simple 2-day shipping service and exploded that into an amazing value for customers. Apple did the opposite, adding to the negative sentiment on my part. That's the difference I think...

In today's highly competitive world, every company is fighting to add value to the services they offer. You cannot stay on top by chipping away at the value while increasing cost. Apple is making the mistake of thinking they are different and immune to the competitive forces out there. They got the whole "think different" campaign backwards now.

By the way - Amazon realized they had overplayed their card with the whole setup of funneling you to buy from Amazon.com. In the latest update (pretty substantial one) you can now turn off product recommendations. It totally changes the user experience. I don't feel like I'm constantly being sold something anymore.

Apple used to be the only company I can think of that listened to customers this closely...

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Very valid point, but there are important differences I see...

Let's leave out the two headsets and assume they are fundamentally the same and cost the same. A point could be made that Apple's hardware already carries a premium and should arguably deliver premium experience. By comparison, if you purchased a Toyota you'd expect to pay extra for luxury features such as leather seats, etc. But if you bought a Lexus, you'd expect premium features to be included even in the base trim model.

But, let's leave out the hardware comparison and just focus on the subscription services.

In one corner we have Apple. It previously offered strong software, "free" of charge, with many premium features. It then decided to monetize on this software, and the fact that millions of people use it, by releasing updates that now require a subscription to fully enjoy while removing many features. They essentially want more money from you for software that delivers less functionality and value.

In the other corner we have Amazon. It started with a 2-day shipping subscription for $79 a year - that's it... They later increased the price to $99 a year as the service grew. So, yes... In some way you have the same idea of subscription model. But unlike Apple, Amazon continually works to increase the value of their subscription. The same 2-day shipping plan I've happily purchased for many years now includes:

• Unlimited Prime movies and shows - 50,000 +
• Unlimited, commercial free Prime Music - millions of songs and stations, free to stream, no ads
• Borrow one free best-selling book every month
• Unlimited photo storage at FULL resolution of any photos taken with the Fire Phone
• Unlimited ANYTHING storage for just $59 a year more
• And more is on the way... if we are to believe Amazon.

Apple Music alone costs 20% more than all the services mentioned above. Add iCloud plans that are ridiculously priced and you're looking at a pretty annoying nickel and dime scheme. Amazon seems to be moving in the opposite direction. They offered a simple 2-day shipping service and exploded that into an amazing value for customers. Apple did the opposite, adding to the negative sentiment on my part. That's the difference I think...

In today's highly competitive world, every company is fighting to add value to the services they offer. You cannot stay on top by chipping away at the value while increasing cost. Apple is making the mistake of thinking they are different and immune to the competitive forces out there. They got the whole "think different" campaign backwards now.

By the way - Amazon realized they had overplayed their card with the whole setup of funneling you to buy from Amazon.com. In the latest update (pretty substantial one) you can now turn off product recommendations. It totally changes the user experience. I don't feel like I'm constantly being sold something anymore.

Apple used to be the only company I can think of that listened to customers this closely...

Your first paragraph is somewhat contradictory by asking to assume both devices cost the same then you follow it with the comment that Apple charge a premium so should deliver based on that? I don't understand your point there I am afraid.

In the years I have owned iPhones and iPods, I have never had to pay for an update. I have also downloaded iTunes which is also a free download, on various PC's. Of course you have to submit your bank account details as part of the subscription but there are many free apps if you wish. The catalogue for music, podcasts, books etc is also growing and has been for over a decade. Amazon are similar in this regard and have a rich source of downloadable content. I don't share your view Apple are not looking to improve.

I use both companies. I am a Prime customer and have been for some years. I can use Amazon services on my iPhone and iPad so get the best of both. I am also happy to pay extra for the iPhone for what I think is a service well worth the money. I am sure there are around 45.5m other people who have similar views and are enjoying the iPhone in the first quarter of 2015 too. It's personal preference for everybody.

 

[kingsleykinglin]

I've been everything apple since 2009 (iPhone 3GS) ... Since then I've owned the company's MacBooks, iMacs, iPods, iPads and newer iPhones.

I must say, really not feeling the love in 2015 & I think I know why! ... Apple WAS a company where you could Expect the unexpected.

I think what I'm growing bored of, is their lack of ability to impress me. They've fallen victim to obvious product patterns, and the technology they pioneer is now like 3 years out of date (1GB ram iPhone 6, horrendously underpowered new MacBook for £1000+).

Software was always that 'cherry on top' with apple... iOS and OS X had the reputation of being extremely snappy/sharp, full featured, simplistic yet advanced and beautifully designed. Something for professionals.

But for the past year now iOS has grown buggier with each release. I'm a musician & the functionality of the music app is VITAL.. however this app is now ugly, complicated, unpractical and has APPLE MUSIC SCREAAAAMING in my face. I just don't want it. I've probably spent thousands on owning my own music and don't need this streaming service. What the f️ck is 'for you' & 'connect' doing at the forefront of the music app instead of artist, album, playlist songs; I'm just not interested.

The other day on iOS I tried to delete my 2000 photos on my iPhone that I didn't want anymore... Ow what a surprise, you can't 'delete all' you have to individually delete photos.

I could carry on. I'm not even going to get started with OS X and the photos programme. User experience has gone from a 10/10 to a 4/10.

I totally agree with the whole 'getting sick of Apple' thing, I just find it a shame because it had always been a company that reflected my personality... & im still not sure whether it will return to its roots or not.

It's a big year: iPhone 6s plus or galaxy note 5, I really don't know now!!

 

[LadyX]

I feel the same way about Apple. The company's not what it used to be.

 

[tbayrgs]

In one corner we have Apple. It previously offered strong software, "free" of charge, with many premium features. It then decided to monetize on this software, and the fact that millions of people use it, by releasing updates that now require a subscription to fully enjoy while removing many features. They essentially want more money from you for software that delivers less functionality and value.

Please elaborate on all of this originally free software that you now have to pay for. I think you need a little history refresher.

Photos is a free application on both iOS and OS X. Yes, there is a cost associated with iCloud Photo syncing but there was with iPhoto as well and the functionality of cloud syncing of iPhoto was marginal at best. Don't want to pay for iCloud storage? Then don't, you can use Photos in exactly the same manner, loading your photos directly to your Mac from an SD card or the phone itself via USB. Yes, Photos lost some functionality (i.e. Faces) but also improved over iPhotos--the editing functionality is much better. And it looks like many of the shortcomings are being corrected with the upcoming OS releases. And don't start to try to compare it to Aperture because it's never been billed as an Aperture replacement, another piece of Apple software that was never free, originally costing hundreds of dollars. And until a couple of years ago, iPhoto wasn't free either. Neither was iMovie.

Disregarding whether you like the applications or not, Apple used to charge for each version of all of the iWork applications. They're now free.

Apple used to charge for OS X upgrades. Those are now also free.

The only service/subscription that's a new cost is Apple Music. But it's a brand new service--it was never free and if you prefer to consume your own personal music library as you previously did, that's still available. You may not like the revised app but that has nothing to do with all of this added cost you're claiming not exists.

So please elaborate, where is all this extra money you have to pay for what were previously free services? If anything, the same software is not less expensive.

In the other corner we have Amazon. It started with a 2-day shipping subscription for $79 a year - that's it... They later increased the price to $99 a year as the service grew. So, yes... In some way you have the same idea of subscription model. But unlike Apple, Amazon continually works to increase the value of their subscription. The same 2-day shipping plan I've happily purchased for many years now includes:

• Unlimited Prime movies and shows - 50,000 +
• Unlimited, commercial free Prime Music - millions of songs and stations, free to stream, no ads
• Borrow one free best-selling book every month
• Unlimited photo storage at FULL resolution of any photos taken with the Fire Phone
• Unlimited ANYTHING storage for just $59 a year more
• And more is on the way... if we are to believe Amazon.

Also, a few qualifiers regarding Amazon Prime. First, let's disregard the free 2 day shipping because it's a non-comparable component as Apple isn't an online retailer as Amazon is. If you want any of the other services you've listed, you still have to pay the same $99.

In addition, Amazon's music service is a fraction of what Apple Music is, as it offers just over 1 million songs vs. the 30 million available from Apple.

Yes, unlimited photo storage but there is a 5GB limit on video and files. The $59/year for unlimited storage is great, but I pay $48/year for 200GB with Apple, amount that most would have a tough time filling. Also, how doesn't one go about editing those photos (genuine question as I don't use the service and didn't find much info online). Can they easily be exported/imported to other photo software or are there good editing options in Amazon's software?

I agree there is absolutely value to be found in the Amazon Prime program (I've been a member since its inception as well) but the cost disparity isn't as great as you make it out to be. I spend $168/year for Apple Music and 200GB of storage (I'll even disregard the first three months free of Apple Music) while Amazon Prime + Unlimited storage costs $159 and the music service is admittedly a shadow of what Apple offers. Yes, there is savings to be had and the benefit of some additional features (video and books). But you're selling your soul to Amazon just as much as you would be using Apple's services.

And finally, you do need to include the cost of hardware in this overall equation. You may have been able to purchase the Fire Phone on the cheap but only because it was a colossal failure that Amazon and other retailers/carriers had to slash in price in order to be able to move their inventory. At launch that same Fire Phone cost $650 full retail/off contract. Better hope that your phone lasts a long time becasue it'll probably be the last one you'll ever be able to get.

 

[iMi]

Your first paragraph is somewhat contradictory by asking to assume both devices cost the same then you follow it with the comment that Apple charge a premium so should deliver based on that? I don't understand your point there I am afraid.

In the years I have owned iPhones and iPods, I have never had to pay for an update. I have also downloaded iTunes which is also a free download, on various PC's. Of course you have to submit your bank account details as part of the subscription but there are many free apps if you wish. The catalogue for music, podcasts, books etc is also growing and has been for over a decade. Amazon are similar in this regard and have a rich source of downloadable content. I don't share your view Apple are not looking to improve.

I use both companies. I am a Prime customer and have been for some years. I can use Amazon services on my iPhone and iPad so get the best of both. I am also happy to pay extra for the iPhone for what I think is a service well worth the money. I am sure there are around 45.5m other people who have similar views and are enjoying the iPhone in the first quarter of 2015 too. It's personal preference for everybody.

I didn't mean to make a contradicting point. I was just saying that such point could be made

I guess it all boils down to how we perceive the differences. Maybe it's just that it's been over a decade of Apple for me and I'm ready for change. Maybe it's that Apple has fundamentally changed. Who knows... One thing is certain, every day I use the Fire Phone, the iPhone 6 is gathering dust. I'm not entire sold just yet, but I'm getting there.

Next device will probably be an Android or Windows 10 device. Unless Apple returns to form.

 

[iMi]

Please elaborate on all of this originally free software that you now have to pay for. I think you need a little history refresher.

Photos is a free application on both iOS and OS X. Yes, there is a cost associated with iCloud Photo syncing but there was with iPhoto as well and the functionality of cloud syncing of iPhoto was marginal at best. Don't want to pay for iCloud storage? Then don't, you can use Photos in exactly the same manner, loading your photos directly to your Mac from an SD card or the phone itself via USB. Yes, Photos lost some functionality (i.e. Faces) but also improved over iPhotos--the editing functionality is much better. And it looks like many of the shortcomings are being corrected with the upcoming OS releases. And don't start to try to compare it to Aperture because it's never been billed as an Aperture replacement, another piece of Apple software that was never free, originally costing hundreds of dollars. And until a couple of years ago, iPhoto wasn't free either. Neither was iMovie.

Disregarding whether you like the applications or not, Apple used to charge for each version of all of the iWork applications. They're now free.

Apple used to charge for OS X upgrades. Those are now also free.

The only service/subscription that's a new cost is Apple Music. But it's a brand new service--it was never free and if you prefer to consume your own personal music library as you previously did, that's still available. You may not like the revised app but that has nothing to do with all of this added cost you're claiming not exists.

So please elaborate, where is all this extra money you have to pay for what were previously free services? If anything, the same software is not less expensive.



Also, a few qualifiers regarding Amazon Prime. First, let's disregard the free 2 day shipping because it's a non-comparable component as Apple isn't an online retailer as Amazon is. If you want any of the other services you've listed, you still have to pay the same $99.

In addition, Amazon's music service is a fraction of what Apple Music is, as it offers just over 1 million songs vs. the 30 million available from Apple.

Yes, unlimited photo storage but there is a 5GB limit on video and files. The $59/year for unlimited storage is great, but I pay $48/year for 200GB with Apple, amount that most would have a tough time filling. Also, how doesn't one go about editing those photos (genuine question as I don't use the service and didn't find much info online). Can they easily be exported/imported to other photo software or are there good editing options in Amazon's software?

I agree there is absolutely value to be found in the Amazon Prime program (I've been a member since its inception as well) but the cost disparity isn't as great as you make it out to be. I spend $168/year for Apple Music and 200GB of storage (I'll even disregard the first three months free of Apple Music) while Amazon Prime + Unlimited storage costs $159 and the music service is admittedly a shadow of what Apple offers. Yes, there is savings to be had and the benefit of some additional features (video and books). But you're selling your soul to Amazon just as much as you would be using Apple's services.

And finally, you do need to include the cost of hardware in this overall equation. You may have been able to purchase the Fire Phone on the cheap but only because it was a colossal failure that Amazon and other retailers/carriers had to slash in price in order to be able to move their inventory. At launch that same Fire Phone cost $650 full retail/off contract. Better hope that your phone lasts a long time becasue it'll probably be the last one you'll ever be able to get.

I bought my first Mac in 2002, so I really don't think I need a history refresher... I'm part of that history. I would be shocked if Apple actually tried to charge for the garbage software they have been releasing lately. Also, I would gladly pay for semi-annual OS and iOS upgraded without bugs and the crayon color scheme only a five year old could love.

Also, how can you disregard the 2-day shipping? Apple is very much so an online retailer. Couldn't they offer free 2 day shipping on all purchases made online with Apple.com to those who subscribe to their services? Of course they could.

Here's the bottom line the way I see it. Apple is the world's largest company by market cap. Apple has more cash on hand than the U.S. treasury. Do they really need to make the bottom line the primary focus of all their applications? Photos putting the iCloud integration front and center and iTunes making the premium paid service the landing page? It's greedy and unlike Apple (again, based on my experience of well over a decade). The answer is no, they don't. They forgot that they made all this money by making the user experience the front and center of everything Apple.

That has changed. And it will in the long term change the company's fortunes.

 

[tbayrgs]

I bought my first Mac in 2002, so I really don't think I need a history refresher... I'm part of that history. I would be shocked if Apple actually tried to charge for the garbage software they have been releasing lately. Also, I would gladly pay for semi-annual OS and iOS upgraded without bugs and the crayon color scheme only a five year old could love.

Well, clearly you do need the refresher when you're quite clearly not capable of providing proof for your arguement. Your purchase history with Apple has nothing to do with your circular arguments. You claim Apple is screwing their customer by charging for software and services that they previously didn't do. I'm sorry, but that is simply not true and I've laid it our for you in black and white. We're still waiting for some hard evidence from you to the contrary. You don't like the software--fine, but don't start spouting fallacies to try to justify it, just simply tell the truth--you just don't like it. You're certainly entitled to that.

Also, how can you disregard the 2-day shipping? Apple is very much so an online retailer. Couldn't they offer free 2 day shipping on all purchases made online with Apple.com to those who subscribe to their services? Of course they could.

The appeal of faster shipping for the frequency and types of purchases for an Amazon customer is far different from the typical Apple purchase. Even the most die hard Apple customer may go a year between purchase from Apple and in many cases (iPhone and iPad purchases), there is no need for faster shipping because preorders will be received on the very first day the device is available. Otherwise, Apple is pretty quick in their regular shipping (i.e. my Apple Watch took 3 days). But sure, they could certainly sweeten the pot for customers who subscribe to a service--just don't think I'll make much difference.

Here's the bottom line the way I see it. Apple is the world's largest company by market cap. Apple has more cash on hand than the U.S. treasury. Do they really need to make the bottom line the primary focus of all their applications? Photos putting the iCloud integration front and center and iTunes making the premium paid service the landing page? It's greedy and unlike Apple (again, based on my experience of well over a decade). The answer is no, they don't. They forgot that they made all this money by making the user experience the front and center of everything Apple.

That has changed. And it will in the long term change the company's fortunes.

And this is where it now becomes not possible to take you seriously. The almighty Apple is DOOMED statement. You genuinely expect Apple to NOT focus on generating income? They're a publicly traded corporation, same as Google, Microsoft, Samsung, and yes, Amazon. Every service or product that any of these companies offers is done solely with an eye on the bottom line. Google wants you to use as many of their services to help guarantee they have your eyeballs on these services as much as possible so that they generate income via advertising. Go to Amazon's webpage or their phone apps and what do you see? Promotion of their products and their services. The words Amazon Prime are plastered all over everything they do. None of these companies are not for profit charities who only care for your best interests. If Amazon can figure a way to squeeze a few extra dollars out of you, they'll do it, same as any of these companies.

Again, you're certainly entitled to your opinion about Apple's products and services diminishing in quality. But get off the soapbox preaching how evil Apple is only out for your money. They weren't doing you any favors back in 2002 either.

 

[iris.andrade]

Same

 

[apolloa]

I wouldn't worry people, considering investors wiped 7% off Apples market value after its earnings call, they are starting to be concerned for Apples sales performance, they expect the iPhone to perform a lot better and can see when the China market is saturated, Apple has no where to go and it is a one trick pony company I'm afraid, with no iPhone their is no Apple as you know it.

 

[BMcCoy]

iPhone is certainly the greatest contributor to revenue..

 

[Even Longer]

iPhone is certainly the greatest contributor to revenue..

I will stop using the iPhone the same day, as they stop producing a Mac.

 

[maflynn]

iPhone is certainly the greatest contributor to revenue..

And that's what has wall street spooked, the lion share of Apple's profits are on a single product that if that suddenly stops being as popular as it is now, means some serious trouble for Apple.

 

[I7guy]

And that's what has wall street spooked, the lion share of Apple's profits are on a single product that if that suddenly stops being as popular as it is now, means some serious trouble for Apple.

Except Apple has a huge cash reserve; which gives it a lot of leverage. But anything can happen.

 

[maflynn]

Except Apple has a huge cash reserve; which gives it a lot of leverage. But anything can happen.

You're right they do have a large reserve but that in turn does not equate to a solid profitable business. Wall street cares about making money and if Apple suddenly had issues turning a profit the owners (shareholders) would be very concerned.

Just because you have a lot of money in the bank doesn't guarantee future profits, just look at Microsoft, they spent Billions on buying Nokia - not the smartest use of their reserves. While you can say I'm being a Monday morning quarterback now that the dust as settled on that disastrous purchase. Wall steet wasn't keen on them buying Nokia in the first place and their fears were realized with the write down.