[julianmarq]

I saw some people saying that this makes them want to switch towards iphones next.

I'm not gonna lie, I considered it for a moment too, like a year ago... But apple is now engaging in its own share of dark patterns and is now collecting data too. There have been multiple articles on the matter shared here even.

Thinking that apple is better than google for privacy (or, even if it is right now, that it will remain so for any reasonable amount of time) is... overly optimistic, at best.

Unless it chances paths, of course, which I don't see likely.

[heavyset_go]

> There have been multiple articles on the matter shared here even.

Here are the threads I'm aware of off the top of my head. What other threads should I look into?

- Apple's Cooperation with Authoritarian Governments[1]

- Apple reportedly dropped plan for encrypting backups after FBI complained (2020)[2]

- Apple puts more adverts in App Store after ad-tracking ban[3]

- Apple to boost ads business as iPhone changes hurt Facebook[4]

- Apple knew a supplier was using child labor but took 3 years to fully cut ties[5]

[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26644216

[2] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25777207

[3] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27051736

[4] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26901868

[5] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25607386

[GoofballJones]

1. Thanks..as it shows the article in question was full of holes, such as the Russians requiring an app be baked in and not being able to uninstall. This was false.

2. This is for iCLOUD backups. Yes, that's a problem. But you can turn off iCloud backups totally...and then use your computer to make the backup while tethered and THAT can be encrypted. If your security conscience, don't use iCloud back-up. Yes.

3. Adverts in the App Store aren't tracking you. They're adverts in the app store. I forget that when someone these days sees an ad, their face melts.

4. Again, Apple isn't sitting there looking over your shoulder watching everything you do for the ads. The ads are for the apps that are "free" and get revenue from the ads in their apps. Usually pushing people to pay the $1.99 for the app. Annoying, yes. On the level of Facebook or Google? Not even close. But keep an eye on this.

5. Apple took 3 years to fully cut ties with a supplier using child labor. Fully cut ties. They are no longer doing it...but took their sweet time. Again, hold their feet to the fire over this.

[schmorptron]

Same exact thinking here, plus apple devices being way expensive for not much gain over cheaper devices + not being able to install apps not from the app store + fully closed source OS is keeping me on the android team as well.

[GoofballJones]

The difference is the "terms of service" on these things...something many, including many here, don't even bother reading. Apple specifically states they don't collect your data..which is why when there are times people find out that they have (like the time they were caught having real people listen in to Siri requests to see if they were accurate), all hell broke loose and there are several lawsuits about that very thing against Apple.

Google says right up front, right in the open "hey, we're gonna look over your shoulder at EVERYTHING you do with your phone. Go ahead and switch off all those placebo buttons on the "privacy" tabs, but we'll still glean telemetry from you". Ok, they don't use those exact words, but they do state that's what they do. But even then, it's not enough for them so they dig more and more and more.

Apple gets their feet held to the flames all the time, especially now that they're leaning into the privacy. Will the convince anyone here? I doubt it. Everyone here are "experts" and they're not gonna let Apple fool them! No-sir-re!

[Drew_]

I've considered switching to iPhone many many times mostly just for iMessage and Facetime. Every time I change my mind after just a few minutes of considering what switching to iOS entails.

[deadmutex]

Yeah, I am not a huge fan of company lock-in. Apple makes their money on hardware, so they try really hard to keep people locked in [1].

"c. However, Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering and the executive in charge of iOS, feared that "iMessage on Android would simply serve to remove [an] obstacle to iPhone families giving their kids Android phones". (PX407, at '122.)"

Yeah, Apple doesn't really seem very consumer friendly as people in this thread suggest.

[1] https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/09/epic-apple-no-imessage-...

[judge2020]

They’re consumer friendly In a different spot than the competition. It’s pick your poison - privacy, or money.

[deadmutex]

The choice isn't binary though.