iMessage for Android App 'Beeper Mini' is Back, Apple ID Sign In Now Required and Phone Numbers Don't Work

[Velli]

Again I can't speak for everyone else but those who have the money for an S23 Ultra have the money to buy an iPhone 15 Pro but buy the Android on purpose. iPhones are a household name so people buying Androids go out of their way to buy one

We can debate as to the reasons for eternity but for me it's down to convenience.

1. Universal back gesture from the right. It baffles me why Apple don't have this basic feature which is so ergonomic, its the one thing which keeps me on Android. People hold phones one-handed so the back gesture should be located on the right side of the phone so I don't have to stretch my thumb all the way to the left to go back. Phones have become so huge nowadays, this is really basic stuff

In fact I will even credit Apple here on their tap to top gesture which Android needs to implement as well. But the back gesture is something people use hundreds of times a day.

The back gesture on Android is also universal. Launch an app from the homescreen and navigate through it. Every time you swipe back it retraces your steps and you don't hit a wall like on iOS.


To this day, iOS has the back button on the top left of the screen, the one place where your finger will never reach one-handed.

2. Again something ergonomic. On Android, swipe down from the middle of the screen and the notification panel will come down. Swipe again for control center. On iOS, you simply cannot do this without using Reachability. On the subject of Reachability, Android shrinks the whole screen down instead of just the top half and for left-handed users, you can place the screen in whichever corner you want

3. A proper file system. I can connect my Galaxy to my Windows notebook, transfer files like its an actual computer with folders. I can get my photos and files on my PC/Phone significantly faster than iOS which needs bloatware like iTunes installed.

4. Split screen functionality. Its ridiculous that on a 6.9 screen we cannot divide it into 2 halves to multi task. On Android, you also don't even need to go to the home screen to launch an app. Just swipe from the top right for the dock and launch the app no matter where you are.

5. Actual different browsers with their own engine which aren't just a reskinning of Chrome.

6. Number key on top of keyboard. Why am I forced to go through 2 steps for number keys on iOS?

7. Battery protection measures are significantly better than iOS. If you are someone who keeps their phones for longer, Android has 3 ways to enhance battery health. 1) Limit charge at 85% 2) Charge normally till 85% and trickle charge until 100% and then allow it to drop down to 95% and then let it reach 100% and rinse and repeat.

8. Routines. This is a lifesaver for me. You can customise Android to do certain tasks based on your location and time. I have scheduled battery routine to charge till 85% from 11pm to 6am. Then allow it to reach 100%. I have a split screen app pair in the dock for web browsing and watching YouTube based on my location

I could go on and on about this but the bottom line is theres many things on Android in terms of convenience which users like me value.

As far as the ecosystem goes, I really haven't found anything which my Galaxy Tab and S23 Ultra and my Windows notebook cant do and which my 14 Pro Max, iPad Pro and Macbook Air cannot.

I am entrenched in both and they are vastly different experience for good and bad.

@Velli, what do you mean "quality experience"? I see no difference between my S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max (will be buying the 15 Pro Max and the S24 Ultra as well). If you don't believe me, here is my suite of Samsung and Apple devices.

The Galaxy tab in particular is gorgeous. The OLED display is far superior to the MiniLED on my iPad Pro.

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One more Android user justifying their decision based on a feature list. User experience is not calculated by number of features.

"I am entrenched in both and they are vastly different experience for good and bad."
Exactly. Different.

By your own logic, iPhone users also buy iPhone "on purpose", since it is an expensive product. Not everyone pays 1300 dollars for a product just because it's cool to have the right brand. Most people buy what they buy for one of two reasons: Either they investigated the options and made a choice based on what they believe will be best for them, or someone (sales person, friend, family, whatever) talked them into buying that particular product. I see very often people buy the wrong product (which sometimes includes Apple products) because their geeky friend convinced them. That includes cars and houses, in case you think an iPhone is an expensive product.

 

[spinedoc77]

Again I can't speak for everyone else but those who have the money for an S23 Ultra have the money to buy an iPhone 15 Pro but buy the Android on purpose. iPhones are a household name so people buying Androids go out of their way to buy one

We can debate as to the reasons for eternity but for me it's down to convenience.

1. Universal back gesture from the right. It baffles me why Apple don't have this basic feature which is so ergonomic, its the one thing which keeps me on Android. People hold phones one-handed so the back gesture should be located on the right side of the phone so I don't have to stretch my thumb all the way to the left to go back. Phones have become so huge nowadays, this is really basic stuff

In fact I will even credit Apple here on their tap to top gesture which Android needs to implement as well. But the back gesture is something people use hundreds of times a day.

The back gesture on Android is also universal. Launch an app from the homescreen and navigate through it. Every time you swipe back it retraces your steps and you don't hit a wall like on iOS.


To this day, iOS has the back button on the top left of the screen, the one place where your finger will never reach one-handed.

2. Again something ergonomic. On Android, swipe down from the middle of the screen and the notification panel will come down. Swipe again for control center. On iOS, you simply cannot do this without using Reachability. On the subject of Reachability, Android shrinks the whole screen down instead of just the top half and for left-handed users, you can place the screen in whichever corner you want

3. A proper file system. I can connect my Galaxy to my Windows notebook, transfer files like its an actual computer with folders. I can get my photos and files on my PC/Phone significantly faster than iOS which needs bloatware like iTunes installed.

4. Split screen functionality. Its ridiculous that on a 6.9 screen we cannot divide it into 2 halves to multi task. On Android, you also don't even need to go to the home screen to launch an app. Just swipe from the top right for the dock and launch the app no matter where you are.

5. Actual different browsers with their own engine which aren't just a reskinning of Chrome.

6. Number key on top of keyboard. Why am I forced to go through 2 steps for number keys on iOS?

7. Battery protection measures are significantly better than iOS. If you are someone who keeps their phones for longer, Android has 3 ways to enhance battery health. 1) Limit charge at 85% 2) Charge normally till 85% and trickle charge until 100% and then allow it to drop down to 95% and then let it reach 100% and rinse and repeat.

8. Routines. This is a lifesaver for me. You can customise Android to do certain tasks based on your location and time. I have scheduled battery routine to charge till 85% from 11pm to 6am. Then allow it to reach 100%. I have a split screen app pair in the dock for web browsing and watching YouTube based on my location

I could go on and on about this but the bottom line is theres many things on Android in terms of convenience which users like me value.

As far as the ecosystem goes, I really haven't found anything which my Galaxy Tab and S23 Ultra and my Windows notebook cant do and which my 14 Pro Max, iPad Pro and Macbook Air can.

I am entrenched in both and they are vastly different experience for good and bad.

@Velli, what do you mean "quality experience"? I see no difference between my S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max (will be buying the 15 Pro Max and the S24 Ultra as well). If you don't believe me, here is my suite of Samsung and Apple devices.

The Galaxy tab in particular is gorgeous. The OLED display is far superior to the MiniLED on my iPad Pro.

On the topic of sales, Fortnite is one of the most successful video games on the market eclipsing genuinely good games which sell not even half as much. So Apple selling more does not mean they have the better product. You could argue they are the more popular product.

View attachment 2324210

You can add to that list simply hardware, I can't get a foldable display or a phone with pen/stylus support with Apple.

 

[gatorvet96]

Something tells me most of you guys aren’t anywhere near the age of the demographic you claim is being bullied.

Considering nowadays kids are speaking out against racism and other social issues do you think today’s kids would allow classism? Lmao no kids are being shamed anywhere to the degree that you guys are making it out to be over phones.

Men aren’t having trouble getting girls because of a phone. I’d argue it’s likely an issue with them and not the device.

Who said "bullying". Teens want to be like their peers. Has always been that way. They want to fit in. It is part of the human condition and normal.

 

[spinedoc77]

I think you are trying to fit a square peg in a round hole there.

Even your claim that they make things technically difficult is a stretch. Not being able to make a messaging app default on iOS is meaningless. You can access third-party apps the same way you do the Messages app through the share sheet.

The biggest difference here is that Apple is controlling their own product iOS. Microsoft was trying to control the decisions of their partners.

But don't just take my word for it. Look at the courts. Epic sued Apple and Google. Apple won with one exception. Google lost because they did the same thing Microsoft did. They incentivized their partners to limit competition.

I'm certainly not saying that Apple doesn't have antitrust issues. I think they do, particularly around NFC access and IAP. They're primary defense likely being that they have legitimate reasons for their policies.

Yeah, I'm not really seeing that. Try to get my elderly mother to install a 3rd party messaging app, or even figure out how to drive it. Yeah that's only one anecdotal example, but Apple (and Apple users) pride themselves on the simplicity of the OS. I don't buy that at all, and I certainly don't buy the default app being relevant. Obviously most people use their phones straight out of the box and just use the default messaging app otherwise this wouldn't be such a big issue in the US.

Apple also doesn't have any partners which supply hardware like Microsoft did with desktops, laptops, etc., so it's a largely moot point. It's more of an applicable point with software and influencing devs decisions such as pricing Spotify out as noted in their suit and the EU's agreement with that part of the suit. Certainly, as you mention, this was crucial in the Google case where they paid Samsung, and other oems, to keep Google on their devices. But I would think this would only strengthen the argument as Apple doesn't have to influence anyone, they can decide to bundle whatever software they want and manipulate the market that way without having to answer to any oem. Keep in mind in the Google case the jury ALSO agreed that Google had a monopoly marketplace outside of the anti-competitive practices, they could have ruled against that sole issue.

Apple won against Epic mainly because the judge opined that the existence of Android gave consumers choice, tons of disagreement about that legally (what happens if an app is only available on iOS for example?), I suppose we'll see that result if the SCOTUS decides to hear the case. But I acknowledge the differences you note, and maybe that is the main differentiator. Apple also lost to an extent in the way they are supposed to rewrite their app store policies, that's why they are appealing to the SCOTUS.

Again, I'm not trying to argue at all, I'm not a legal analyst just an armchair quarterback. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds both for Apple and Google, both of which may end up in front of SCOTUS.

 

[Velli]

You can actually use the Memoji stickers in WhatsApp.

It's crazy how many people have opinions about stuff they have no idea about in this thread.

Well, I kind of am guilty since I receive a lot of memojis but rarely send them - however, as far as I can tell it is not the same feature. With Whatsapp you are selecting between a bunch of static Memojis, like they were normal emojis. With iMessage, it dynamically makes a Memoji that mimics my facial expression. If that can be done within Whatsapp, I don't know where to find it, and I will be happy to be eduated.

 

[Radon87000]

One more Android user justifying their decision based on a feature list. User experience is not calculated by number of features.

"I am entrenched in both and they are vastly different experience for good and bad."
Exactly. Different.

By your own logic, iPhone users also buy iPhone "on purpose", since it is an expensive product. Not everyone pays 1300 dollars for a product just because it's cool to have the right brand. Most people buy what they buy for one of two reasons: Either they investigated the options and made a choice based on what they believe will be best for them, or someone (sales person, friend, family, whatever) talked them into buying that particular product. I see very often people buy the wrong product (which sometimes includes Apple products) because their geeky friend convinced them. That includes cars and houses, in case you think an iPhone is an expensive product.

I am not sure why you think that's a list of features considering Apple themselves have adopted some of these in iOS over the past few years. Always on display, lockscreen widgets come to mind.

iPhone users buy iPhones because it's a phone which they are familiar with, is very reliable and does what a smartphone should do. It's a very boring phone but the vast majority of users are not enthusiasts.

To put it in another context, there are significantly more Gamers on PS5 and Xbox Series X than on PC when objectively the PC provides the far superior gaming experience. By your logic, the gaming experience on consoles should be better than PC.

Something selling more does not mean the product is flat out superior.

At this point both Android and iOS are matured to the point, there won't be many switching between the two. Even if Android was doing something better than iOS, regular users would still buy an iPhone on familiarity.

iPhones are also status symbols in countries like China and India by the way. Spending money on these is perceived to be a sign of affluence.

 

[Radon87000]

I think you are trying to fit a square peg in a round hole there.

Even your claim that they make things technically difficult is a stretch. Not being able to make a messaging app default on iOS is meaningless. You can access third-party apps the same way you do the Messages app through the share sheet.

The biggest difference here is that Apple is controlling their own product iOS. Microsoft was trying to control the decisions of their partners.

But don't just take my word for it. Look at the courts. Epic sued Apple and Google. Apple won with one exception. Google lost because they did the same thing Microsoft did. They incentivized their partners to limit competition.

I'm certainly not saying that Apple doesn't have antitrust issues. I think they do, particularly around NFC access and IAP. They're primary defense likely being that they have legitimate reasons for their policies.

The only reason Google lost this is because they stupidly asked for a jury instead of a judge like Apple. There is no other reason.

 

[BaldiMac]

Yeah, I'm not really seeing that. Try to get my elderly mother to install a 3rd party messaging app, or even figure out how to drive it. Yeah that's only one anecdotal example, but Apple (and Apple users) pride themselves on the simplicity of the OS.

I have no idea what your mom not being able to install a third-party app has to do with what we are talking about. Installing an app isn't a unreasonable technical hurdle.

I don't buy that at all, and I certainly don't buy the default app being relevant. Obviously most people use their phones straight out of the box and just use the default messaging app otherwise this wouldn't be such a big issue in the US.

You're confusing being pre-installed with being default.

 

[BaldiMac]

The only reason Google lost this is because they stupidly asked for a jury instead of a judge like Apple. There is no other reason.

I'm sure your deep analysis of the facts of the two cases found them otherwise identical.

 

[Velli]

I am not sure why you think that's a list of features considering Apple themselves have adopted some of these in iOS over the past few years. Always on display, lockscreen widgets come to mind.

I'm confused, why does Apple including a feature make it not a feature? it IS a list of features. I'm not saying it is irrelevant features, or that Apple will never implement them (although several of them, very likely not). I'm saying that Apple tends to have fewer, more polished features. If you require some of the features they have left out, get an Android. It's fairly simple.

iPhone users buy iPhones because it's a phone which they are familiar with, is very reliable and does what a smartphone should do. It's a very boring phone but the vast majority of users are not enthusiasts.

Apart from the fact that you could with the same right say about a lot of Android users that they just buy an Android because that's what they are used to (not everyone started at iPhone 3G), I do agree with the last bit. iPhone is great for providing a nice experience to non-enthusiasts. Specifically, non-enthusiasts with money.

I do see many Android people saying that they "tried" to live with an iPhone, but couldn't handle the limitations. For this "vast majority of users", these limitations is a non-issue.

To put it in another context, there are significantly more Gamers on PS5 and Xbox Series X than on PC when objectively the PC provides the far superior gaming experience. By your logic, the gaming experience on consoles should be better than PC.

Not at all. It just means that convenience and price trumps performance.

Well... On the other hand, to make the analogy apt, "gaming experience" is about more than FPS. It may very well be a better "gaming experience" to hit the couch, turn on Fifa, and play a few matches on the big screen with the guys, than going into the office and playing Resident Evil on your 32" gaming monitor. I fundamentally disagree that PC is "objectively" far superior to consoles. It is different.

Something selling more does not mean the product is flat out superior.

Oh, I could not agree more. In fact it is rarely the case.

At this point both Android and iOS are matured to the point, there won't be many switching between the two. Even if Android was doing something better than iOS, regular users would still buy an iPhone on familiarity.

Won't stop them from trying.

iPhones are also status symbols in countries like China and India by the way. Spending money on these is perceived to be a sign of affluence.

So is everything else that costs money. I don't see the relevance.

 

[Velli]

I have no idea what your mom not being able to install a third-party app has to do with what we are talking about. Installing an app isn't a unreasonable technical hurdle.

Once more, a power user overestimating the technical prowess of the average user. It is an "unreasonable technical hurdle" for a very, very large group of people. Likely the majority.

Can't help you with relevance though.

 

[Starks]

Why are you guys content with Apple holding back RCS for another year?

 

[BaldiMac]

Once more, a power user overestimating the technical prowess of the average user. It is an "unreasonable technical hurdle" for a very, very large group of people. Likely the majority.

Can't help you with relevance though.

You’re confusing being hard for some people to understand with an unreasonable technical hurdle in the context of anticompetitive action.

And I think hits ridiculous to claim that a majority of iPhone users consider installing an app to be unreasonably difficult.

 

[BaldiMac]

Why are you guys content with Apple holding back RCS for another year?

Personally, I’m content with it because I don’t need it. But it will be a nice fallback depending on the implementation.

I am worried about the possibility of abuse by spammers.

 

[spinedoc77]

I have no idea what your mom not being able to install a third-party app has to do with what we are talking about. Installing an app isn't a unreasonable technical hurdle.


You're confusing being pre-installed with being default.

My point was that searching for, trusting your privacy, and actually installing a 3rd party app, then directing all your contacts to also download that app and use it with you to communicate, is technologically as well as logistically difficult for many. Although I can install the app, just getting my hundreds of contacts to do that is nigh logistically impossible even if I trust the app's privacy. YOU may not find it difficult, but many do, and Apple banks on the simplicity of users simply using iMessage out of the box as the DEFAULT messaging app. Obviously this is the case in the US and is exactly why there is such a discourse over green and blue bubbles.

FYI Netscape Navigator was pretty easy to install...

 

[scorpio vega]

Who said "bullying". Teens want to be like their peers. Has always been that way. They want to fit in. It is part of the human condition and normal.

Literally several people in this forum.

Teens want to fit in and that is totally normal, you are right. However, they are not being bullied as severaly as MR android fans want you to believe over a phone or a text color.

 

[Janschi]

I don’t have to convince you. If $1200 a year is a lot of money to you, sorry.

All I am saying is that your post doesn't make sense. It's what you want to believe (that you spend the money because of iMessage), but not the truth, cause you don't need to update every year to be able to continue using iMessage.

The model you're referring to is 1.563.96 USD where I live (Germany), based on the current exchange rate. People that work in retail here, make about that much per month after tax and social security. Just to put it into perspective.
My friend in the US doesn't make much more per month either.

 

[Janschi]

Well, I kind of am guilty since I receive a lot of memojis but rarely send them - however, as far as I can tell it is not the same feature. With Whatsapp you are selecting between a bunch of static Memojis, like they were normal emojis. With iMessage, it dynamically makes a Memoji that mimics my facial expression. If that can be done within Whatsapp, I don't know where to find it, and I will be happy to be eduated.

Yes, that feature is NOT supported in 3rd party applications. But normal Memoji Stickers work.

 

[Janschi]

I think we all understand that WhatsApp isn't a first choice for Americans. It's just strange that people would rather spend the better part of a decade complaining about a crappy experience when messaging between Android and iOS, and even go so far as to buy some sketchy app that offers something no one thought would last, than to just use an existing, time-tested solution in WhatsApp (if they must have group chats with Android users and care about the missing bits).

To be honest, I'd be much more happy to use just iMessage / SMS. I hate META with all my guts, but WhatsApp is the leading messaging app in Germany.

 

[scorpio vega]

Maybe my kids are outliers but they and all of their friends use iMessage almost exclusively. They don't even have Instagram or Snapchat installed.

Perhaps they are and that's totally fine I feel old sometimes that I dont use snap or Insta as often and thus it is harder to stay up to date with my brother who is 17

I don’t have to convince you. If $1200 a year is a lot of money to you, sorry.

While I do think it is ridiculous to upgrade constantly for a brand new iPhone every year just to use iMessage which fundamentally does not change on the iPhone much, i do appreciate a good clapback. So kudos

The androidism is strong here. Should we keep apple and android users separate? are you okay with mixing users together?

LMAO i mean I personally don't care if we are 'Mixed' together. I just hate this idea that Apple needs to conform to Android users mentality because..why?

I agree. This is another lie parroted by fanboys on this forums. The vast majority of Android users probably even don't know how to set Android up to install apps from unknown sources.

LMAO you are literally on a IOS fansite/Apple fansite calling people fanboys of the very product and Company they are likely to be fans of. that's like me going to an Alt right forum and i am entirely shocked that they are discussing racist and misogynistic views.

It is not a lie Piracy is very rampant on Android. Google it <3 Furthermore, Android fans love to brag about how much stronger and better of an OS android is than IOS. Because of all its capabilities that IOS lacks and how Android users want freedom from the walled garden that Apple locks us in (funny enough I am using my S22 to type this now) now you are implying most Android users are too ignorant to know how to sideload apps.

Make it make sense. You cant use one argument to fit your narrative and then try to double talk and use a different narrative to make a point.

Because you have none.

Nowadays it is not hard to root. Jailbreak. Flash a rom. Install an App. I literally learned how to add Mac OS to my Windows simply by watching a youtube video.

 

[scorpio vega]

I agreed with all of your posts, but with this one you might have to enhance your view.
I'm glad I got my parents to switch to an iPhone because supporting them is way easier as I know where every little setting is hidden without having a device in front of me.

I know I'm not the person you replied to, however your point of 'offensive or lazy' is very reckless.
I am trying to teach my mother constantly how to get more out of her phone. She's just a few of years older than your mother. However I get yelled at, when I try to explain stuff to her, because I already know it and I can do it so much faster than her. I tried to explain to her how to make an Apple Pay In-App payment and she got so mad on why I am not doing it for her. Mind you she was 3h away from home and she wanted me to pay for it and log into her account.
Your mom might want to learn about tech, but please do not assume every 'older' person is like this, because my mom certainly does not want to learn.

I wanted to reply to you directly. I dont mean to imply that all parents are trying to learn new tech. In the case of my mother, i think it is becuase I was not here she HAS to learn it. My mother is still quite lazy and often has me doing things I already know she can do simply because I have seen her do it. Parents are very stuck in their ways and even as grown adults still treat us like Kid.

My point mainly was to the other person by simply not WANTING to teach them about a new app or feature to make things better. That implies that old people cant learn a new trick (which is offensive) or that the User is simply lazy because they refuse to teach their parents.

Trust me, there are times I still have to refrain from pulling my hair out dealing with my mother and teaching her something.

I try to make sure she sees the BENEFIT of why she needs to do it instead of simply telling her. If it sounds like a good idea to her she will do it.

It's how i got away with most of my teen antics when i was a kid. Made her think she thought of it

 

[scorpio vega]

1. Universal back gesture from the right. It baffles me why Apple don't have this basic feature which is so ergonomic, its the one thing which keeps me on Android. People hold phones one-handed so the back gesture should be located on the right side of the phone so I don't have to stretch my thumb all the way to the left to go back. Phones have become so huge nowadays, this is really basic stuff

In fact I will even credit Apple here on their tap to top gesture which Android needs to implement as well. But the back gesture is something people use hundreds of times a day.

The back gesture on Android is also universal. Launch an app from the homescreen and navigate through it. Every time you swipe back it retraces your steps and you don't hit a wall like on iOS.

I wanted to make sure I responded to this by itself. I even swapped over to the PC for this one. Honestly this really boils down to personal preference because most of the things you say do not affect me or how i use my pjhone and the other parts are literally personal preference that do not affect the vast majority.

The back button on Android is NOT a major issue. We preach about using SMS in 2023 but we are still using archaic things like a back button in 2023? Gestures are where it is at. It was made popular by Webos, copied by Windows Phone/Mobile and made mainstream with IOS.

The back button itself is not Universal/system wide. For one, depending on WHAT android you use, the functionality is either disabled or it acts differently compared to the next flavor of Android.

More importantly, if I am in a Web page several links or pages in. Depending on what phone I am using the browser MAY take me back a few pages or it may entirely close me out of the App itself.

IOS it simply works for the most part with little to no thought about it. It's naturally human to use gestures.

Not to mention the Navigation buttons on Android look terrible.

Once Again Android CAN do a feature better but it fails because it is not consistent or reliable.

2. Again something ergonomic. On Android, swipe down from the middle of the screen and the notification panel will come down. Swipe again for control center. On iOS, you simply cannot do this without using Reachability. On the subject of Reachability, Android shrinks the whole screen down instead of just the top half and for left-handed users, you can place the screen in whichever corner you want

To be fair, accessing Spotlight is used the same way you would access the notifcation screen on Android. I actually prefer it and I think most IOS users would to have it this way. I am a woman and I really don't have huge hands and I have no issue reaching the top corners of my 11 or 15 pro max.

One hand Mode on Android actually is terrible(unless you use Gesture navigations, which you hate) because more often than not the Nav buttosn actually get in the way of using One hand with the Keyboard for example. You have to also be precise in swiping away.

Again, depending on your flavor of Android, Onehand mode is very inconsistent.

Hence why IOS is better as it works for whatever iPhone you have. From a 6S plus to a 15 pro max. Limited but consistent.

3. A proper file system. I can connect my Galaxy to my Windows notebook, transfer files like its an actual computer with folders. I can get my photos and files on my PC/Phone significantly faster than iOS which needs bloatware like iTunes installed.

This I will concede could be better. That being said, I literally have not used iTunes in almost a decade so that is a bit hyperbolic.

I used onedrive and Google drive so my files usually just sync across with little to no issue on my PC and i also have icloud on my phone and Desktop so anything from my phone syncs to the PC and vice versa. Speaking of I need to remove my stuff from Google drive. Shudders

It would be nice to use my iPhone as a USB drive but I also dont fully see it as a Con as I am using more modern features such as the cloud.

4. Split screen functionality. Its ridiculous that on a 6.9 screen we cannot divide it into 2 halves to multi task. On Android, you also don't even need to go to the home screen to launch an app. Just swipe from the top right for the dock and launch the app no matter where you are.

It really depends on the use. IOS is a very powerful smartphone. Just like Android. The key difference with Android and IOS lies in the ecosystem.

My iPhone is my Consumption device. I am using it as a Selfie cameras when I go out to the bars or to check my makeup. For my social media. For me communicating with friends, family, and coworkers. To me using it as a navigation.

My iPad I use for work. be it typing out a 20 page paper for class or researching some case study for 8 hours. I am watching my true crime docs or netflix.

My watch is mainly for my fitness aspects of my life and when i cant use my phone (class or work) i can still communicate.

It would be amazing if Apple did allow better multitasking for iPhones but at the same time most IOS users have multiple devices that fit a specific purpose. I can do most of what i want on my Ipad that I can do on my iphone and vice veesa. I would want the split screen feature on my iPad but i can certainly live without on my iPhone.

Also once again, Consistency. You are going to see a theme here with that word.

Yes Android can do it and does it on their phones but it once again is not always consistent or reliable on Android devices depending what flavor you get.

5. Actual different browsers with their own engine which aren't just a reskinning of Chrome.

I'll concede and give you this one. Though Safari is not a reskinned Chrome.

6. Number key on top of keyboard. Why am I forced to go through 2 steps for number keys on iOS?

This one i am neutral on. I think this is mainly for aesthetic reasons. Think about it. IOS is a flashy OS and appearance are what apple is known for.

To me, i think the Android keyboard looks a bit messy and I admire the simplicity of IOS.

Yes, that is an extra step to toggle the number key back on and off (or you can just as easy long press the top row to get the number key) but i wouldn't say that is a con.

7. Battery protection measures are significantly better than iOS. If you are someone who keeps their phones for longer, Android has 3 ways to enhance battery health. 1) Limit charge at 85% 2) Charge normally till 85% and trickle charge until 100% and then allow it to drop down to 95% and then let it reach 100% and rinse and repeat.

Ehhh....Most IOS users upgrade their phones yearly.

Also i Can optimize the charge on my phone so my iPhone learns my battery usage?

8. Routines. This is a lifesaver for me. You can customise Android to do certain tasks based on your location and time. I have scheduled battery routine to charge till 85% from 11pm to 6am. Then allow it to reach 100%. I have a split screen app pair in the dock for web browsing and watching YouTube based on my location

Shortcuts.....that is all IOS has shortcuts and honestly the automation is a Godsend and I am still now learning more about shortcuts.

The ecosystem argument is arguably one of preference but I will give reasons why Apple ecosystem trumps anything from Samsung and Google.

The world is more or less built-around iPhone. I didnt realize it but i notice certain things. It is much easier to find a car that caters to Apple or a place that has Apple pay before Samsung/Google pay. I was able to find a new case for my iPhone 11 just two days ago in Walmart but my Samsung Galaxy s22 just came out last year and there was no case for it.

Apple pay is widely more used and accepted online shopping than Google pay.

Android tablets are terrible and most Android fanboys will tell you that this is true. Androdi tablets are not made for proudctivity. They are essentially blown up Android phones.

Which leads me to Google Docs and all it's knock off Word apps. They are terrible and many schools and businesses don't use them. If I am going to use Word, I am going to use my Surface which actually IS a Productivity tablet or I am going to use my iPad for Pages and the like which also is a Productivity tablet.

Apple watch trumps most wearables and the integration within the IOS and Mac OS ecosystem and is unparalled compared to Android with whatever wearables you have.

Apple music > Youtube music....enough said.

Airpods > Any other wireless headset.

But the biggest thing is the experience. Apple has yet to be matched or beat with its experience from Samsung, Google or any other OEM for that matter. Apple is selling you an experience.

I can go into an apple store completely ignorant and you can already tell the employees know the product they are introducing to you.Imagine if I was an old lady who finally wanted to get my first smartphone after years of using a flip phone. There are no Samsung or google stores in the US(i think they have popups). I have to settle for going to the Carriers who are pushing whatever makes them an easy sale or go to walmart or best buy.

I walk into an Apple store and it is experience. I can learn about the products. The services. I can interact with the products.

The reason I am trying to get my family and friends on iPhone is for the Apple care experience. You can break your phone and walk into a store and get it repaired (expensively so) same day or they will give you a loaner phone to use as well if it needs to be sent off. The theft protection is great.

My friend is now fighting with google for his pixel that has taken about nearly a month to fix and repair.

It does boil down to personal preference to a degree but the reason why Android is inferior is because Android tries to be a jack of all trades and very few things does it master. It tries to do everything and many things are not reliable/consistent.

Apple does have its shortcomings but within those shortcomings it has something that Android has never had and that is Consistency and reliability. WIthin those shortcomings, it makes them work to create a powerful ecosystem and network with its software and products.

So when someone on MR says we are locked in, We aren't. Because I, like most IOS users, will take shortcomings for a reliable experience.

I can use an iPhone 6s today and I may not have all the features my 11 or 15 pro max have today but at the root of it all, I still have a Core Apple experience. I can use an Android phone brought 2 years ago and it is already significantly worse than whatever phone i buy today.

When someone says "Apple controls what we do"...they don't. I have learned to adapt my life and need and usage to cohabitate well with Apple's ethos. Just the same way I did when I used Android. The same way I did when I used Windows phone. WEBos. blackberry Storm (gross).

i adapt. So Android fanboys always praising Android and bashing Apple and the users, I laugh at because what it tells me is that they are unable to adapt and they are willing to accept mediocrity and inferiority just for the sake of saying they can do this even if it is not good.

 

[ozaz]

Anti-competitve:
tending to stifle or suppress competition, especially when this violates antitrust laws.

Apple making iMessage synchronize with SMS is not stifling competition.

I disagree. I'm no legal expert so can accept that how Apple leverages its position as the OS provider to give iMessage an advantage may not meet a formal legal threshold for anticompetitive. However, failure to meet a legal definition doesn't mean that Apple's approach doesn't suppress competition or lead to worse cross-platform messaging landscape. Legally things might be binary, but in reality its not that simple.

You're also focussing on individual users (an individual user can choose to disable iMessage etc). I'm considering the collective landscape that emerges from the interaction of Apple's practices and millions of users who won't look beyond the default in the way things are currently implemented. Because of the unique position of messaging services that doesn't only affect individual users and it doesn't only affect Apple users. This is in contrast with other things such as web browser or search engine defaults which only affect the individual user.

 

[scorpio vega]

I disagree. I'm no legal expert so can accept that how Apple leverages its position as the OS provider to give iMessage an advantage may not meet a formal legal threshold for anticompetitive. However, failure to meet a legal definition doesn't mean that Apple's approach doesn't suppress competition or lead to worse cross-platform messaging landscape. Legally things might be binary, but in reality its not that simple.

We are not talking about legality. We are talking about your incorrect use of the term which has been proven by me using the actual definiton of the world.
You cant just change a definition to try and be right, mate.
Apple is not surpressing competion when you

1. Do not have to use iMessage(it can be turned off)
2. You can freely use whatever options.

No matter how many times you try to reiterate this, you will be wrong and that's okay.

You're also focussing on individual users (an individual user can choose to disable iMessage etc). I'm considering the collective landscape that emerges from the interaction of Apple's practices and millions of users who won't look beyond the default in the way things are currently implemented. Because of the unique position of messaging services that doesn't only affect individual users and it doesn't only affect Apple users. This is in contrast with other things such as web browser or search engine defaults which only affect the individual user.

I am American and I can easily get by with using SMS/imessage till the day I die. Everyone I need to talk to has a phone number that is saved in my phone.

Why do you use other apps? Because it is easier/faster to reach other people on other apps (my brothers are on snapchat, my friend in Tokyo on Kakaotalk, my friend from Dubai on whatsapp). They all have iPhones but i am able to get them faster on these various apps.

Apple users know they have a smartphone. THey know that their phone has an app store that contains apps. They know that they can find an app for literally everything.

This is proven by the fact that most of the world DOES NOT RELY ON IMESSAGE! Therefore, going off that logic, MOST OF THE WORLD looks past the default to download Whatsapp/Telegram/whatever app. BECAUSE MOST OF THE WORLD IS NOT USING IMESSAGE.

Even if you use the idea that Americans are using iMessage mostly, most people in America have at least ONE SOCIAL MEDIA app (be it snapchat, insta, facebook, tiktok).

Like at this point, you are attempting and failing miserably at making this same argument.

You do realize by default on Android phones Google messages is the default messaging app. Gmail is the default messaging app. Chrome is the default messaging app (On most).

I can go into the playstore and download Textra and never use Google Messages. I can dowload Edge and never Chrome. I can download outlook and never use Gmail.

The same exact way that I can do it on iPhone.

 

[ozaz]

We are not talking about legality. We are talking about your incorrect use of the term which has been proven by me using the actual definiton of the world.
You cant just change a definition to try and be right, mate.

The first actual dictionary definition I find is: "tending to reduce or discourage competition". In my view that's exactly what Apple achieves by leveraging its position as the OS maker to give iMessage an advantage on iOS. I'm not claiming it blocks competition. Obviously by allowing other apps to be installed it doesn't block competition, but its practices does tend to reduce or discourage it. Also, I'm not fixated on this anticompetitive point. I'm more interested in the negative impact Apple exerts on the general cross-platform messaging landscape regardless of whether or not we are taking about so-called anticompetitive actions.