For someone who was born in the ’90s, my journey with mobile phones has been quite the adventure. I started with the classic Nokia “brick,” and over the years, I’ve dabbled in devices from various manufacturers—Samsung, Huawei, Motorola—but there’s one empire I’ve steadfastly resisted: Steve Jobs’s Apple. Here’s why.
1. The Price Tag
Let’s start with the most glaring issue: the cost. iPhones have never been synonymous with affordability. The latest iPhone 15, for instance, demands a hefty $799 for the base model. If you want more features or a larger screen, be prepared to shell out even more. In contrast, Samsung offers a range of budget-friendly options alongside their high-end devices, making them a more accessible choice for many.
2. Forced into AirPods
Apple’s decision to ditch the headphone jack in favor of promoting AirPods has been a sore point for many users. While wireless audio has its perks, it also means that users must invest in AirPods or deal with cumbersome adapters that hinder the ability to charge and listen simultaneously. The cheapest AirPods come at a price of $129, making them an additional expense that not everyone is willing to shoulder.
3. Chargers Sold Separately
Apple’s decision to stop including wall chargers with their iPhones is an additional inconvenience and expense. While they argue this promotes sustainability, it’s a hassle for first-time iPhone users who don’t already own an adapter, now priced at an extra $19.
4. Battery Life and “Batterygate”
Battery life on iPhones has often left users wanting more. The infamous “batterygate” scandal raised suspicions that Apple intentionally slowed down older iPhones to drive upgrades. Although Apple settled lawsuits and claimed this was to preserve battery health, the controversy has left a lasting mark on their reputation.
5. Incremental Upgrades
With each new iPhone model, the differences are often minimal, as even Steve Jobs’s daughter, Eve Jobs, acknowledges. Critics have noted that the incremental improvements might not justify the high cost of upgrading. When it comes to smartphones, it seems we might be approaching a point of diminishing returns.
6. iPhone as a Status Symbol
While many view iPhones as status symbols, I’m not one to buy into that trend. Owning a particular phone model doesn’t define who you are as a person, and I prefer to invest my money in things that truly matter to me.
7. Sticking to My Preferences
Though not having an iPhone can be inconvenient at times, I’m stubborn in my ways. I’ve never FaceTimed or iMessaged anyone, and I can live without certain apps and features exclusive to iPhones. I’ve found alternatives that work for me, and I’m content with my current Android device.
In a world where iPhones are the norm, I’ve chosen to march to the beat of my own drum. While Apple products undoubtedly have their merits, they simply don’t align with my priorities and preferences. For now, I’m happy with my non-Apple ecosystem, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. After all, the world of technology is vast and diverse, and there’s something out there for everyone.