People talk about the “ecosystem” that keeps them with Apple. What about third party apps?

[Farrgazer]

I often come across posts about how things like iMessage or other aspects of MacOS/iOS/etc. keep users on Apple platforms.

What about third party apps? Granted, I imagine the list of Mac-exclusive third party apps is much shorter than the list of Windows-exclusive apps (possibly even after removing games).

 

[kazmac]

Procreate and Notability keep me in iOS. That is why I keep capitulating with iPads. I do not use iMessage enough to miss it.

 

[Tech198]

I think if you gotta talk about third party apps that keep you on Apple, them, the list is probably short... tird party apps are also for Android as well. so it makes mire sense talking about Macos specific apps because for whatever reason to some, they look better, and its only on iOS that keeps them there.

The only third party apps are Dropbox ad Lastpass I use, which i could also go on Android...I'm not including them as the reason i'm with Apple, because even I know that is not true. It just happens i got an iPhone first..

 

[XtremeArtists]

I often come across posts about how things like iMessage or other aspects of MacOS/iOS/etc. keep users on Apple platforms.

What about third party apps? Granted, I imagine the list of Mac-exclusive third party apps is much shorter than the list of Windows-exclusive apps (possibly even after removing games).

Some Adobe programs run better on Macs because Adobe can write the software for complete computer systems instead of Windows PC that are just components.

 

[InuNacho]

Some Adobe programs run better on Macs because Adobe can write the software for complete computer systems instead of Windows PC that are just components.

Which ones in particular? I know the lack of Nvidia chips in several Macs surely can't be helping some of them.

 

[The_Interloper]

Some Adobe programs run better on Macs because Adobe can write the software for complete computer systems instead of Windows PC that are just components.

$5,660 Mac Pro Crushed in Photoshop Test by $1,530 PC with AMD Ryzen

 

[AidenShaw]

I often come across posts about how things like iMessage or other aspects of MacOS/iOS/etc. keep users on Apple platforms.

What about third party apps? Granted, I imagine the list of Mac-exclusive third party apps is much shorter than the list of Windows-exclusive apps (possibly even after removing games).

Not this third party app: ProRes Encoding Now Available on Windows via Adobe Software

 

[Farrgazer]

I think if you gotta talk about third party apps that keep you on Apple, them, the list is probably short... tird party apps are also for Android as well. so it makes mire sense talking about Macos specific apps because for whatever reason to some, they look better, and its only on iOS that keeps them there.

The only third party apps are Dropbox ad Lastpass I use, which i could also go on Android...I'm not including them as the reason i'm with Apple, because even I know that is not true. It just happens i got an iPhone first..

Oh, definitely. But depending on your workflow, certain apps can really boost your efficiency.

For me, DEVONthink Pro Office has become my sole reason for using a Mac professionally and also personally to some extent. It’s come to the point where if I can have only one Apple device, it will be a Mac of some form rather than an iPhone.

 

[maflynn]

Some Adobe programs run better on Macs because Adobe can write the software for complete computer systems instead of Windows PC that are just components.

That's counter to what I've heard and experienced. What apps specifically?

 

[velocityg4]

There really aren't any 3rd party apps which keep me with Apple. Hence I stopped buying Macs. There are a few smaller apps I wish were on Windows. But not enough to eat the Apple Tax. The only reason I have fairly modern Macs is I get them for free. I'll screw around with the OS some but go back to my faster Windows computers loaded with all the software I use. The bigger problem was finding Mac alternatives to Windows exclusives or the Mac versions being garbage. I couldn't say if that is the case anymore.

iOS is another matter. In relation to third party apps. No, there are no killer iOS exclusives I use. Everything I have use for is on Android and iOS. It's just the OS I prefer for many reasons.

That's counter to what I've heard and experienced. What apps specifically?

I'd say Adobe Photoshop 3.0 works far better on a Quadra running System 7 than a 486 running Windows 3.1.

I think at one time it was better running Adobe products on Macs. As more Pros moved to Windows. Adobe was incentivized to put their products on par between platforms. Now because of CUDA. Some Adobe apps running under Windows, especially Premiere, smoke their Mac counterparts.

 

[maflynn]

I think at one time it was better running Adobe products on Macs.

No question, especially since Adobe was exclusive to the Mac for a while, but now, the PC runs it better

 

[XtremeArtists]

now because of CUDA. Some Adobe apps running under Windows, especially Premiere, smoke their Mac counterparts.

 

[racerhomie]

In general even 3rd party apps imo run better on iOS than Android.

 

[neutrino23]

Graphic Converter
Tex-Edit Plus

 

[MisterSavage]

For me it's much more the hardware ecosystem. My home computer, watch, tablet, cell phone all interconnected.

 

[Shanghaichica]

For me it's much more the hardware ecosystem. My home computer, watch, tablet, cell phone all interconnected.

Agreed. There aren’t really any Mac specific apps that I use but for me it’s more about the ecosystem. All my devices working together. I also dislike windows computers after years of poor hardware and software.

There are also advantages like having things sync across like notes, using iCloud Drive across all my devices, meaning I have remote access to everything on my Mac.

 

[maflynn]

Back in December, when this thread was started, I was still all in on the apple ecosystem, yet now as the first quarter of 2019 is coming to a close, I'm actually off the platform (I still have an iPhone).

Let me back the trolley up a bit, I did buy a Razer laptop last summer but returned it primarily because of the ecosystem. The hardware wasn't perfect and was a great fit for my usage, but it was a great laptop. Ultimately though I decided to give apple one more try with the promise of a better, more robust keyboard.

Sadly, that wasn't the case, and I opted to buy a Lenovo X1 Extreme, which for my wants and needs, is a better laptop then the Razer. Unlike my initial forey into windows, there was no looking back and in a sense the scales have fallen off my eyes and I see how I'm enjoying the computer. I do miss some of the stuff on apple like air play, air drop, iMessage but overall, I've adjusted my workflow and I feel like I'm better off. I have a less expensive laptop that is built better then the MBP and has more power, speed, features. I'm not looking to dump on apple but for my needs I'm finding the thinkpad a better choice.

I can't see myself ever returning back to apple, I just don't see what they could offer that would tempt me.