5 Compelling Reasons to Avoid Apple Products

Products from Apple, such as iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches, have left a significant mark across the globe with their modern designs that even non-Apple fans appreciate. Nevertheless, they may not suit everyone’s needs. Being primarily an Android and Windows user, I often refrain from engaging with Apple products, and here’s why.

1. The “Apple Tax”: The Cost of Premium Quality

I do not harbor any anti-Apple sentiments. My first encounter with computers happened in the ’90s with an Apple Classic, and throughout my college years, iMacs became my tools for various projects. Apple introduced me to the digital world, and despite transitioning to Windows NT/2000, I have fond memories of the appealing design and comfortable keys of vintage Apple models.

However, since the advent of smartphones, I’ve observed that Apple products have become excessively priced. This phenomenon is commonly dubbed the “Apple tax,”making devices like iPhones and MacBooks inaccessible for over 15 years in my experience. Presently, a MacBook Pro could easily fund three to four Windows laptops with customizable features, while iPads tend to be the only exception that feels more budget-friendly.

In a direct comparison of iPhones and Android phones, the price gap might not be prominent, yet why choose an older iPhone when an Android 15 can be yours for a similar price? Historically, the sleekness and elegance of Apple products were their key selling points, which remains true but is increasingly less competitive.

Latest offerings from Samsung Galaxy and OnePlus exhibit impressive designs and comfortable handling. They also feature improved backward compatibility. In a showroom, I recently encountered a Samsung Galaxy S23 compatible with Android 15, primarily built for Galaxy Wearables. My slightly outdated Samsung Galaxy A12 seamlessly runs the new Galaxy Store app as well.

2. Geographic Limitations: Impact on iOS Functionality

Though both Android and iOS devices enforce app and content restrictions, Apple’s geographical constraints feel even more confining. Changing regions is limited to once every 90 days, which can lead to access complications for content specific to certain areas unless you utilize a reliable VPN. Therefore, if your locale lacks comprehensive feature support, considering Apple products might not be wise.

Furthermore, Apple devices offer limited flexibility while traveling. While you can use local SIM cards with iPhones, it’s essential to confirm that your model isn’t restricted to a specific country or telecom partner. If it is, your iPhone could be incompatible with local networks in different nations due to variations in network bands. A common workaround is the rising popularity of eSIMs.

Purchasing an iPhone necessitates careful research to ensure it’s acquired in your home country, unlike Android devices which alleviate these complications. As a digital nomad, I found it easy to buy an Android phone overseas, adapting to various networks with simple SIM card swaps and seamless transitions across devices.

3. Limited Customization: Where iOS Falls Short

For many Windows and Android users transitioning to the Apple ecosystem, insufficient customization options rank as a significant concern. For example, in a MacBook, all components, including RAM, are soldered, necessitating an upfront pricey purchase. In contrast, Windows users can upgrade components as their budgets allow.

The sole Apple device appealing to me is the iPad, which provides an excellent viewing experience for platforms like YouTube and Netflix, offering picture quality that surpasses many Android devices. Nevertheless, even with iPads, hardware and software obsolescence is troublesome. For instance, older models cannot run the Outlook application due to their requirement for iOS 16.0 or above.

When it comes to features, many users might find distinct elements between Android and iOS interfaces a bit disorienting at first. Although the iOS user interface is often touted as superior, I sometimes find it less intuitive compared to Android’s setup. For instance, accessing the Quick Settings on Android is as simple as swiping down from anywhere, featuring streamlined icons for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Location, Airplane Mode, and Mobile Hotspot.

iPhones do offer a Control Center, yet it can only be accessed from the top-right corner. Swiping too close to the center triggers the Notification Center, making it less convenient for urgent tasks. Personally, I value the Android’s Quick Access, particularly for its customizable features.

Additionally, Android devices grant easier access to Developer Options, which proves invaluable for tasks like USB debugging. If you appreciate customizable aesthetics, Android offers a wider variety of phone cases, resulting in a more personalized touch.

4. Limited App Availability: A Challenge for iOS

Most application developers aim to reach both Android and iOS markets; however, the quality and quantity of apps can vastly differ. Despite the App Store housing a few more apps than Google Play, the availability of free applications is notably greater on Android.

This discrepancy in app availability can also be attributed to the tendencies of users. iOS users typically spend considerably more on apps and in-app purchases, while Android users focus on acquiring more downloads, as they represent a majority in the marketplace (72% versus 27%). Consequently, Android subscribers generally make fewer in-app purchases.

While iOS may have fewer free apps, they tend to come with heightened security features. For instance, the Outlook app on iOS includes Mail Privacy Protection (MPP), which secures your IP address while loading third-party content privately—a feature absent in its Android equivalent. Overall, iOS applications boast robust security enhancements.

5. Scarcity of Accessories: A Continual Challenge

Devices running Android and Windows benefit from a multitude of manufacturers and a broad selection of third-party accessories. In contrast, Apple maintains strict control of its hardware accessories, collaborating with only a limited number of suppliers. Such exclusivity, which is only recently allowing third-party screen repairs, has made finding Apple accessories more challenging and costly. Should you misplace your iPhone charger, prepare for a significant expense.

The battery life of your Apple devices—iPhones, iPads, or MacBooks—poses another significant problem. If your Apple device’s battery begins to falter, your only option is a trip to an Apple Store for certified battery replacement, which can be quite pricey. Although Apple has launched a Self-Repair Program that allows self-replacement using a kit, few individuals choose this route.

In contrast, users of Android and Windows devices can generally replace their batteries independently. There are numerous tried-and-true methods available for enhancing battery longevity on Android devices. Typically, all you need is to identify your device model and order a replacement battery online. While Apple Store services guarantee authentic spare parts, sourcing genuine Android batteries can be more complicated.

Additional Challenges with Apple Products

We’ve discussed significant concerns surrounding Apple products for those hesitant to embrace the Apple ecosystem. Here are other minor issues to consider:

• Poor Integration with Google Services: One of the primary draws to Android is the seamless integration of Google services—like Google Photos, Gmail, and Google Drive. Although these apps can be found on the App Store, there lacks internal compatibility. Google Maps often prevails over Apple Maps in navigation.
• Voice Assistants: Many Android enthusiasts prefer utilizing Google Assistant for daily tasks, while others appreciate Siri’s unique offerings, which I find quite effective.
• File Management: Android devices generally implement a more straightforward folder-based approach for file management compared to those from Apple. Furthermore, a Google account provides 15 GB of cloud storage versus Apple’s meager 5 GB for iCloud, enabling users to manage multiple Google accounts on a single Android device effortlessly.

This article serves to inform Android and Windows users contemplating a switch to Apple’s ecosystem. Whether you’ve already made the leap or are still deliberating, various unique challenges await. Despite these challenges, there is one exception: I would gladly invest in an Apple smartwatch, as I have a fondness for their waterproof capabilities and rugged build quality.

Image Credit: Pexels. All images and screenshots credited to Sayak Boral.