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First off, thank you for taking the time you did to craft your response. I don't see enough of that around here and I feel that discourse could benefit from more well-reasoned replies, not just snarky one-liners (which I admit that I am not above, but I try my best).
I like snarky one-liners, and I will continue to use them when the situation calls for it.

Made in the Great 51st State of Canada 🤣🤣🤣
A governorship position to become available any minute now!
I have been hearing these "Apple is doomed" refrains ever since I bought my first apple product in 2011. It's always "next year this" or "next year that". Don't you all have anything new to say?
If you think about it, we're all doomed in one way or another.
Can’t they just combine all 3 lenses into one already? IDGI
Have you ever looked at how lenses are made? They have this interesting thing called.....



THICKNESS.

And that's because light needs to be directed, angled, and bent so that it hits the sensor. Lenses do that. But for lenses to do that, we must give them space to do their jobs.

Got it now?
 
I like snarky one-liners, and I will continue to use them when the situation calls for it.


A governorship position to become available any minute now!

If you think about it, we're all doomed in one way or another.

Have you ever looked at how lenses are made? They have this interesting thing called.....



THICKNESS.

And that's because light needs to be directed, angled, and bent so that it hits the sensor. Lenses do that. But for lenses to do that, we must give them space to do their jobs.

Got it now?
Wow. You’re an *******. Yes, I have a degree in photography.
 
My point is that the “new” iPhone 16 Pro is another joke and all the rumors here are about how “great” next years iPhone will be. This is happening year after year since iPhone 11. And what have we got? Same iPhone as the year before this year, the year before that year, the year before that year, etc.

Some say the mobile phones have plateaued. That is surely true about the iPhone. Want real innovation, look elsewhere 😊

As I have said before, those desiring something different from what the iPhone (and the Apple ecosystem) offers are welcome to venture outside and try a different product. I am happy with how my apple devices work, I am fairly confident that Android can't offer me an equivalent experience (not least because a number of apps I use aren't available on Android), and well, I have been fending off criticism like yours for more than a decade since the Cnet / Engadget days.

In the meantime, Apple's active iPhone user base continuing to grow, and Apple is seeing a growing number of switchers as well, so I suppose there's a distinction between "real innovation" as you so like to point out, and the "meaningful innovation" that attracts and retains iOS users? :)
 
As I said earlier, I think Apple has prototyped the iPhone 17 Pro models with the triangular sensor configuration and the configuration akin to that of the Google Pixel 9 Pro models. They'll probably make a decision to choice which version probably by mid-January 2025.
 
As I have said before, those desiring something different from what the iPhone (and the Apple ecosystem) offers are welcome to venture outside and try a different product. I am happy with how my apple devices work, I am fairly confident that Android can't offer me an equivalent experience (not least because a number of apps I use aren't available on Android), and well, I have been fending off criticism like yours for more than a decade since the Cnet / Engadget days.

In the meantime, Apple's active iPhone user base continuing to grow, and Apple is seeing a growing number of switchers as well, so I suppose there's a distinction between "real innovation" as you so like to point out, and the "meaningful innovation" that attracts and retains iOS users? :)
What apps aren’t available on android that you’re using?

Where do does switchers come from? As far as I can see is that Android’s marketshare is growing and Apple’s iOS share is in decline:

1734901191318.png
1734901266223.png


I predict that in three years from now Harmony OS will overtake iOS in percentage.

I’m afraid you’re having the Apple fever 🤒 maybe watching this wil help:

 
What apps aren’t available on android that you’re using?

Where do does switchers come from? As far as I can see is that Android’s marketshare is growing and Apple’s iOS share is in decline:

View attachment 2464939View attachment 2464940

I predict that in three years from now Harmony OS will overtake iOS in percentage.

I’m afraid you’re having the Apple fever 🤒 maybe watching this wil help:

I said this before and I’ll repeat it, what does the market share look like at the price point that apple sells its products? It’s easy to grow market share when giving away the phone. And apple three years from today will still have the revenue of a entire economy. Apple doesn’t have to sell hardware to gain revenue from customers. Their services revenue has been hitting it out of the park.

And the critics have been wrong about apple for decades. They aren’t going to magically be right from today onward. No matter the hubris.
 
I said this before and I’ll repeat it, what does the market share look like at the price point that apple sells its products? It’s easy to grow market share when giving away the phone. And apple three years from today will still have the revenue of a entire economy. Apple doesn’t have to sell hardware to gain revenue from customers. Their services revenue has been hitting it out of the park.

And the critics have been wrong about apple for decades. They aren’t going to magically be right from today onward. No matter the hubris.
Can’t wait for some EU action on greedy Apple. Maybe the EU can teach Timmy some manners. 😇
 
What apps aren’t available on android that you’re using?
Things 3 - Task Manager
Reeder 5 - RSS client
1password - password manager
Ivory - Mastodon client
Overcast - Podcast player
Play - Not sure how to describe this; sorta like a RSS feed / curation tool for YouTube videos? Again, has apps for iOS and Apple TV
Lookup - very nice dictionary app
Notability - pdf annotation tool (more on iPad, but has apps for iPhone and Mac as well, no known android or windows versions)
Lumafusion - for video editing on iPad
Pcalc and Tydlig - calculator apps
Infuse - media player app

I am currently using Youtube Music, since it comes bundled with my Premium subscription. I will never touch Spotify, and while Apple Music is also available on Android, there is a nice library of third party apple music clients if I ever do return to it (like Soor, Marvis, Albums, Classical).

The microphone app that my school uses for the microphone they purchased is currently no longer available on Android (though I am stretching here; it's not mission critical, but I thought it would be cute to point out).

In 2023, Apollo (reddit client) and Tweetbot (twitter client) prior to them being sunsetted.

Also in the past, Fantastical (recently announced windows app, but still no android app), Bear (notes app), Lumi (health-tracking app that Apple collaborated with my country's health board on, lets me earn points to redeem for cash), Callsheet (third party client for IMDB).

The overall trend I am seeing is that apps on iOS are better designed overall (even if next best alternatives may technically exist on Android), and paid apps are treated like distant 2nd-class citizens on Android, because even fewer pay for software apparently, despite their larger install base. Not meant as an insult towards Android users, just an observation that iOS tends to be home to nicer apps first or exclusively.
Where do does switchers come from? As far as I can see is that Android’s marketshare is growing and Apple’s iOS share is in decline:
The comment about switchers came from Tim Cook in 2023.


However, our installed base reached an all-time high across all geographic segments, driven by a June quarter record for iPhone switchers and high new-to rates in Mac, iPad, and Watch, coupled with very high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Also, based on the last few earnings calls by Apple, their active device install base is growing. Note that these are devices in active use, not just sold. I need to go read up on Counterpoint Research again, but I suspect they are conflating device sales with market share (assuming a 1:1 correlation). It may also not capture sales of iPhones in the grey market.

So an android user could have gotten 2-3 cheaper android handsets (because they spoil faster, being made of less durable material) while an iPhone stays in active use for 5-6 years (due to longer software support and better build quality).

Also, we could be looking at greater sales of cheaper android handsets (which is a market that Apple doesn't really compete in) vs Apple continuing to rule the roost when it comes to sale of more expensive handsets. So the numbers you shared could mean more people are buying smartphones, but that Apple continues to command the lion's share of premium handset sales (and consequently, profits).


1Q24: 2.2B
1Q23: 2B (this was announced last year, but I don't have a link to it at the moment)
1Q22: 1.8B

What I can infer is that users who embrace iPhones tend not to move away from the ecosystem (due to improved satisfaction) and also go on to purchase even more Apple hardware and services. The one area of concern seems to be that upgrade cycles are lengthening (which again may not be a bad thing in itself because it means that Apple devices do work and last longer), but Apple should be able to offset this with a larger overall base.

Again, I see no signs that Apple is in distress of any sort.

I predict that in three years from now Harmony OS will overtake iOS in percentage.
We will see.
I’m afraid you’re having the Apple fever 🤒 maybe watching this wil help:
It's not a new video (and I do have my bugbear with Futureproof's videos increasingly growing in fluff and lacking in any real substance or commentary), and my answer is, and always, will be the same.

Which is that if anyone here actually believes any of this, then you are really just setting yourselves for more failure and disappointment. Thinking that Apple users are somehow being forced against their will to buy products like Apple Watches and AirPods or bemoaning our lack of access to third party apps or RCS is nothing more than looking for someone to blame for market failures when the real problem is moreso a bad vision, inadequate corporate culture, and lack of understanding as to what makes Apple unique.

For years, Apple has been positioned as one bad iPhone update away from implosion. Low market and sales share were paraded around as signs of an incompetent product strategy. Simply put, Apple was framed as being weak and vulnerable, dependent on revenue sources that could disappear overnight due to consumers fleeing to the competition.

Today, that narrative has completely shifted. Everyone is now infatuated with Apple’s power, its ironclad grip over the App Store, and the idea that Apple users are stuck or imprisoned in a massive walled garden where things like iMessage, Apple Watches, and AirPods force people to remain within Apple’s walls.

Ironically, government regulators are viewed as the only entity capable of protecting Apple users from Apple because apparently, we are toddlers incapable of being trust to make our own purchasing choices.

The criticism surround Apple seems to constantly shift and ebb with whichever is most convenient at any one particular point in time, yet zoom out and you notice that they lack internal consistency and a clear overarching narrative. So, which is it? Apple is too powerful, or constantly teetering on the brink of oblivion?

Perhaps all the critics and haters could arrange to meet up over zoom this Christmas to hash out their talking points first?
 
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Things 3 - Task Manager
Reeder 5 - RSS client
1password - password manager
Ivory - Mastodon client
Overcast - Podcast player
Play - Not sure how to describe this; sorta like a RSS feed / curation tool for YouTube videos? Again, has apps for iOS and Apple TV
Lookup - very nice dictionary app
Notability - pdf annotation tool (more on iPad, but has apps for iPhone and Mac as well, no known android or windows versions)
Lumafusion - for video editing on iPad
Pcalc and Tydlig - calculator apps
Infuse - media player app

I am currently using Youtube Music, since it comes bundled with my Premium subscription. I will never touch Spotify, and while Apple Music is also available on Android, there is a nice library of third party apple music clients if I ever do return to it (like Soor, Marvis, Albums, Classical).

The microphone app that my school uses for the microphone they purchased is currently no longer available on Android (though I am stretching here; it's not mission critical, but I thought it would be cute to point out).

In 2023, Apollo (reddit client) and Tweetbot (twitter client) prior to them being sunsetted.

Also in the past, Fantastical (recently announced windows app, but still no android app), Bear (notes app), Lumi (health-tracking app that Apple collaborated with my country's health board on, lets me earn points to redeem for cash), Callsheet (third party client for IMDB).

The overall trend I am seeing is that apps on iOS are better designed overall (even if next best alternatives may technically exist on Android), and paid apps are treated like distant 2nd-class citizens on Android, because even fewer pay for software apparently, despite their larger install base. Not meant as an insult towards Android users, just an observation that iOS tends to be home to nicer apps first or exclusively.

The comment about switchers came from Tim Cook in 2023.




Also, based on the last few earnings calls by Apple, their active device install base is growing. Note that these are devices in active use, not just sold. I need to go read up on Counterpoint Research again, but I suspect they are conflating device sales with market share (assuming a 1:1 correlation). It may also not capture sales of iPhones in the grey market.

So an android user could have gotten 2-3 cheaper android handsets (because they spoil faster, being made of less durable material) while an iPhone stays in active use for 5-6 years (due to longer software support and better build quality).

Also, we could be looking at greater sales of cheaper android handsets (which is a market that Apple doesn't really compete in) vs Apple continuing to rule the roost when it comes to sale of more expensive handsets. So the numbers you shared could mean more people are buying smartphones, but that Apple continues to command the lion's share of premium handset sales (and consequently, profits).


1Q24: 2.2B
1Q23: 2B (this was announced last year, but I don't have a link to it at the moment)
1Q22: 1.8B

What I can infer is that users who embrace iPhones tend not to move away from the ecosystem (due to improved satisfaction) and also go on to purchase even more Apple hardware and services. The one area of concern seems to be that upgrade cycles are lengthening (which again may not be a bad thing in itself because it means that Apple devices do work and last longer), but Apple should be able to offset this with a larger overall base.

Again, I see no signs that Apple is in distress of any sort.


We will see.

It's not a new video (and I do have my bugbear with Futureproof's videos increasingly growing in fluff and lacking in any real substance or commentary), and my answer is, and always, will be the same.

Which is that if anyone here actually believes any of this, then you are really just setting yourselves for more failure and disappointment. Thinking that Apple users are somehow being forced against their will to buy products like Apple Watches and AirPods or bemoaning our lack of access to third party apps or RCS is nothing more than looking for someone to blame for market failures when the real problem is moreso a bad vision, inadequate corporate culture, and lack of understanding as to what makes Apple unique.

For years, Apple has been positioned as one bad iPhone update away from implosion. Low market and sales share were paraded around as signs of an incompetent product strategy. Simply put, Apple was framed as being weak and vulnerable, dependent on revenue sources that could disappear overnight due to consumers fleeing to the competition.

Today, that narrative has completely shifted. Everyone is now infatuated with Apple’s power, its ironclad grip over the App Store, and the idea that Apple users are stuck or imprisoned in a massive walled garden where things like iMessage, Apple Watches, and AirPods force people to remain within Apple’s walls.

Ironically, government regulators are viewed as the only entity capable of protecting Apple users from Apple because apparently, we are toddlers incapable of being trust to make our own purchasing choices.

The criticism surround Apple seems to constantly shift and ebb with whichever is most convenient at any one particular point in time, yet zoom out and you notice that they lack internal consistency and a clear overarching narrative. So, which is it? Apple is too powerful, or constantly teetering on the brink of oblivion?

Perhaps all the critics and haters could arrange to meet up over zoom this Christmas to hash out their talking points first?
To measure the installed base of numbers of iPhones in use is a weak and misleading projection. Of course the installed base will grow. It happens with competitors too albeit at a much faster pace. That’s why apples marketshare of iOS took a nosedive from 23% in Q4-2023 to a miserable 16% in Q2-2024. See charts. As a teacher you should know some math.

The apps you’re referring to are mostly all available on Android too. As you see on the most downloadable charts from Apple itself there aren’t any Apple apps showing up. Mostly apps from their biggest competitors like Meta and Google. In fact the Android store has much more apps available than the AppStore and the best apps are available crossplatform. In fact there are more apps that aren’t available for iOS than for Android. You also mention privacy as a big point but are using Googles YouTube and other Google apps 🤭

Apples iOS worldwide usage went from 23% to 16% in a timeframe of 6 months. Makes me curious for how long developers support the platform because Apple doesn’t have a very good relationship with developers.

I really hope Apple will make a comeback but they need to make a lot of change to do so.

iOS 18 is recognized as a complete disaster and introduces nothing new Android has been delivering for years. It’s bug ridden and only supports the latest iPhone models. Maybe 3% of Apple’s installed base? 😓

Siri still acts as a retarded while Gemini 2.0 is around the courner. Apple has nothing in house to compete with and is only relying on software and technology that is not produced in-house.

Have you seen any important upgrades from Apple’s own software lately? I’m not talking about Final Cut Pro, logic, motion, etc. They’ve lost the pro market already out of neglect. I’m talking about iMovie, pages, keynote etc. Same old, same old and only a few bug fixes and incremental updates. Also neglected for years and positioned for all apple users. Compare those offerings with the free offerings from others and you will understand why Google’s suit is so popular.

Oh well, Apple has to do something to stay relevant because it’s getting beaten on all fronts.

Let’s see what’s coming from Timmy’s infinite famous pipeline to turn the tide in a positive direction.

Years of bad management and focusing purely on profits has eroded Apple to its core.
 
I cannot help but notice that you seem to be constantly evading my questions and avoiding answering them directly.

The apps you’re referring to are mostly all available on Android too. As you see on the most downloadable charts from Apple itself there aren’t any Apple apps showing up. Mostly apps from their biggest competitors like Meta and Google. In fact the Android store has much more apps available than the AppStore and the best apps are available crossplatform. In fact there are more apps that aren’t available for iOS than for Android. You also mention privacy as a big point but are using Googles YouTube and other Google apps 🤭

I am fairly confident that the apps I listed are not available on Android (last I checked) but I would be happy to be proven wrong. Could you perhaps provide a few screenshots of a couple of those apps (say Things, Notability, Overcast, Ivory) running on an Android phone?

Do it and I will concede this point.

I also won't say that the best apps are cross-platform, merely the more common ones. Like yeah, I use WhatsApp, Telegram, I have a number of google apps installed (since my workplace uses google services pretty extensively, so stuff like gmail, drive, photos, chrome and classroom are essential), shopping apps like Shopee and Amazon, banking apps, ride hailing, food delivery etc. They are a means to an end, some run like crap, but at the end of the day, what choice is there?

And I suppose that if I were content to stick with the really basic apps, Android is fine too. But you are talking to someone who paid full price for Apollo right off the bat, and loved it enough that I was happy tipping the developer ever so often.

Apples iOS worldwide usage went from 23% to 16% in a timeframe of 6 months. Makes me curious for how long developers support the platform because Apple doesn’t have a very good relationship with developers.
Even if the developers do decide to abandon iOS, they likely won't be going over to Android, where the development environment and opportunities for monetisation are even worse. For all the issues that developers complain with the iOS App Store, my understanding is that the Google Play Store is even more poorly maintained, and "defecting" to Android is not going to magically make all their woes go away.

Your energies would be better spent thinking of you can better court iOS developers to also release their apps for Android, rather than worry about the state of the iOS App Store.
iOS 18 is recognized as a complete disaster and introduces nothing new Android has been delivering for years. It’s bug ridden and only supports the latest iPhone models. Maybe 3% of Apple’s installed base? 😓
Perhaps you are conflating Apple Intelligence with iOS 18, because I am also running iOS 18 on my 13 pro max and iPad 9. And iOS is more than just a phone. It's an ecosystem.

Have you seen any important upgrades from Apple’s own software lately? I’m not talking about Final Cut Pro, logic, motion, etc. They’ve lost the pro market already out of neglect. I’m talking about iMovie, pages, keynote etc. Same old, same old and only a few bug fixes and incremental updates. Also neglected for years and positioned for all apple users. Compare those offerings with the free offerings from others and you will understand why Google’s suit is so popular.
This brings me back to my 1st point. Apps like Google's suite of apps are available on both platforms, and on top of that, I get Apple's own apps (like Maps and Safari) and those from third party developers as well, so it's like the best of all worlds.

I am also curious as to what Google's alternative to iMovie is. Plus I do genuinely like the iWork's suite (especially on iOS), just that I stopped using them due to lack of compatibility with Windows, so most of my work is done using the Office suite (saved in onedrive so I can access them both on my Mac and my Windows work laptop). Google's suite of apps is popular because they are readily available for free on all platforms, and contain just enough functionality to meet the majority's needs.

When I started out teaching, and before Office was available on iOS (I think prior to 2016 or 2017), I used iWork's on my iPad, and keynote and pages were great to work with (at least I didn't feel like I was constantly fighting the UI).

If I didn't have to worry about making my work readily accessible to anyone one, I would honestly prefer to continue using iWork's any time of the day. Like I wish Microsoft would move the ribbon panel in Word to the side, to maximise the amount of vertical screen estate I have to work with on a 16:9 laptop screen, but alas, the Office team seems to be staffed by coders who have zero sense of aesthetics.
Let’s see what’s coming from Timmy’s infinite famous pipeline to turn the tide in a positive direction.
Like I said, I am not going anywhere. 😊
 
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