this post was submitted on 06 Dec 2023
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[–] Sanyanov 31 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (7 children)

I've heard of the issue before.

Stupid? Absolutely. And it's not just iPhones - they are part of the bigger picture. Somehow having "premium" things is huge part of your status in the US, especially among teens. And, despite the fact iPhone is owned by just about everyone in America, it's still somehow seen as a thing compared to which Android phones are broke man's choice.

Result? 87-88% of American teens have iPhones (1, 2), with 90% planning to make it their next choice.

It's an extremely toxic consumer culture driving people into debt - and even if you aren't part of it, you'll be forced into it, otherwise your child will have issues.

Also, Apple will fight tooth and nail to distinguish users, because having access to iMessage - and now right-colored bubbles - is a big part of why Americans go Apple to begin with. It's a local unofficial communication standard.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 7 months ago (3 children)

because having access to iMessage - and now right-colored bubbles - is a big part of why Americans go Apple to begin with.

Do you have something supporting this? I was the only iPhone user in my family years ago, now everyone in my family has one. They switched because their Androids were slow, buggy and had issues. Over time they decided to try iPhones and now their perception of iPhone is that it just works better and smoother than Android.

I think some go Apple for status, but still others go with it because they’ve personally had a better experience. For older people there’s probably also an element of support from their younger family. If their kids, grandkids etc. have iPhones then they can get help from them because they’re familiar with the device.

I use an iPhone and many other Apple products because I work in IT. I get tired of troubleshooting other people’s tech issues and I can come home and my Apple stuff all just works. I don’t think it’s the best, I actually have a Windows gaming computer and an Ubuntu box as a home server but the Apple ecosystem works well together and means I’m not still wearing my IT hat at home all the time.

The teen bullying is a social problem but it’s not that different than Starter jackets when I was in elementary school, branded sports apparel (particularly Nike) when I was in middle school, and having a pager when I was in high school.

I don’t really care what color the bubbles are when I send messages, as long as the go through.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 7 months ago (1 children)

They switched because their Androids were slow, buggy and had issues.

Yeah. If they would have spent the same amount of money on a high-end Android phone, those issues would have gone away. People are always comparing cheap low and mid-level shits to iPhones. Which is not very fair. Try an S23 Ultra or a Pixel 8 Pro and tell me it's slower than an iPhone.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

If they would have spent the same amount of money

They did spend the same because they were getting the deal phones from their provider. You’ll have to bear in mind this switch was about 10 years ago.

I think what you’re saying contributes to why this Android/Apple discussion is still going on.

The level of Android device varies based on cost affecting the experience. If you buy an Apple you don’t have that issue because all their devices run relatively the same and are expensive. They don’t have a “cheap” option.

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