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Goodbye, Android. Hey, Siri.
After more than a decade of dedication to Google’s mobile operating system, I’m leaving for Apple.
I have no problem with Android. But I’m ready to try a new mobile experience – and may my iPhone friends stop berating me for being the “green bubble” guy in group chats.
My smartphone journey started in 2008 with the HTC Dream, also known as the T-Mobile G1. It remains one of my favorite devices; the sliding keyboard was epic. From there, I went through various Samsung Note and Galaxy devices, most recently with the S8 Plus.
I stayed with Android because it had a better camera; deep Google / Gmail integration; and more customization options with home screen widgets, folders, etc. It has also become familiar and comfortable; the transition to a new operating system became more and more intimidating over time.
But the iPhone’s camera is arguably supreme now. Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps, and other Google apps I rely on are solid on iOS. Home screen widgets finally arrived on the iPhone in September. And as a MacBook user and new AirPods owner, a more seamless integration between my devices is appealing.
My transition comes as Apple continues to gain market share in the United States. This year, iOS took the top spot after gaining 20% share over the past eight years, according to Statista. Android still holds a dominant lead in global market share.
The latest version of the iPhone 12 is expected to “further strengthen the position of iOS in the market,” IDC reported in September. Earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company’s cheapest iPhone offering, the $ 399 iPhone SE, was helping convince consumers to switch from Android to Apple.
“It’s the engine of our best phones, in a very affordable package, and it’s faster than the fastest Android phones,” he said in May. “It’s exceptional value.”
The last few days have been fun with my new iPhone 12 Pro. Learn new gestures and navigation mechanics – where’s my back button ?! – is surely an adjustment. But it’s not as hard as I thought it would be. (Apple also offers an app to make switching easier)
In some ways, there are more similarities and less differences between iOS and Android compared to years past. The most popular apps are on both platforms. Top notch cameras are on iPhone and various Android devices. And with much of our storage and data processing in the cloud, memory capacity and storage space on the devices themselves seem less important. But I have to say – all new smartphones are fast, but the iPhone 12 feels Great fast so far.
Either way, it will be fun to try out a new smartphone platform. I am delighted to fully immerse myself in the world of Apple with my laptop, headphones and now my smartphone firmly anchored in the hands of Tim Cook.
A first complaint: It was boring to buy a $ 20 AC adapter since Apple decided to take them out of the iPhone box for apparent environmental reasons.
My initial exposure to Apple device ownership was the first generation iPod, which my late grandfather – an Apple fanboy – bought for me in 2001. This stuff was awesome – especially the spinning wheel and the game. Brig.
I know he would be happy with my latest tech purchase. It’s exciting to have another Apple product that’s just released in your hands. I do not exclude a return to Android. But for now, I’m bubbling blue and ready for the ride.
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