Why I Choose iPhone: Three Compelling Reasons to Stick with Apple
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The Preference Debate
In the ongoing discussion of iPhone versus Android, personal preference plays a significant role. Generally, iPhones are recognized for their user-friendly interface. Meanwhile, those who favor devices from manufacturers like Samsung or Google often resist the idea of being locked into Apple's ecosystem. Unfortunately, I find myself firmly entrenched in that world.
While both sides have valid points, I find Android's operating system more challenging to appreciate than I do Windows. Although Windows is practical, I perceive Android as cumbersome and less aesthetically pleasing. Typically, users choose between macOS and Windows based on their gaming habits or software needs. My own reason for owning a Mac relates directly to Apple's Final Cut Pro, which is pivotal for video editing.
Some applications, such as CATIA and various product design tools, are unavailable on macOS. It's a rare sight to see an engineer working on a Mac. Conversely, macOS has established itself as the industry standard among creatives, including graphic designers, filmmakers, and podcasters. Even many musicians prefer macOS over its PC counterparts.
Understanding Android's Struggles
The question of why Android hasn't captured a larger market share in regions like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. leads us directly to its creator: Google.
Many arguments favoring Android suggest that Apple is a monopolistic giant and spending money on their products is somehow unethical. While it's true that Apple is a massive corporation, let's not pretend that Google, Samsung, and other smartphone manufacturers are small businesses that genuinely prioritize customer care.
In recent years, Apple discovered that consumers value privacy, and they've leveraged this insight effectively. This strategy has prompted both Samsung and Google to emphasize their commitment to user privacy.
Surprisingly, I find myself trusting Apple more than Google. Samsung cannot guarantee that user information remains secure on its devices, as it still depends on Chrome and various third-party applications. The process of getting an app approved on the Google Play Store is considerably easier than on Apple's App Store, which restricts developers from tracking users without consent.
Most Siri requests on Apple devices are processed locally, which is why Siri may seem less responsive compared to other smart assistants. Even sensitive data, like ovulation tracking through the Apple Watch, isn't sent online or processed through the cloud.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to Apple versus Google. While both are colossal entities, I prefer to trust the company that doesn’t control the world’s largest search engine.
iMessage: A Standout Feature
If you ask me, the best aspect of any Apple device is undoubtedly iMessage. Although texting on Android has improved over the years, it still falls short in comparison. This is partly due to Apple's influence.
iMessage operates over a data connection, allowing users to see when someone is typing and to receive read receipts. This data connection also facilitates message encryption. Most mobile providers do not charge for data used in texting. However, if you disable iMessage, you'll be left with the frustrating “green bubbles” that everyone dislikes. When communicating with an Android user, iMessage isn’t an option.
SMS, which began its journey in 1992, was a groundbreaking development, but it has limitations, such as character restrictions and the inability to send high-quality media securely. RCS (Rich Communication Services) rolled out in 2007 but only gained traction on Android by 2014. While Google Messages now supports RCS, users must revert to SMS when texting iPhone users, leading to a subpar experience for both parties.
Apple adopting RCS when iMessage isn’t available would be a significant win for consumers. Nevertheless, iMessage maintains its superiority over Google Messages because it integrates seamlessly with every Mac I own. While this does necessitate purchasing a Mac—there's no iMessage support for Windows—it still provides a better experience than what Google offers, which is nearly nonexistent.
The Apple Ecosystem Advantage
This aspect of Apple is both a blessing and a curse, though it leans more towards the positive side. Before transitioning to macOS in 2017, I was a Windows user who typically bought laptops in the $600 to $700 range. The quality of my first MacBook Pro far surpassed those devices, and even my current Apple Silicon devices outperform anything I've owned previously. Just this morning, I restarted my $700 Mac Mini, and the process took less than a minute.
The real draw of the Apple ecosystem is what keeps me loyal to my iPhone. Even if I considered switching, the extensive integration of Apple products makes it hard to justify. iCloud is readily accessible on all my devices, while I only use my Windows machine for gaming, making it unnecessary to have iCloud there.
Moreover, AirDrop is incredibly useful. In 2019, while driving to Columbus, Ohio—a five-hour journey from Detroit—I had to make a last-minute edit to a music video for a client. I stopped at a Burger King near the state line, hoping for Wi-Fi, but found none. Instead, I accessed the project on my offline MacBook, made the necessary edits, exported the file, and AirDropped it to my iPhone for upload to our shared Dropbox.
None of this would have been feasible without my Mac and Apple’s ecosystem. While I could have connected my phone to my computer via cable, that process is slower and requires carrying an extra cord. There is an alternative service called Snapdrop that works on the web, but it's not as efficient as AirDrop and requires a cellular connection, while AirDrop can operate over Bluetooth.
Not to mention, the ability to text from macOS adds to the convenience.
While Android offers a variety of appealing features, these are deal-breakers that I cannot overlook. What about you?
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