Moving on from iOS

[dk001]

I'm eyeing the OnePlus "R" series because the value for your money is unmatched especially in the Canadian cellphone market. Motorola would be my 2nd choice, but I don't trust them because of their poor software update support. Although, they have slightly improved on the update policy with some of their recent 2025 lineup.

My wife has been using OnePlus since the 9 Pro, currently on the 12, and has had no issues with updates. Gets the security updates routinely and OS updates. This is in the US. Not sure how Canada is especially with your carriers.

One thing I do wish, is that many of the Asian phones that aren’t allowed or supported here in the US become available.

 

[dreamerstree]

Thanks for letting us know.

 

[Technerd108]

I get it. We all get fed up with tech companies because they are all fundamentally evil or at least putting profit over morals.

The problem is going with one or another saying this company is better because xyz is just a delusion. I used to think in a similar way. I tried using Linux as my only laptop or computer for several years. Used to go on distrowatch and check the latest new bistro a couple times a week. However instead of just using my computer to get stuff done I was using my computer just to configure it, optimize it, update and hope a new kernel doesn't break anything. I was spending more time getting things to work(don't get me started on printers and cameras at the time) than do actual work. When I was younger it was a challenge and was fun. There was a sense of community and that we would get Open Source software mainstream and if we can get Linux as a popular desktop/laptop software then we could change a lot that was wrong with tech environment(privacy concerns, software limitations, etc.). Over a couple decades later since when I started using Linux and even with Ubuntu and PopOS and more hardware Linux just never made it commercially. If Linux was really better in terms of software and apps that you can use and apply in daily use then people would be demanding it but the truth is commercial software is almost always better. I hope this changes and Linux will be as polished in the OS as Apple and the apps and compatibility with other OS get better.

I tried buying a laptop with Linux pre-installed so I knew all the hardware would work. Those laptops at that time were so much more expensive than their Windows counterparts. Dell and Lenovo laptops with Linux were also more expensive than their Windows models and had some odd hardware choices or restraints. I am sure things may be a bit better but generally you pay more to have free software on a laptop.

I even tried ChromeBooks thinking that this is the closest thing to Linux and I can run a full Linux desktop if I want and it is maintained by Google so it should be very stable. I was right. Chromebooks are great if you don't mind a lot of web based apps even with a high end Chromebook. Same problem with hardware on a ChromeBook as with Linux. If you compare Chromebooks with Windows laptops with the same hardware the Windows laptops are several hundred dollars less. High end Chromebooks are a bit of a rip off and still make bad trade offs with hardware. Privacy is a huge issue with anything Google. So this wasn't really a viable replacement to Windows or MacOS or Linux desktop that I was looking for.

I had always used Android phones and windows pc's with a MacBook every so many years. Power PC MacBook was a good time. But I have always had multiple hardware and software environments. I would just prioritize one over the other and sometimes I could only afford one system so more often it was Windows because of cost. Used Linux during that time.

I got an iPhone for the first time with the iPhone 11 and loved it. Got a MacBook at the same time. Since then I have primarily been a MacOS user but after a couple years iOS started getting really unstable. So I went back to Android. Then I thought I am selling all my Apple stuff and going all in on Windows and Android. After a year of that I said the Windows and Android interface is inferior. I like Windows for some things but overall I prefer MacOS in daily use. MacOS is more consistent and updates are just so much easier.

At the end of the day using a Mac is still the best experience for me. I also like my iPad Air. I just like Android? And every time I think of going back to iPhone I go on here and hear the problems of the new devices and iOS releases. My s24 Ultra is still a great phone and has certain features Apple still doesn't have yet. Who knows with the phones.

My point is I have been there and done that. In the end all companies are evil or at least not working in our best interest. So trying to choose one based on ethics or whatever metric will becomes very hard to do honestly and objectively. So you may as well just use what you like best.

Sort of reminds me of people getting angry about Beer and politics. Companies trying to act like they care about xyz and then as soon as it is no longer profitable just abandoning them despite the ethics of it. In my personal opinion companies should stay out of politics completely. I don't want to buy a beer based on the politics on the owners. I want to buy a beer because it is the best beer I can get. Same with a computer or anything else. I don't care if they say they use recycled aluminum and all of the greenwashing tactics because I know it is just marketing. So is anything they they say about any issue. No corporation cares about ethics or morality. Ethics and morality are antithetical to profit. If people remember that then they will not get emotionally entangled by a brand or company. Using your emotions companies manipulate customers buying habits every day. Acting like they support this or that cause is a great way to align customers emotionally with your brand and sells a lot of product. So I basically don't trust any company at face value. Give us proof or shut up.

So now I don't buy stuff based on a principle because it is a fools errand that disempowers me. I buy only based on need. It is something I am still learning to do and it is hard to retrain the brain. I have been so conditioned to buy over and over again something new even if I don't need it. I never repair and only replace and I used to do it often regardless of need. I am now trying something new. Buy only when I really need to. Buy what is the best value regardless of brand. Value representing not only cost buy local manufacturing, good manufacturing practices, quality products that can be repaired instead of replaced.

For me now, MacBooks are simply the best tool for the job. In ten years if Windows is radically fixed and updated and hardware catches up to m series chips then I may go back to Windows. If Linux on laptops ever gets mainstream enough and more stable for me then I might even try that but I am done trying to make something work and spend hours of configuration. I am tired of Windows new UI and old UI and ancient file system and a lot of other stuff that needs fixing like better privacy controls so it is basically only used for work. Windows laptops cpus still run hotter and use up more battery and still aren't as performant in feeling in use than older m series MacBooks.

Just use what works best for you. evaluate your needs and requirements in daily use. Then use what fits that best regardless of brand or OS, etc.

 

[Apple$]

My wife has been using OnePlus since the 9 Pro, currently on the 12, and has had no issues with updates. Gets the security updates routinely and OS updates. This is in the US. Not sure how Canada is especially with your carriers.

One thing I do wish, is that many of the Asian phones that aren’t allowed or supported here in the US become available.

Thank you for sharing your wife’s experience with OnePlus, if the time comes when I need an upgrade, I’ll strongly consider a OnePlus as long as they have a reasonably priced option. (OnePlus R, or Nord N series)
Does the software updates work through a separate app or can it be updated through settings? I’ve heard OnePlus makes you download a separate app to do Software updates, is that right?

 

[Cobalt Blizzard]

Does the software updates work through a separate app or can it be updated through settings? I’ve heard OnePlus makes you download a separate app to do Software updates, is that right?

There was a third party app that tracks new system updates and lets you easily download them directly from OnePlus server. Then you can choose this update package to perform ‘local system update’ from the within Settings app.

 

[Jason2000]

Good luck and I hope it works out for you. I have tried switching multiple times but keep coming back to Apple. Not sure I can tell you why either. Has nothing to do with lock-in like so many complain about. I use Google services, Spotify, MS office..etc so I do not feel locked in the Apple ecosystem in any way and it's very easy for me to switch to Android/Windows. So many things I love about Android and even Chromebooks but something keeps pulling me back to iOS/MacOS. And I say this as I patiently wait to hear more about Android this week at I/O. Also can't wait to see what Google brings with the Pixel 10. To me Google is more exciting than Apple yet I have trouble letting go...lol. Maybe I have yet to stumble on the right flavor of Android Kool-Aid.

 

[d3vilsadvocate]

I'm not even sure why I'm commenting on this... because you do you in the end.

But as someone who just switched to macOS from Windows (and keeps a Windows gaming machine like a console on the side) I'm glad I moved away from Windows.

Sure, I see the shortcomings in the Apple universe. There have been a lot of issues with all their systems in recent years. There is no denying that.

But OH MY GOD is windows not headed in the right direction right now. Go read a few developer inside stories and you'll know why. Pair that with MS' current business strategy/goals and it's overall adversarial nature towards its userbase you'll soon wish you could go back to Apple.

 

[sjsharksfan12]

I moved to Android from IOS and it does have a bit of a learning curve. Just something as simple as making a front and lock screen are things I have difficulty with, and when I watch videos they get into like special apps and other things which do go over my head. However, I do enjoy the Android phone and what I did with IOS I can easily do on Android. Android has a podcast app I like. Android still offers Apple Music, various other things like sports apps, email, and nice widgets.

It does take time to get used to, but now I don't think I would change. I still have a few Apple products (Mac, Ipad, and Apple TV) and I have a windows computer. I like to think I'm not stuck in a single ecosystem and I can enjoy all of it. Now if Android has a version of the Apple TV that looks interesting I might consider it. I've had Apple TV since 2021 and it still works, but I think I would like Android integration with the phone and TV like I used to have with Iphone and TV. Also, I would like to still listen to music on the TV and have my stats still go to Last.fm or just something better to follow. Anyone have any suggestions about that?

Why do people hate windows right now? I really don't follow what the reviews are saying but I've been on Windows (And use Microsoft Excel) for a long long time. I'm not sure if I can ever switch. That, and my stock trading app does not work on Mac. I know it's a failing of the broker, (Fidelity) but I'm getting good rates through my father and really can't change.

 

[bunce66]

Maybe your case is different, but I had to use a Dell machine at work recently and found it was just pathetic all around. Terrible software (windows), endless glitches, and a horrible trackpad and build quality. It was a higer end machine from them, as well. I honestly thought my old Macbook Pro from 2013 was superior. I really can't fathom buying a Windows machine after that. Unless you have a really specific use case, it makes no sense.
Not gonna argue about android vs. iOS, since i have no experience with Android.

 

[mxrider88]

macOS is literally Unix if you want linux so bad why not just use macOS so you get professionally developed unix instead of dealing with linux and its hodgepodge amateur hour developers that make a mess every so often and everything is a massive PITA to maintain.

Because macOS is not professionally developed anymore. It is a bunch of amateurs. Linux is far more reliable and stable. macOS is a bug fest and is has been one, for a good 10 years now. Linux has a steep learning curve but it is by far the best OS out there

 

[ultravegeta1981]

Got a Xiaomi 15 for a good price. Got an Iphone 16 Pro and im on the fence to switch but i cant XD

Better screen,snapdragon elite,12gb RAM,camera is better than the Iphone tbh,everything is fluid etc. Its the european rom so no problems with software.

Its so hard to just switch and leave ios.

 

[dk001]

Thank you for sharing your wife’s experience with OnePlus, if the time comes when I need an upgrade, I’ll strongly consider a OnePlus as long as they have a reasonably priced option. (OnePlus R, or Nord N series)
Does the software updates work through a separate app or can it be updated through settings? I’ve heard OnePlus makes you download a separate app to do Software updates, is that right?

No separate app needed. She checks in Settings if the device hasn’t already let her know an update is available for install. Pretty much the same as my S25P.

 

[dk001]

Good luck and I hope it works out for you. I have tried switching multiple times but keep coming back to Apple. Not sure I can tell you why either. Has nothing to do with lock-in like so many complain about. I use Google services, Spotify, MS office..etc so I do not feel locked in the Apple ecosystem in any way and it's very easy for me to switch to Android/Windows. So many things I love about Android and even Chromebooks but something keeps pulling me back to iOS/MacOS. And I say this as I patiently wait to hear more about Android this week at I/O. Also can't wait to see what Google brings with the Pixel 10. To me Google is more exciting than Apple yet I have trouble letting go...lol. Maybe I have yet to stumble on the right flavor of Android Kool-Aid.

I have pretty much, well as much as possible, moved off of Google services. For mail and other items, I use Proton.
Still have some minor Google stuff. and now, Gemini.
Not deGoogled, but Google minimized.

 

[Dash Rantic]

Meh, as a software developer trying to not get locked into *any* ecosystem, the Macintosh has always held a special place for me. I can use it as powerfully as any UNIX/Linux distro, but it just gets out of my way in the day-to-day running of things. When I was in college I enjoyed messing around with the little details of my hardware a lot more than I do now, these days I just need to get work done and get on with my life.

That being said, I still use Linux heavily, I have a dedicated Debian box for certain things, and certainly wouldn't mind moving fully to a *NIX distro one day. macOS just hits all my day to day needs, and I'm grateful for it. I've hit a point where I can pay a little more for niceties and peace of mind for my daily driver, and I do worry about what happens when Apple gets overly constrictive about macOS one day. But they haven't driven me away yet

*edit* I *also* do Windows development, and was employed for a long time as a Windows dev. I do NOT miss the Microsoft environment in any way, and hated using Windows on a day-to-day basis. *NIX folks can sneer down their noses all they want at me, but simply getting away from the shackles of M$ has felt absolutely wonderful.

 

[AndreDC]

Its honestly so sad to me that i'm reading this thread but you know what I am understanding it. Theres no point being a fan-boy type who just doesnt listen to both sides of an argument. Personally I love my mac. I have a 16" macbook pro. Just an old M1 but it's stood the test of time and still runs great for me. iPad and iPhone. Apple watch and vision. And you know what I cant imagine a better setup. it's great to work with. But I also get it what is said above. I know that i'm compromising. For work I'd be better using a PC laptop and there are some damn nice PC laptops out there. I look at the samsung fold of my colleague with a bit of envy also. And with AI I am absolutely so jealous as to how everyone else is able to do the most amazing things on their androids. I keep telling msyelf well Apple just has to catch up... how can they not.

I got into Apple way back in the day. Well before the iMac i'm a little bit hesitant to say but I dunno. I think Apple has a chance if they can sort their AI stuff out at WWDC. But if they dont... I dont want to be one of those guys who considers changing but I might not have a choice.