Never been more pessimistic about Apple.

[spiderman0616]

I'm feeling increasingly pessimistic and gloomy about Apple lately, and it's not because of any issues I'm having with any of my Apple devices or services or bad customer service experiences or any of that. I actually love my Apple stuff. My wife and I both love our iPhones and iPads to death. My son loves his iPod Touch. Our Apple TVs are used daily and we love those too. My Apple Watch was one of the key factors and motivators in me finally getting to a healthy weight for my age and height, and now my wife has one of those too and is loving it.

So you catch my drift. We are happy Apple users. We rarely have any issues, and when we do, we feel like Apple is always there to help.

My problem is that the anti-Apple sentiment among the loudmouth tech bloggers, Wall Street analysts, and forum trolls is really starting to get to me. I used to be able to shrug it off as click bait and attention mongering, but I'm unable to do that any more. I'm really and truly starting to feel like for all the good Apple does in tech, Wall Street and tech writers have finally succeeded, and the process of tearing the company down for good has finally begun. I've weathered periods like this before because they felt like hyperbole. This time it feels like it's the real deal.

Several years ago, I kicked Microsoft products out of my home for good--after decades of being a Microsoft user, I was fed up. I'm still forced to use their stuff for work, and I still hate most of it. As far as Android goes, it didn't take me very long to realize that I am NOT cool with the way Google treats my user data, and I will never move to Android by choice either. But the fact that I feel like I probably WILL have to move back to one of those companies in the near future is actually lessening the enjoyment I'm getting out of my current devices. I used to look forward to curling up in bed with my iPad at the end of a long day, and I just don't anymore. Now when I use my iPad, I feel like its days are numbered.

It's easy to read this and say, "Well jeez, it's just a bunch of gadgets. Get over it." To me, it's not about that. It's about how our entertainment, communication, and productivity is completely tied into our lives through Apple's ecosystem, and that ecosystem has done so many amazing things for us over the years. I feel like it's all coming to an end, and the thought of having to switch to something else makes me incredibly sad, as I am not usually a believer in the "Apple is doomed" mantra. Apple has done nothing but amaze me and improve my life ever since I bought my first iPhone. Right now it feels like the end of an era.

 

[NT1440]

I'm feeling increasingly pessimistic and gloomy about Apple lately, and it's not because of any issues I'm having with any of my Apple devices or services or bad customer service experiences or any of that. I actually love my Apple stuff. My wife and I both love our iPhones and iPads to death. My son loves his iPod Touch. Our Apple TVs are used daily and we love those too. My Apple Watch was one of the key factors and motivators in me finally getting to a healthy weight for my age and height, and now my wife has one of those too and is loving it.

So you catch my drift. We are happy Apple users. We rarely have any issues, and when we do, we feel like Apple is always there to help.

My problem is that the anti-Apple sentiment among the loudmouth tech bloggers, Wall Street analysts, and forum trolls is really starting to get to me. I used to be able to shrug it off as click bait and attention mongering, but I'm unable to do that any more. I'm really and truly starting to feel like for all the good Apple does in tech, Wall Street and tech writers have finally succeeded, and the process of tearing the company down for good has finally begun. I've weathered periods like this before because they felt like hyperbole. This time it feels like it's the real deal.

Several years ago, I kicked Microsoft products out of my home for good--after decades of being a Microsoft user, I was fed up. I'm still forced to use their stuff for work, and I still hate most of it. As far as Android goes, it didn't take me very long to realize that I am NOT cool with the way Google treats my user data, and I will never move to Android by choice either. But the fact that I feel like I probably WILL have to move back to one of those companies in the near future is actually lessening the enjoyment I'm getting out of my current devices. I used to look forward to curling up in bed with my iPad at the end of a long day, and I just don't anymore. Now when I use my iPad, I feel like its days are numbered.

It's easy to read this and say, "Well jeez, it's just a bunch of gadgets. Get over it." To me, it's not about that. It's about how our entertainment, communication, and productivity is completely tied into our lives through Apple's ecosystem, and that ecosystem has done so many amazing things for us over the years. I feel like it's all coming to an end, and the thought of having to switch to something else makes me incredibly sad, as I am not usually a believer in the "Apple is doomed" mantra. Apple has done nothing but amaze me and improve my life ever since I bought my first iPhone. Right now it feels like the end of an era.

Give it about three weeks or so.

 

[aristobrat]

My wife and I both love our iPhones and iPads to death. My son loves his iPod Touch. Our Apple TVs are used daily and we love those too.

We are happy Apple users. We rarely have any issues, and when we do, we feel like Apple is always there to help.

But the fact that I feel like I probably WILL have to move back to one of those companies in the near future is actually lessening the enjoyment I'm getting out of my current devices.

Can you elaborate more on how you went from the first two comments to your final thought?

Personally, until I stop enjoying Apple's products (and the ecosystem that ties them all together so well for how I use them), what other people think about Apple (especially people who are compensated for perpetuating their thoughts, like Wall Street analysts and tech pundits) is usually hyperbole to me.

 

[spiderman0616]

Can you elaborate more on how you went from the first two comments to your final thought?

I feel like this time, the media is finally going to succeed and take Apple down. At that point, I will have to decide which of the other big players I have to go with. More likely it will be a mixture of things though.
[doublepost=1464007644][/doublepost]

Give it about three weeks or so.

I'm not sure I think that WWDC is going to change anyone's mind/attitude. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[aristobrat]

I feel like this time, the media is finally going to succeed and take Apple down.

How, exactly?

 

[spiderman0616]

How, exactly?

It's hard to put into words. It feels like most of the people in the media who are usually in their corner are turning on them. Jim Dalrymple hasn't had much good to say about them lately, Marco Arment has been extra critical, the list goes on. Their usual cheerleaders seem to be abandoning them one by one.

 

[DJLAXL]

You actually worrying about what these "analysts" think makes you just as bad as them. Seems like there is some underlying problem with you my friend. If you're happy with YOUR purchases why in the world do you even remotely care about what some techblogger says about the company??? Are you a stockholder? Do you own shares? LMAO. You sir, are not a fan. Sell your Apple stuff and go buy what "everyone else" thinks is cool. Seriously. Ridiculous post.

 

[kazmac]

OP why worry about the media? You are very happy with your Apple products and they work great for you and your family.

My woe with Apple comes with failing quality control. I've have all kinds of issues since November 2013. Now, I will say my current iMac running Yosemite and iPhone 6s running 9.3.1 are doing pretty good; I loved the iPad Mini 4 and the 12.9" iPad Pro (especially the pencil) - had to return both because of iMac replacement and not being right for school; but I've had issues with my previous iPhone 6, and the most recent 3 Mac OS crippling my otherwise fine 2010 21.5" iMac into retirement.

I am just disappointed with the company's apparent blind eye to releasing software and hardware that isn't ready for prime time or any time. I want them to wake up and make products that "just work" again. It's that simple.

I've been using Apple products happily for 20 years and outside of the occasional bad hardware, never had any reason to be upset until Mavericks was released in 2013.

I came to Apple because their products were easy to use and always reliable. That's all I want.

That I still think about buying their product is not just out of loyalty but hope they will continue to produce hardware and software that works seamlessly.

 

[aristobrat]

It's hard to put into words. It feels like most of the people in the media who are usually in their corner are turning on them. Jim Dalrymple hasn't had much good to say about them lately, Marco Arment has been extra critical, the list goes on. Their usual cheerleaders seem to be abandoning them one by one.

I know that those guys have been (and may currently be) critical of Apple, but I hadn't heard that they had switched away to other products.

Regardless, if you and your family are still having a good experience, why would you feel like you have to switch because of the issues that these guys (or anyone else) might have?

 

[pmau]

I know that those guys have been (and may currently be) critical of Apple, but I hadn't heard that they had switched away to other products.

It's not really about switching. You just buy a Windows or Linux Laptop and slowly phase out your Macs.
People always see everything in B&W like Android vs. iOS or Mac vs. PC.

You can simply buy newer and cheaper hardware and start to no longer purchase new Apple products.
I still like the mobile stuff, i.e. iPhones and iPads but I will probably not buy a new Mac.

My old one still works, so there is no "either / or".

 

[spiderman0616]

I know that those guys have been (and may currently be) critical of Apple, but I hadn't heard that they had switched away to other products.

Regardless, if you and your family are still having a good experience, why would you feel like you have to switch because of the issues that these guys (or anyone else) might have?

I'm not saying that I feel like I have to switch. What I'm saying is that if my fears are correct and Apple is on its way out, I will HAVE to start using a different ecosystem in the not so distant future. I will only switch to something else when my hand is forced.
[doublepost=1464009095][/doublepost]

It's not really about switching. You just buy a Windows or Linux Laptop and slowly phase out your Macs.
People always see everything in B&W like Android vs. iOS or Mac vs. PC.

You can simply buy newer and cheaper hardware and start to no longer purchase new Apple products.
I still like the mobile stuff, i.e. iPhones and iPads but I will probably not buy a new Mac.

My old one still works, so there is no "either / or".

Yeah, I totally get that. It just makes me sad to think about a future where I'm putting Apple stuff to pasture and bringing Windows or Android or (gag) Chrome OS into my life. I just hate the thought of it.

 

[koyoot]

It's hard to put into words. It feels like most of the people in the media who are usually in their corner are turning on them. Jim Dalrymple hasn't had much good to say about them lately, Marco Arment has been extra critical, the list goes on. Their usual cheerleaders seem to be abandoning them one by one.

So you are basing your personal preferences on personal opinions of other people?

Why don't you make up your mind for yourself?

 

[aristobrat]

I'm not saying that I feel like I have to switch. What I'm saying is that if my fears are correct and Apple is on its way out, I will HAVE to start using a different ecosystem in the not so distant future. I will only switch to something else when my hand is forced.

AFAIK, the specific people you mentioned have had other periods where they've been critical about Apple, and Apple's still here. I'm not sure it's realistic to say that Apple's on its way out just because they're in that period again.

The nice thing about those folks is that they tend to have some thought influence over Apple, or at least they did in the past. So they being critical/frustrated/whatever often leads to changes.

 

[spiderman0616]

So you are basing your personal preferences on personal opinions of other people?

Why don't you make up your mind for yourself?

My mind is made up. I love Apple. It's just that I know how many people out there do not have a mind of their own, read a headline, and make a decision based on that. That really is a thing that happens. My dad reads click bait anti-Apple USA Today headlines all the time and then asks me things like, "So the Apple Watch is a flop then? I thought you said you liked yours!"

My personal preference is Apple all the way. I would not be happy in any other ecosystem.

 

[koyoot]

My mind is made up. I love Apple. It's just that I know how many people out there do not have a mind of their own, read a headline, and make a decision based on that. That really is a thing that happens. My dad reads click bait anti-Apple USA Today headlines all the time and then asks me things like, "So the Apple Watch is a flop then? I thought you said you liked yours!"

My personal preference is Apple all the way. I would not be happy in any other ecosystem.

And what does that have anything to do with reality?

 

[smacrumon]

Never been more optimistic about Apple.
Apple is going through a lull. That's all. There's more to come in the next few years. Have you seen the competition?--it's mostly imitation, rip offs, tech "trends" and nothing truely lasting.
Some of the criticisms of Apple are fair however, Apple is definitely dropping the ball. That ball however is still entirely Apple's and it's getting ready to play.

 

[spiderman0616]

Never been more optimistic about Apple.
Apple is going through a lull. That's all. There's more to come in the next few years. Have you seen the competition?--it's mostly imitation, rip offs, tech "trends" and nothing truely lasting.
Some of the criticisms of Apple are fair however, Apple is definitely dropping the ball. That ball however is still entirely Apple's and it's getting ready to play.

If WWDC comes and goes with no mention of Siri improvements or new developments in AI, the gravedigging is going to get 10x worse in the media. I'm not saying this is the correct reaction--I'm just saying that because everyone is hot and heavy on AI now, they are looking to Apple to make an announcement that I really don't think they're going to make this year. In fact, I don't think anything they say at WWDC this year is going to change the current narrative. It will be perceived as "just more iOS, OSX, etc.".
[doublepost=1464011861][/doublepost]

You actually worrying about what these "analysts" think makes you just as bad as them. Seems like there is some underlying problem with you my friend. If you're happy with YOUR purchases why in the world do you even remotely care about what some techblogger says about the company??? Are you a stockholder? Do you own shares? LMAO. You sir, are not a fan. Sell your Apple stuff and go buy what "everyone else" thinks is cool. Seriously. Ridiculous post.

I am a huge fan, and I don't care if other people don't like Apple. If I did, I would have stopped buying their stuff a long time ago--I'm sure you're familiar with how much Android people like to lambast Apple users at every opportunity. My post is coming from a place of sadness about what I am perceiving to be possibly the beginning of the end. I very much hope I'm wrong, but being so heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem doesn't feel super great at the moment.

 

[maflynn]

I feel like this time, the media is finally going to succeed and take Apple down.

so because the media are not for apple you'll buy something else?

That doesn't make sense.

If you love the iPhone as you posted that you do, who cares what others have to say. Get what works best for you

 

[spiderman0616]

so because the media are not for apple you'll buy something else?

That doesn't make sense.

If you love the iPhone as you posted that you do, who cares what others have to say. Get what works best for you

You're misunderstanding me. I'm not saying "I'm switching because people are complaining." I'm saying "I'm sad because it feels like the end is nigh." I will never switch to something else unless I am forced to.

 

[maxsix]

Change...

Apple Computer Inc. successfully morphed into Apple Inc.

A company that skyrocketed to the top selling it's smartphone, tablets and gadgets like Apple Watch made in massive quantities. Reaching the bargain basement shoppers via Walmart, Target and Best Buy, Apple iPhones are everywhere. Even sold as cheap as 99 cents USD, they're cheaper than low priced Android models.

One of the most clever companies in the world, Apple knew they could let quality slide a bit since bargain shoppers wouldn't know the difference. Only enthusiasts expect a standard of excellence that Apple themselves once achieved. The general public isn't aware, nor do they care about what Apple's capable of. They just want the fruity logo at the cheapest price.

 

[spiderman0616]

Stuff like this is popping up on Twitter about every 10 minutes since yesterday: https://twitter.com/benedictevans/status/734528311460790272

Smart people who are fans of the company are predicting hard times. My reaction is and will continue to be, "Hope for the best, expect the worst."

 

[Mildredop]

I'm feeling increasingly pessimistic and gloomy about Apple lately

I've noticed a huge change in these forums ever since the poor results and drop in iPhone sales were announced a few weeks ago. Suddenly the Android and "Samesung" bashing has significantly reduced and there are is a lot of negativity about Apple.

 

[spiderman0616]

I've noticed a huge change in these forums ever since the poor results and drop in iPhone sales were announced a few weeks ago. Suddenly the Android and "Samesung" bashing has significantly reduced and there are is a lot of negativity about Apple.

I hate both. Android drives me nuts, and I think Samsung is a ripoff artist. But I've never been one to come on here and bash either of them, because it's pointless. I'm not the type of person who likes to try to convince other people to change what they like. If I'm asked what I like or what I suggest, I answer honestly, but I don't force my opinions on other people.

What I'm talking about is that the company/ecosystem I DO like, if the "experts" are correct, seems to be at very high risk of being majorly disrupted and put out to pasture. I have never taken claims like that seriously in the past, but this time, I am. Where there's smoke, there's usually fire. That's hard for me to admit, but I'm just trying to come to terms with it.

 

[Mildredop]

That's hard for me to admit, but I'm just trying to come to terms with it.

Maybe try some counselling? It seems to have hit you hard.

 

[spiderman0616]

Maybe try some counselling? It seems to have hit you hard.

Nothing that's going to ruin my life or anything. Just one aspect of my life that I enjoy that I fear is not going to be around much longer.