Finally time to ditch Apple ecosystem?

[jamezr]

When consumers stop buying your product, change what you are doing. Ignore people who complain online, they almost certainly don’t represent the majority and almost certainly are only considering their own needs.

I have to disagree here...this is exactly what the US auto industry did for decades. As long as people were buying their cars...they didn't care. all the while other car makers were listening to customer feedback and developing features people wanted and building a better product.

If you wait until people stop buying your product to make changes....you run the risk of your competition passing you by in design...R&D and retooling your manufacturing processes. Businesses have to stay agile and listen to their customers. That includes listening to online forums....social media....and the like.

I think to some extend Apple is facing the same thing here. The iPhone is the single best selling phone in the world.
But it is getting the reputation of being a little behind the times as far as features and design.

 

[Abazigal]

I think to some extend Apple is facing the same thing here. The iPhone is the single best selling phone in the world.
But it is getting the reputation of being a little behind the times as far as features and design.

I guess it’s a good thing then that Apple doesn’t sell iPhones; it sells an experience and an ecosystem.

For an android phone to beat the iphone, it needs to offer a better experience than the entire Apple ecosystem combined, not just beat the iphone in terms of paper specs.

 

[jamezr]

I guess it’s a good thing then that Apple doesn’t sell iPhones; it sells an experience and an ecosystem.

For an android phone to beat the iphone, it needs to offer a better experience than the entire Apple ecosystem combined, not just beat the iphone in terms of paper specs.

not sure I follow...Apple announces iPhones sales. I haven't seen what you described on the sales sheets.


But I do agree on Apple providing a great ecosystem and great overall user experience.
I disagree on Android phones having to beat the whole ecosystem. Android phones out sell iPhones whole wide.

Then to be clear...I'm not knocking Apple or iPhones here. You got defensive for no reason.
But I stand behind my original comments.

 

[The_Interloper]

I guess it’s a good thing then that Apple doesn’t sell iPhones; it sells an experience and an ecosystem.

I’m not sure it really does. How many people actually use that ecosystem fully? How many are even remotely aware of it?

A friend of my wife was astounded last week when notifications were appearing on my wife’s watch. It was as if smartwatches didn’t exist. And, yes, she’s an iPhone owner. She’s also a doctor - so you’d think she would have some awareness of these things.

But, again, how many people are really aware or even care about things like iCloud, Handoff, AirDrop and so on? How many iPhone owners also own a Mac? It’s probably a lot less than you think.

 

[RecentlyConverted]

I was torn at first, but as soon as I disconnected my Apple equipment, I didn't really care. There's a line between liking a product and blindly loving a company, and I found myself slipping into the latter. The more I researched Apple's insane policies (soldered components, ridiculous costs, privacy policies, etc), the less I felt like I belong. I have to ride out my current iPhone payment plan, but when it's done, this thing - and everything else - is going up on Ebay. I'm moving back to Android. Say what you want about Google, but at least there's custom ROMs and third-party app stores. Also works beautifully with Linux, which I miss and love. Already installed my preferred distro on my old Time Machine drive in preparation.

I agree with all you say. I am happy with my degoogled phone. I miss AirDrop, and the fact I cant buy any quality paid for apps from any non Play app store.

Its nice to have almost full control of my device, the ability to make it as private as I can, and do things with it that I can´t with Apple (Network scans with Mac Addresses. for one example).

 

[The Game 161]

I would say the ecosystem doesn’t need to be loads of devices even just an Apple Watch or iPad is enough to make it tough to go another route

Apple Watch remains undefeated for me and why no matter what I need an iPhone in my pocket

It’s also starting to get to the point where the specs wise iPhones aren’t missing much compared to the top android flagships. 120hz at last is coming. Periscope lens is the annoying thing if it’s true it’s not coming til 2023. It’s the only area of the camera iPhone is lacking

 

[Ethrem]

I agree with all you say. I am happy with my degoogled phone. I miss AirDrop, and the fact I cant buy any quality paid for apps from any non Play app store.

Its nice to have almost full control of my device, the ability to make it as private as I can, and do things with it that I can´t with Apple (Network scans with Mac Addresses. for one example).

Android has Nearby Share. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/go...-phones-now-heres-how-to-use-the-new-feature/

 

[nickdalzell1]

I love my S20 FE (Degoogled, de-microsoft'd, and running apps from Android 2.3) and my Galaxy Watch 3 and my Galaxy Buds, and Fire TV Stick. Overall I get a similar experience as with my Series 5 Watch, iPhone 6S, AirPods Pro, but without the annoyances I had to live with, such as forced updates I had no control over (you can't cut the App Store off like you can Google Play via third party VPN app) as well as a crappy flat design UI.

I don't see the problems that so many see. But then I never got into ecosystem lock-in and I keep all my content on-device, something getting more and more unheard of lately. Just this week, our work Wifi died completely, and while the boss, her daughter, and another couldn't enjoy their music (it relies on Pandora, and they have no service there like me) my music kept on truckin' along since it's all MP3s stored on my phone. People still look at me as if I have two heads and can't grasp why I don't love Pandora or 'streaming' or 'the cloud'. I tell them this week is proof of why.

I'm gonna keep my privacy, my skeuomorphism, and my devices enjoyable and free to use as long as I am alive. I have to enjoy the devices I use, and that means they have to represent me and my interests. Apple no longer caters to me, so I go to those who do, like Samsung. They were there when iOS 7 came out, and they are there now. I can both have a modern phone and still keep the UI and apps in a familiar state. People here on this forum and in public might not understand it but what works for me is what matters. I have to enjoy what I use, not merely tolerate it.

 

[The_Interloper]

It’s also starting to get to the point where the specs wise iPhones aren’t missing much compared to the top android flagships. 120hz at last is coming.

90Hz and 120Hz displays are everywhere (and have been around for ages) in Android-land, though, and not just on the top flagships. Low to mid-price phones have them. My younger kid’s friend was over at our house yesterday and he had a cheap-ish (under £300) Android phone with a 6.5 inch 120Hz AMOLED screen. Absolutely crazy. Even the camera was decent.

When Apple finally ships those high refresh screens with Always-On displays this year, they are going to want £1000 or more for them (Pro and Pro Max only). AOD could easily be added into existing AMOLED iPhone models by a software update, yet Apple treats it like a premium feature. They are starting to simply widen the gap when it comes to bang for the buck. Oh, and lets not forget the freaking notch will still be there, too.

The iPhone SE looks absolutely ancient now next to something like a Galaxy A52 (and that’s not even the best example) which retails for the same price or less. If the rumours are true, Apple isn’t even going to update that design for the next iteration. At some point, you have to question when people start noticing this and stop putting their hands in their pockets.

 

[Ethrem]

I love my S20 FE (Degoogled, de-microsoft'd, and running apps from Android 2.3) and my Galaxy Watch 3 and my Galaxy Buds, and Fire TV Stick. Overall I get a similar experience as with my Series 5 Watch, iPhone 6S, AirPods Pro, but without the annoyances I had to live with, such as forced updates I had no control over (you can't cut the App Store off like you can Google Play via third party VPN app) as well as a crappy flat design UI.

I don't see the problems that so many see. But then I never got into ecosystem lock-in and I keep all my content on-device, something getting more and more unheard of lately. Just this week, our work Wifi died completely, and while the boss, her daughter, and another couldn't enjoy their music (it relies on Pandora, and they have no service there like me) my music kept on truckin' along since it's all MP3s stored on my phone. People still look at me as if I have two heads and can't grasp why I don't love Pandora or 'streaming' or 'the cloud'. I tell them this week is proof of why.

I'm gonna keep my privacy, my skeuomorphism, and my devices enjoyable and free to use as long as I am alive. I have to enjoy the devices I use, and that means they have to represent me and my interests. Apple no longer caters to me, so I go to those who do, like Samsung. They were there when iOS 7 came out, and they are there now. I can both have a modern phone and still keep the UI and apps in a familiar state. People here on this forum and in public might not understand it but what works for me is what matters. I have to enjoy what I use, not merely tolerate it.

You’re using a S20 FE with software made by Google and Samsung and claiming you have privacy? Samsung does more spying than either Apple or Google AND they sell everything they collect to boot.

It’s not possible to de-Google without running AOSP. Getting rid of GApps and fencing off Play Store != de-Googled.

The spyware is still alive and well in your phone. Definitely not a solution to anything.

 

[mrochester]

90Hz and 120Hz displays are everywhere (and have been around for ages) in Android-land, though, and not just on the top flagships. Low to mid-price phones have them. My younger kid’s friend was over at our house yesterday and he had a cheap-ish (under £300) Android phone with a 6.5 inch 120Hz AMOLED screen. Absolutely crazy. Even the camera was decent.

When Apple finally ships those high refresh screens with Always-On displays this year, they are going to want £1000 or more for them (Pro and Pro Max only). AOD could easily be added into existing AMOLED iPhone models by a software update, yet Apple treats it like a premium feature. They are starting to simply widen the gap when it comes to bang for the buck. Oh, and lets not forget the freaking notch will still be there, too.

The iPhone SE looks absolutely ancient now next to something like a Galaxy A52 (and that’s not even the best example) which retails for the same price or less. If the rumours are true, Apple isn’t even going to update that design for the next iteration. At some point, you have to question when people start noticing this and stop putting their hands in their pockets.

But none of that matters if it’s not running iOS.

 

[The Game 161]

90Hz and 120Hz displays are everywhere (and have been around for ages) in Android-land, though, and not just on the top flagships. Low to mid-price phones have them. My younger kid’s friend was over at our house yesterday and he had a cheap-ish (under £300) Android phone with a 6.5 inch 120Hz AMOLED screen. Absolutely crazy. Even the camera was decent.

When Apple finally ships those high refresh screens with Always-On displays this year, they are going to want £1000 or more for them (Pro and Pro Max only). AOD could easily be added into existing AMOLED iPhone models by a software update, yet Apple treats it like a premium feature. They are starting to simply widen the gap when it comes to bang for the buck. Oh, and lets not forget the freaking notch will still be there, too.

The iPhone SE looks absolutely ancient now next to something like a Galaxy A52 (and that’s not even the best example) which retails for the same price or less. If the rumours are true, Apple isn’t even going to update that design for the next iteration. At some point, you have to question when people start noticing this and stop putting their hands in their pockets.

90hz are more common on mid range devices but you won’t see any 120hz displays with LTPO on anything but flagship devices.

always on display while I agree has been on budget android devices for years apple’s battery life standards simply won’t allow it without LTPO. To be honest I don’t think I’ve used an android phone which battery was ever good without a LTPO display.

as for SE yes it’s a very outdated design but it’s 399 and for the price and the chip that’s in it that will last for years and years unlike any other device at that price point. However I think people are better off getting the iPhone 11 for 100 more than go the SE route.

 

[Ethrem]

90hz are more common on mid range devices but you won’t see any 120hz displays with LTPO on anything but flagship devices.

always on display while I agree has been on budget android devices for years apple’s battery life standards simply won’t allow it without LTPO. To be honest I don’t think I’ve used an android phone which battery was ever good without a LTPO display.

as for SE yes it’s a very outdated design but it’s 399 and for the price and the chip that’s in it that will last for years and years unlike any other device at that price point. However I think people are better off getting the iPhone 11 for 100 more than go the SE route.

Unless you’re speaking of devices released this year you likely haven’t used many Android LTPO devices. The technology is pretty new beyond its use in Apple Watch.

 

[The Game 161]

Unless you’re speaking of devices released this year you likely haven’t used many Android LTPO devices. The technology is pretty new beyond its use in Apple Watch.

Note 20 ultra
Fold 2
S21 ultra

So enough to base an opinion on.

All previous android devices I’ve used with AOD battery life was poor or average. Even the note 20 ultra battery life was poor with LTPO but that’s more down to the Exynos 990 chip

 

[Ethrem]

Note 20 ultra
Fold 2
S21 ultra

So enough to base an opinion on.

All previous android devices I’ve used with AOD battery life was poor or average. Even the note 20 ultra battery life was poor with LTPO but that’s more down to the Exynos 990 chip

Yeah AOD has been around for a good while. I remember tinkering with it when I was on Android and it was always a massive battery hog even on AMOLED devices like my S III.

 

[nickdalzell1]

You’re using a S20 FE with software made by Google and Samsung and claiming you have privacy? Samsung does more spying than either Apple or Google AND they sell everything they collect to boot.

It’s not possible to de-Google without running AOSP. Getting rid of GApps and fencing off Play Store != de-Googled.

The spyware is still alive and well in your phone. Definitely not a solution to anything.

It is technically de-googled. There's absolutely no way for any app to phone home to Google at all. I've disabled the Google and Microsoft apps. You can also turn off any permissions (that's been a thing since Android 7) individually. I've uninstalled other apps and side loaded AOSP and Android 2.3 replacements. I am neither logged into a Google Account nor a Samsung account. Or a Microsoft Account.

So I fail to see your issue. NetGuard No Root Firewall pretty much cuts off the internet to any app or background service (including system apps) both via Wifi and Mobile Data. Nothing can use location, access my data unless I specifically give it permission. Sure, it might not be exactly like boring, bland vanilla Android (which I can't stand anyway) but it's still far more secure and private than whatever Apple is doing. or using anything Google either way.

BTW Android is not 'owned' by Google. It's licensed to them. If Google owend it, you couldn't even use AOSP forks. They'd sue you in a heartbeat just like Apple would if you tried to give away macOS or iOS. Google netiher owns Android any more than Canonical owns Linux.

 

[Ethrem]

It is technically de-googled. There's absolutely no way for any app to phone home to Google at all. I've disabled the Google and Microsoft apps. You can also turn off any permissions (that's been a thing since Android 7) individually. I've uninstalled other apps and side loaded AOSP and Android 2.3 replacements. I am neither logged into a Google Account nor a Samsung account. Or a Microsoft Account.

So I fail to see your issue. NetGuard No Root Firewall pretty much cuts off the internet to any app or background service (including system apps) both via Wifi and Mobile Data. Nothing can use location, access my data unless I specifically give it permission. Sure, it might not be exactly like boring, bland vanilla Android (which I can't stand anyway) but it's still far more secure and private than whatever Apple is doing. or using anything Google either way.

BTW Android is not 'owned' by Google. It's licensed to them. If Google owend it, you couldn't even use AOSP forks. They'd sue you in a heartbeat just like Apple would if you tried to give away macOS or iOS. Google netiher owns Android any more than Canonical owns Linux.

I didn’t say anything about ownership. Google made the Android operating system and chose to open source part of it (AOSP) but the closed source proprietary code is what you need to worry about. Also, Google doesn’t license Android from anyone else, it’s their own creation and they license certain parts of it to device manufacturers (the majority of it is provided free of charge because of the revenue Google gets from the data collection).

If all that was needed to stop Google spying on you is a firewall without root access, projects like Calyx and Graphene wouldn’t need to exist (although Graphene does go beyond privacy and hardens the operating system, privacy features are a core focus as well). Lineage would suffice if that was the case and everyone in the privacy circles will tell you that it’s not good enough. There is no way to tell the OS what it can and can’t do behind the scenes without root or direct modifications to the source code. Google does not make it easy to stop their data collection for a reason - it’s how they make their money. Samsung adds their own crap on top of what Google has already built in too.

It’s cool that you’re happy with the compromise that you have made but it’s far from ideal.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

I didn’t say anything about ownership. Google made the Android operating system and chose to open source part of it (AOSP) but the closed source proprietary code is what you need to worry about. Also, Google doesn’t license Android from anyone else, it’s their own creation and they license certain parts of it to device manufacturers (the majority of it is provided free of charge because of the revenue Google gets from the data collection).

If all that was needed to stop Google spying on you is a firewall without root access, projects like Calyx and Graphene wouldn’t need to exist (although Graphene does go beyond privacy and hardens the operating system, privacy features are a core focus as well). Lineage would suffice if that was the case and everyone in the privacy circles will tell you that it’s not good enough. There is no way to tell the OS what it can and can’t do behind the scenes without root or direct modifications to the source code. Google does not make it easy to stop their data collection for a reason - it’s how they make their money. Samsung adds their own crap on top of what Google has already built in too.

It’s cool that you’re happy with the compromise that you have made but it’s far from ideal.

All of which is exactly why I trusted apple to be different. Then CSAM, then I checked out privacy.apple.com. hmmm. Never mind.

 

[nickdalzell1]

The difference between Calyx and Lineage is that they take Google completely out entirely, breaking a majority of apps. There are no Google Play Services unless you sideload them in. In my case, they can still run on-device, just not communicate with Google. That means banking and payment apps work, and apps such as Walmart work.

If I lauched YouTube music, or Maps, they would complain about no internet connection because NetGuard is active. That app forwards any app that's disabled through it to 127.0.0.1 (I've tested it too). So that means that while yes, those apps remain present on the phone, they can't communicate to their cloud. I've also sniffed router activity on wifi to verify as well. I'm not some noob here. I've been with computers since CP/M and DOS. Don't act like I'm some ignorant person here. I've toyed with Android since the days of 2.1 Eclair and CyanogenMod 7.1 (perhaps the most popular and feature-rich custom ROM out there. Lineage can never be CyanogenMod)

In fact, that's how I ultimately killed the software update capability of my phone. Samsung won't let you disable it, it will download and eventually force you to install it after delaying it three times. With all instances of 'software update' disabled via NetGuard, it has a persistent 'software update--download failed' notice in the notification center (which I hid the icon for with another app). With Play Services running offline (no different than it running with the phone in airplane mode) apps relying on it for update checks never check for updates and can't pester me about updating to keep using the app. Another bonus in my book. Battery life has skyrocketed as well. Coming home from 9 hours at work where signal is absent with 77% vs. the previous 38% is a nice bonus too.

 

[The_Interloper]

But none of that matters if it’s not running iOS.

In a thread titled “Finally time to ditch Apple ecosystem?” in a section called “Alternatives to iOS”, I’m not sure “if it’s not running iOS” can be considered a disadvantage.

 

[jseymour]

But none of that matters if it’s not running iOS.

Uhm... in context that comment is just a bit silly, don't you think? I.e.: One can hardly "ditch the Apple ecosystem" without ditching iOS.

 

[Ethrem]

The difference between Calyx and Lineage is that they take Google completely out entirely, breaking a majority of apps. There are no Google Play Services unless you sideload them in. In my case, they can still run on-device, just not communicate with Google. That means banking and payment apps work, and apps such as Walmart work.

If I lauched YouTube music, or Maps, they would complain about no internet connection because NetGuard is active. That app forwards any app that's disabled through it to 127.0.0.1 (I've tested it too). So that means that while yes, those apps remain present on the phone, they can't communicate to their cloud. I've also sniffed router activity on wifi to verify as well. I'm not some noob here. I've been with computers since CP/M and DOS. Don't act like I'm some ignorant person here. I've toyed with Android since the days of 2.1 Eclair and CyanogenMod 7.1 (perhaps the most popular and feature-rich custom ROM out there. Lineage can never be CyanogenMod)

In fact, that's how I ultimately killed the software update capability of my phone. Samsung won't let you disable it, it will download and eventually force you to install it after delaying it three times. With all instances of 'software update' disabled via NetGuard, it has a persistent 'software update--download failed' notice in the notification center (which I hid the icon for with another app). With Play Services running offline (no different than it running with the phone in airplane mode) apps relying on it for update checks never check for updates and can't pester me about updating to keep using the app. Another bonus in my book. Battery life has skyrocketed as well. Coming home from 9 hours at work where signal is absent with 77% vs. the previous 38% is a nice bonus too.

I mean it comes from the Calyx devs themselves that DNS traffic still leaks without a root-level firewall (and in fact was leaking with their own Datura firewall too until they just patched it) but you’re obviously comfortable with what you have which is fine.

I also have plenty of experience. I’m not old enough for CP/M but I started with DOS on my mom’s old 8088 machine. Windows Mobile from the PPC-6700 in 2004, Android started in 2009 going from Android 1.5 Cupcake on the Sprint HTC Hero to 8.0 Oreo with the HTC U11 (I have hated Samsung since they added KNOX to the S III after it was released only ever owned that and the Note 5, never again will I support that company) before I switched to iOS. I was flashing my phones all the time and still actually have CyanogenMod on my ancient Samsung Captivate that’s lying around here somewhere.

I have not personally tried fencing off apps from Google before though because it was never something that even crossed my mind until this CSAM stuff started going on so yeah, I am relying on what I have read from these devs, I’ll admit.

I may have to give the NetGuard approach a try myself when my Pixel 3 XL finally gets here this week. I want to block Google from being able to send the bricking update out while I am trying out the stock stuff. Sounds like the way to do it, thanks.

 

[nickdalzell1]

I wouldn't know how Google-fied a Pixel is, but if NetGuard is working as it appears to on my S20, hopefully it is a good enough alternative. My prime focus was disabling any and all updates (I hate flat UI myself, and constantly having to learn an app over and over again, I'd rather just get used to one UI and keep my flow going) first and foremost, and then doing whatever I could to avoid any app phoning home to Google or Google apps communicating with Google. All I know is with NetGuard active, and the Google apps either disabled or blocked from internet access via it, just opening up say Google Maps or Play Store gives me a 'error no connection retry' screen or a 'you're offline' screen so it at least is blocking internet in some way.

I have also added 'dns.adguard.com' to 'private DNS' in settings-->communication to block the pesky ad banners and even the ads Samsung apps inject such as those in Health or Weather.

I've disabled location permission for all apps except Galaxy Watch Plugin and that's only used for workout tracking and weather updates. Although I might have inadvertently killed off some part of that since the weather hasn't had any new data since Aug 26.

https://apkpure.com/netguard-no-root-firewall/eu.faircode.netguard

Disabling 'download manager' doesn't actually stop the ability to download files from a web browser. Apparently Google Play updates itself by downloading updates in the background, and other apps utilize background downloads to sideload in updates or even APKs (how TikTok ended up on my phone at first launch among others!) so disabling that also stops the above. This screenshot is not from my phone BTW.

 

[Ethrem]

I wouldn't know how Google-fied a Pixel is, but if NetGuard is working as it appears to on my S20, hopefully it is a good enough alternative. My prime focus was disabling any and all updates (I hate flat UI myself, and constantly having to learn an app over and over again, I'd rather just get used to one UI and keep my flow going) first and foremost, and then doing whatever I could to avoid any app phoning home to Google or Google apps communicating with Google. All I know is with NetGuard active, and the Google apps either disabled or blocked from internet access via it, just opening up say Google Maps or Play Store gives me a 'error no connection retry' screen or a 'you're offline' screen so it at least is blocking internet in some way.

I have also added 'dns.adguard.com' to 'private DNS' in settings-->communication to block the pesky ad banners and even the ads Samsung apps inject such as those in Health or Weather.

I've disabled location permission for all apps except Galaxy Watch Plugin and that's only used for workout tracking and weather updates. Although I might have inadvertently killed off some part of that since the weather hasn't had any new data since Aug 26.

View attachment 1827220

https://apkpure.com/netguard-no-root-firewall/eu.faircode.netguard

Disabling 'download manager' doesn't actually stop the ability to download files from a web browser. Apparently Google Play updates itself by downloading updates in the background, and other apps utilize background downloads to sideload in updates or even APKs (how TikTok ended up on my phone at first launch among others!) so disabling that also stops the above. This screenshot is not from my phone BTW.

That’s helpful info, thanks.

I am going to have a long process to ween off my Google dependency. Even on my iPhone I run all the Google apps (except Gmail because truncated emails are annoying as hell) and I have not one but three primary email accounts through Gmail, calendar through Google, all my docs through Google Docs, I use Google Drive… I have a lot of de-Googling to do and I’m not convinced I’ll ever be able to fully separate from Gmail just because I’ve had that email address since Gmail was in beta when my buddy invited me back in like 2004. It’s impossible to just switch overnight with an account that old.

 

[nickdalzell1]

I just forwarded all Gmail to a smaller mail platform that's not associated with a data-mining company (well, as far as I'm aware). Mail.com. I'd use Proton but I need a permenant address for some emails like for my Amex card. Unfortunately, not many online services accept mail.com as a valid email. At least I don't need the Gmail app or login to a Google account; I merely access it via Samsung's own email client or via an AOSP alternative (Lord knows I got tons backed up on an NAS, most of them apps I started on Android with, back in 2.1 or 2.2, as they were the pre-loaded apps at the time)

I've been the oddball that I never got into any real lock-in on an ecosystem, as I toyed with pretty much all mobile platforms and PC systems being a techno geek for years. But I've always kept data on the device as that way it is pretty much cross platform and all data is music (in MP3 format, some dating to Napster/BearShare days, the rest from Amazon since 2011) or photos I took (and saved to SD cards) and all my contacts are stored on the device (I only have a handful and I know all the numbers--no need to sync to anything). All the apps at least from Android were as I said backed up to a server so I just sideload them to any phone and bypass Play Store (I hate the play store!). Everything else involves accounts with Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and any app subscriptions. (pretty much cancelled most of those given I'm back to my Android 2.3 apps)

The only account that had any data on it (going back to 2012 as most recent, as in 2013 iOS 7 and Yosemite happened, and I didn't buy or get any apps since, even with me short term using a 6S) was my Apple ID. Like sideloading Android APKs, I'd just install from the 'Purchased' list on the App store, many apps never got flattened updates and still seemed compatible with iOS 12 up through 14.4.