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The iPhone is a smartphone from Apple that runs the iOS mobile operating system. Between its apps, communication features, the camera, mobile internet access, and other functionalities, the iPhone has quickly become an integral part of many peoples tech lives.

Top 10 Advantages of iPhone Over Android Phone in 2024!

by GeeksModo Staff

The vast majority of people love Android phones because of the different options of hardware and software customization that they have. However, if you happen to ask someone to recommend a good smartphone in 2024, they will probably ask you to buy an iPhone over an Android phone. So the big question is, what are the advantages of an iPhone over an Android phone? In this article, i’m going to explain 10 benefits of having an iPhone over Android smartphone in 2024.

If you traverse across the Internet, you are likely to come across loads of Android fanboys making some pretty unflattering statements about iPhone users, or iPhone fans saying negative things about Android users.
But frivolous altercation aside, what are the advantages of iPhones over Android phones?
The short answer: The iPhone is user-friendly, has a sleek design, and it is very fast as far as its browsing speed is concerned.

Having said that, certain Android fanboys can’t really understand why people like Apple’s operating system, iOS.

what are benefits of iPhones over android phones?

If you ask iPhone users this question, they will most likely point out Apple’s Cleaner interface and design, data privacy, security or how simple it is to get an iPhone working right out of the box, or that they don’t need to take the time to customize a new phone extensively. They also love features such as iMessage, or they like some of the native apps that come pre-installed on a new iPhone, such as Books or Health. Now, let’s look at the major advantages of iPhones over Android phones.

10 Advantages of an iPhone over an Android Phone

Here are ten advantages of having an iPhone over Android:

#1. iPhone is more user-friendly

Even though most Android phone creators try their best in producing these phones, iPhones remain to be the easiest phone to use until now. The look and feel of iOS has not changed over the years. This has been one advantage of iPhone over android phones because it works pretty much the same way in 2024 it did in 2008. You just pick up, switch it on, and touch the app you want to open. Despite Apple making some improvements over the years like Control Center, the iPhone is still very easy to learn.   

#2. iPhones have extreme security

Another advantage of iPhone over Android phones is security. If you use your phone to access your email or social networks, log on to your bank’s website or mobile app, send texts, store contacts or take selfies, Then security should be of concern, as this data could be valuable to cybercrooks and potentially harmful to you or your loved ones.And then the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) revealed to the world that even with physical possession of someone’s iPhone, it takes the assistance of an exceptionally skilled hacker to break into it and access the data. And that’s on a 32-bit phone. Apple doesn’t even make 32-bit phones anymore. They don’t expect iPhones to get infected. One of the biggest myths about iOS is that the operating system is immune to malware. However, iOS apps can still be infected with malware – there was the XcodeGhost debacle where hundreds of apps were found to include a counterfeit version of Xcode, the platform used by developers to build their apps.And using free wi-fi networks is just as big of a risk on iOS as it is on Android. However, Apple does take security seriously, releasing updates to all iOS devices directly, which helps contain any breaches upon becoming aware of them, and disinfecting everybody’s devices, regardless of who their carriers are. Google can’t do that for Android users, unless they have a Pixel or Nexus.

#3. iPhones works beautifully with Macs

If you’re shopping for a new smartphone and already have Apple products, like a Mac or an iPad, it makes sense to consider buying an iPhone. There are a variety of third-party apps you can use across your devices from different manufacturers. In addition, the Continuity feature in Apple products is really nice too. One good example is Handoff. If you own a mac, you can start working on a note on your iPhone and hand it off to your Mac to continue working on it. Also, you can send or receive messages from your mac even if your iPhone is 1000 miles away or turned off. How about that? Androids don’t get those.

There’s also AirDrop, which allows you to easily transfer photos, Videos and other files over Wi-Fi from your iPhone to a MacBook. And with iCloud keeping everything in sync, you have access on your Mac to the photos on your iPhone, and any notes or documents you create.They don’t want bloatware added by the carrierOn most Android phones, the carrier you purchase your phone through can add all kinds of apps and bloatware, and some can’t be uninstalled.This may not be a big problem when you have a brand new phone, but a year or two in when you need more storage space, you won’t be looking at those unwanted apps kindly.An iPhone, however, allows you to delete any unwanted apps when you set up your new phone. and starting with iOS 12, you can easily disable built-in apps you don’t need.

#4. You can update iOS in iPhone whenever you want

Another major advantage of iPhone over android is that you can update iOS in iPhone whenever you want. As detailed on the Apple Developer website, almost 80% of all iOS devices are running the latest version of the operating system introduced last year. When considering only iPhones introduced in the last four years, iOS 17 is installed on 86% of devices. On the other hand, Android 14 is installed on 28.08% of the Android devices.

#5. Resale Value: iPhone Keeps Its Worth.

iPhones tends to hold their value pretty well. It’s easier to resell an iPhone than an Android phone if you want an upgrade. Though some Android devices also hold their value quite well, the cost of the upgrade is less painful for iPhone users.

#6. Apple Pay for mobile payments

Although Android manufacturers are trying to make Android Pay work, Apple Pay is the most popular method for making mobile payments. It is also very easy to use.
You can use Apple Pay by bringing your iPhone near the supported payment terminal at the checkout corner and then authenticate the payment with your phone’s Face ID or touch ID sensor. Apple Pay also supports reward cards and store issued credit card from a wide-range of companies. All of these are stored in the new Apple Wallet app.

#7. Family Sharing on iPhone saves you money

Family Sharing feature lets you share your purchases from App Store, iTunes, and iBooks with other people, even if they have their own separate accounts. Ideally, these other people are your family members, but there’s nothing to prevent you
from sharing your purchases with, say, your friends or roommates.
You can share these with your family with up to six people. By the way, when children want to make a purchase, you will receive an alert so you can also keep control on the stuff they buy in order to keep the bill under control. Other family sharing features include a shared calendar, shared photo albums and the ability to see where your kids are on a map at any time. Google still doesn’t offer these easy family sharing on Android devices.

#8. iPhones are generally faster than Android phones

Having used both platforms daily for years, I can say I’ve experienced way fewer glitches and slow-downs using iPhone. Performance is one of the area iOS beats Android most of the time. This seems ridiculous considering iPhone internals. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is currently the most powerful Apple smartphone and it features 6GB of RAM. Those specifications would be considered mid-range at best in the current Android world.

#9. Accessibility: iPhone is the king

iPhones are also preferred more over Android because of the accessibility features. In a head to head comparison, Apple is the accessibility king. Its built-in accessibility features, the many adaptive and assistive apps available, and ease of use make it the most preferred smartphone for the vast majority of people with disabilities.

For example, Apple’s iOS comes with a number of accessibility features (black on white, larger text sizes for default apps, interface zoom, etc.) that continue to be improved upon. Also, apple’s voiceover is acknowledged as one of its most useful accessibility feature. Voiceover is an accessibility feature that makes the iPhone and iPad easier to operate for the blind and visually impaired. With VoiceOver, anyone with a sight impairment can have their iPhone or iPad’s screen read to them, including buttons, icons, links, and other interface elements, and use gestures to navigate and select their options.through which they can easily operate and work through efficiently. It also has the feature of getting the light of the screen getting dimmed at night for the users who basically love to read the things at night.

#10. Apple provides the best Support

In general, both iPhone and Android phones work pretty well and, for day-to-day use, don’t usually malfunction. However, everything breaks down once in a while, and when that Happens, how you get support is very important.
If you have a problem with Android phone, you can search online forums or reach out to your carrier. But with the iPhone, you can tap into a vast database of useful help articles on Apple’s website itself and can get help via live chat or you can even make a genius bar reservation at your favorite Apple Store and get help from an Apple expert. Google still doesn’t offer this sort of direct relationship with its customers.

Advantages of an iPhone over Android? Now you know

With numerous benefits of having an iPhone over Android, it’s easy to figure out why iPhones are preferred more over Android device when it comes to recommending A friend or family member which phone to buy. iPhone provides much better technical support and it’s easy to update the latest iOS than in Android phones. Moreover, iPhone is preferred more than Android device when creating a new mobile app.
Thanks for reading.

Tags: Android, Apple iPhone
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Off My Chest: Confessions Of An AirPods Lover

by GeeksModo Staff

AirPods have changed my life, mostly for good, but in some ways, for bad.
Since I bought my first pair of AirPods at the end of 2018, they have been in my shirt pocket almost every day.
Not only have they been in my pocket, but one is usually in my ear most of the day as well. As soon as I get up, I often pop one in. Then when going to bed, I pop it out when I am falling asleep.

I have always longed for accessible technology that was small, really small. When Apple
introduced AirPods,
I fantasized about its potential. I longed for a beautiful new device that could rest gently and comfortably on my ear, something gorgeous that would tell me everything I wanted to hear.

In 2019 I probably listened to more podcasts, audiobooks, and music than any other year. You can tell from my usage in the past ten days that I have listened to over 50 hours of audio almost exclusively using my AirPods.
I listen to a lot of podcasts, and lately, a lot of YouTube in the background as well. Usually, all of the usage for YouTube would fall under podcasts, making podcasts around ~45 hours of listening but have been on a YouTube Premium trial to test it out.

Music is usually more and is also being taken up by YouTube usage, and I have also been taking a break on books after reading (and listening to) over 24 of them last year.
Still, a total of 50 hours of audio for a period of ten days is a lot. And I honestly don’t know if I would have managed without the convenience of AirPods.

So what possessed me to even consider buying Apple’s wireless AirPods? They are small, lightweight, easy to forget and always perch precariously from a tiny shelf of ear cartilage. I have learned two great facts about my AirPods over the last two years: They are easy to love and easy to lose.

My old
wired EarPods
were just fine for a long time. If I dropped an EarPod, I could simply trail the wire like bread crumbs to rediscover the treasure.
But, Apple cut my audio umbilicus with the new iPhone models by removing the dedicated headphone jack. I understand that wired EarPods are packaged with the
new iPhones,
but they use the Lightning port, which is also the way I fill my battery during the day. I decided I’d better get used to the wireless lifestyle as early as possible.

I took a deep breath and made the AirPods investment. Around the same time, I also bought the BeatsX wireless offering, as well as the BT Waves much less expensive headset. Nowadays, I almost never touch the BeatsX or BT Waves products. The AirPods are well-engineered, delightfully intuitive and much, much nicer. I love them to the core.

Still, AirPods have a weakness. Gravity. Since I work at home, I generally only use my AirPods in the house. This helps as they are more easily found when they fall off. Fortunately, they don’t shatter on impact. However, I remain fearful. Even after all these months, I still forget when my AirPods are dangling in place. On many occasions, I have lifted an arm to reach up into a kitchen cabinet, knocking an AirPod loose, immediately sending me into a frenzy. There is no dignity in my dropping to my knees on the tiled floor, hoping I do not land on the precious item, then sweeping the surface with my fingers, trying to recapture the elusive accessory.

My AirPods are even vulnerable when I sit in my living room comfy chair. My dog is frequently involved in displacing one or both AirPods as I unwind.
Tom has a couple of endearing traits that cause me minor grief. At least once a day, while I am sitting, Tom will stand on his two hind legs and drape his front paws over my shoulders. He really likes to wipe his nose on my shirt. I am his handkerchief. And, if those two front paws do not successfully fling my AirPods into the abyss, his other little habit certainly will. Tom thinks it is important to sniff my ears, just checking my identity to be sure that I am who I claim to be. That wet nose of his has launched many an AirPod.

Fortunately, I usually find the missing AirPods pretty easily, but I have occasionally needed to use the AirPod “Play Sound” option inside
the
“Find My” app.
The audible beacon it triggers is just loud enough for me to locate the missing accessory. Because I almost only wear my AirPods indoors, I have never had to go hunting outside where the ambient noise might drown out the emergency audio alert.

Of course, the fact that AirPods are so comfortable and easy to forget has left me susceptible to feeling a little foolish. Recently, I took my iPhone upstairs to the master bathroom. I set down my phone and AirPods case and stepped into the walk-in shower. I waited until the rest of me was clean before I started to shampoo my hair. And then I noticed my AirPods dangling from my ears. I’d been in the shower for about a half hour and was mortified. Rather than immediately step out of the shower with soapy hair, I carefully rinsed out the suds and toweled off. I stepped out, put the AirPods on a dry washcloth, and felt dumb as dirt. I patted them dry and decided to just see how permanent the damage was. I popped them back into my ears, started the Music app on my iPhone, and I immediately heard Justin Bieber singing, “love yourself.” Perfect! No damage at all. Somehow they survived a hot shower and shampoo. Do not try this at home. Your mileage may vary.

The previously water-logged pair still works like new. No effect on sound or battery life. What a delight! In fact, recently, I bought a new pair of
AirPods Pro
because I use them all day, every day. After about five hours, I hear the warning signal in the ear piece that the current set is down to 10% of their battery reserve. I immediately put the
first generation AirPods
back into their charging case and start using the AirPods Pro. Rather than wait fifteen minutes to get a decent charge on the depleted AirPods, I simply use the extra pair so that I have no loss in productivity. For me, purchasing a new set of AirPods Pro was very much worth the cost.

The ability to take one out of its case, knowing that it is fully charged, popping it in my ear, automatically connecting to my iPhone, then pressing play on whatever it is I was planning on listening to, has been such a subtle but outstanding life improvement that is hard to describe.
But this improvement has a downside, of course.
Being able to listen to audio comfortably for hours at a time at such a fantastic convenience means I am allowing a separation between myself and the world too easily.
I realized that when I am at home, I always have them in, or at least one, listening to a podcast, audiobook, or watching a video. It has made chores that much more enjoyable, which is a plus, but some chores that I share with my wife have now become cold and quiet. It has even caused my wife to listen to her headsets when we are cooking or cleaning since I am not available to talk.

At work, I am continually listening as well. Even when I get up to go to the bathroom, I make sure to have an AirPod in to listen to a podcast or a song on the way there and back. At our desks, at work, everyone is usually listening to something, but I can’t even walk from the parking lot to my office without popping in an AirPod.

My AirPods, and you can argue Podcasts and AudioBooks, have become my new Twitter or FaceBook when standing inline. Whenever I am at the bank or queuing for food at a restaurant, everyone has there phones out as they wait for their turn at the counter. I know longer stare at my iPhone in line as much anymore because I usually already have an AirPod in listening to my 30th podcast for the day.
Just like using your iPhone for boredom or a time-filler doesn’t always have to be a bad thing, no matter what some people say. But allowing yourself to get bored at times can help you in other ways, such as relieving any anxiety or allowing thoughts to come in organically instead of being forced through social media, authors, or podcasts.

So one thing I have learned in owning Airpods for over two years now is that, to me, audio has become my new boredom filler. Podcasts and AudioBooks are my new form of distraction being fed to me through two beautifully designed white wireless headsets.
Instead of scrolling through the infinity pool of Twitter or Facebook, I now get endless voices in my ear at all hours of the day. This has been a huge advantage in being able to consume so many audio books and podcasts, particularly those that provide tips on life and self-help.
But I am also realizing at the middle of 2020 that I gained a lot of self-help and new ways of living my life last year. The remainder of this year I hope to follow that trend and new knowledge instead of feeling like I need to continue to consume it so much.

There is no way I can cancel some of my favorite podcasts on these topics like The Tim Ferriss Show and Focused, but reading books I am taking a break from this year. I have a stack, digitally and physically, that I still need to read that I may take my time with, but I am not going to try and continuously listen to books throughout the year as I did before.

I have yet to do an actual AirPods review. It is not that I don’t want too, I think it is because when I first got them, there was no friction in becoming my new and, almost, only pair of headphones. I just started using them and never stopped.
Usually, when I write a review about a device, I try to stick to some narrative. Coming up with some pros and cons on the device I am reviewing then counter those pros and cons with reasons why they either don’t matter or should be a deal-breaker.

AirPods, unexpectedly, came into my life and just became an integral part of it promptly. There are cons, besides the ones I described above, causing me to disconnect with the world so easily, but others like them having a hard time to connect to my phone sometimes or them having a hard time switching inputs to another device like my MacBook or iPad.

It took almost a year for my ears to be comfortable with the design of the headphones, too, since I never really like the original EarPods Apple provides in the box with iPhones. They usually start to not last very long on a charge after a year and a half. Also, losing them can be very easy, and the Find My app on my iPhone doesn’t always work when trying to find one.
This is all to say I am never letting my AirPods go, and when these die as the last ones did, I will probably replace them pretty quickly. But I am learning from the habits that these headphones are creating and trying to be better when around my wife or coworkers and be present more.

The AirPod’s biggest pro is the fact that you can listen to anything fairly quickly without fail from your iPhone with comfort and hours at a time. I am most comfortable with them when working in my office, relaxing in the house, or riding in a car. That is most of my day. Even so, I still keep a set of my trusty old EarPods handy for times when walking outdoors or when lying in bed. My AirPods Pro are nice, and I’m glad I bought them, actually, I use them more when I travel by plane or train, when I am in a crowded venue or when I really want to block out the world.

Tag: AirPods
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iPhone SE 2020 Battery Drain Fast? Fix It Now!

by GeeksModo Staff

There have been reports of iPhone SE 2020 battery draining quickly than usual. Although this iPhone model is quite new, there has been concerns from Apple users that despite the newness of their iPhone, their battery is already draining faster. This can be depressing particularly to those who are always on the go and needs their iPhone for their day to day living. If you notice your iPhone SE 2020 battery draining fast, there are some steps you can take to fix the issue before contacting Apple Support.

One of the issues plaguing iPhone SE 2020 users is faster-than-normal battery drain. Battery issues iPhone SE 2020 are extremely common, particularly after new iOS releases, so the complaints don’t come as much of a surprise.

Some of the issues might be hardware related, but many others are probably software related. In a most cases, poor battery on iPhone SE 2020 is caused by a rogue app or bad habits.

If your iPhone SE 2020 battery drain fast, your first thought might be to downgrade back to an older version of iOS. That’s certainly an option. That said, before you downgrade, you should try and resolve the issues on your own.

Why is iPhone SE 2020 battery draining fast?

There can be a number of reasons why your iPhone SE 2020 battery dies fast. It could be because of a bug from the recent update, or maybe there is some issues with the recently installed apps or current apps on your device. The settings on your iPhone could also affect battery consumption.

iPhone SE 2020 battery drain fix

If your iPhone SE 2020 battery drain fast, the following tips will help you fix the problem. These fixes have worked for us in the past and there’s a good chance they’ll get your issues resolved in no time.

Solution #1: Restart Your iPhone

The first thing you’ll want to do is restart your iPhone. Shut it down, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Often times, this will resolve the problem.

Solution #2: Update Your iPhone

If your iPhone SE 2020 battery dies fast, and there’s a new version of iOS available, try updating to the latest version.

Apple probably won’t call out any battery life fixes in an update’s change log, but there’s always a chance new software does wonders for your iPhone. Before you install a new version of iOS, be sure to read reviews and dig into feedback about the update’s performance on your iPhone.

Solution #3: Check Out Your Apps

If you are still experiencing battery issues on iPhone SE 2020 after performing a restart, and there isn’t an update available, check your applications. Apps, especially third-party applications, will sometimes act up after a new iOS operating system is released and there’s a very good chance it’s one of your apps causing the battery drain issues.

Checking app performance is easy and you might be able to identify a rogue app in a matter of minutes. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Launch the Settings app.
  2. Tap on Battery.
  3. Head into the Battery Usage section.

This section will show you the apps draining your iPhone’s battery life and when they’re doing so. If you’re using an app a lot, it will obviously drain your device’s battery. However, if you notice that an app you rarely use is draining battery life, you might need to take a closer look.

If you see an app you rarely use draining your iPhone’s battery life, try updating the application to the latest version. App developers are busy rolling out iOS updates and an update could resolve the problem.

If you are still having poor battery life on iPhone SE 2020, try deleting the app and see if that returns things to normal.

Solution #4: Use Screen Time

The Screen Time feature on iPhone SE 2020  can help you conserve battery while also eliminating bad habits.

Screen Time includes a set of controls that can help keep your addictive behavior in check. If you aren’t on your iPhone using your apps, you won’t be consuming your battery life.

Screen Time gives you the ability to set limits on how long you can use a given app on a particular day. If you approach the threshold, it’ll give you a warning.

The feature also lets you set these alerts for kids and link them to a ScreenTime Allowance. This allows you to set limits on games, but keep important apps available.

Solution #5: Use Low Power Mode

The Low Power Mode feature on iPhone SE 2020 can help you conserve battery life by disabling services (Hey Siri, automatic downloads, and mail fetch) that could drain your battery.

You can turn Low Power Mode on and off any time you want and your iPhone will also prompt you to turn it on whenever it reaches 20% battery.

You may also want to add Low Power Mode setting to your Control Center. Control Center is the menu that pops up when you swipe up from the bottom part of the screen. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Tap Settings.
  2. Now, tap Control Center.
  3. Next, tap Customize Controls.
  4. Lastly, tap the green plus sign next to Low Power Mode.

Next time you launch Control Center on your iPhone you’ll see a battery icon. Tap it to enable or disable Low Power Mode.

You can also turn Low Power Mode on from the Settings app. Here’s how to do this:

  1. Launch Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap Battery.
  3. Tap Low Power Mode.
  4. Toggle it On.

Solution #6: Turn On Optimized Battery Charging

Starting with iOS 13, Apple introduced a feature known as
“Optimized Battery Charging.”
This feature can help reduce battery aging.

The feature learns from your daily charging routine and waits to finish charging your device to 100% until you need to use your
iPhone.
In doing so, it will stop your battery from sitting at maximum capacity and could prolong the overall life of your iPhone’s battery.

Here’s how to enable Optimized Battery Charging on your iPhone SE 2020:

  1. Launch the settings app on your iPhone
  2. Scroll down and tap Battery
  3. Tap Battery Health
  4. Turn ON the switch next to Optimized Battery Charging tab

Solution #7: Disable Widgets

If you don’t use widgets, try turning them off and see if battery life improves. Here’s how to disable widgets on iPhone SE 2020:

  1. On your iPhone Home Screen, swipe to the right.
  2. Scroll all the way to bottom of your widgets and tap Edit.

On this screen you’ll be presented with a list of your apps and services. These are your widgets and you might notice that some of them are active. To deactivate a widget:

  • Tap on the red circle with the white line.
  • Now, tap Remove.

At first we recommend disabling the widgets you never use. (at times, that might be all of them.) If you still notice poor battery life on iPhone SE 2020, return to this screen and go through them one-by-one or disable them all.

You can always turn your widgets back on if you discover they aren’t the cause of the poor battery life on iPhone SE 2020.

Solution #8: Turn Off Raise to Wake

iOS’ Raise to Wake feature is handy, but turning it off could help you conserve your iPhone’s battery life.

If you don’t need your iPhone’s screen to automatically turn on whenever you pick it up, head over to the Settings app > Display & Brightness and turn the Raise to Wake feature off.

Solution #9: Disable Vibrations

If your iPhone vibrates every time you receive a notification, and you don’t need it to, try turning the vibrations off. Turning them off will help your iPhone use less power.

To turn off vibrations on iPhone SE 2020:

  1. Launch Settings.
  2. Tap Sounds & Haptics.
  3. Switch Vibrate on Ring and Vibrate on Silent to off position.

You may also need to go into each individual Sound and Vibration and make sure Vibration (which is located at the top of the display ) is set to “None”.

Solution #10: Use Wi-Fi Instead of Cellular

Using your iPhone while it’s connected to a cellular network can drain your battery. If you have a Wi-Fi network at your disposal, connect to it. It could help you save battery.

Solution #11: Stop Background Refresh

Apple’s Background App Refresh refreshes apps in the background in order to show you the latest data when you launch them. It’s a handy feature, however, it can also consume your iPhone’s battery life. If you don’t need it, try turning it off.

Follow these steps to disable Background App refresh:

  1. Launch Settings.
  2. Go to General.
  3. Tap Background App Refresh.
  4. Turn it off for any apps you don’t use.

There is an option to turn it off completely if you don’t want to go through your apps one at a time.

Solution #12: Turn Off Fitness Tracking

iPhone SE 2020 features a motion co-processor that tracks your steps and other movements. If you use your phone for fitness-related activities, you’ll probably want to keep this feature enabled. If you don’t, you may need to disable it and see if that helps your iPhone SE 2020 battery that is draining fast.

To do this, launch the Settings app and go to Privacy. From there, select Motion & Fitness and toggle the Fitness Tracking function off.

You might also want to toggle off apps listed below Fitness Tracking in the menu. If you don’t notice any change, you can always turn everything back on.

Solution #13: Turn Off Assistive Touch

If you’re currently using Assistive Touch on your iPhone, it might be one of the culprits. Turning it off might help your iPhone SE 2020 battery that is draining fast.

If you don’t want or need Assistive Touch active on your phone, try turning it off. Follow these steps:

  1. Launch Settings.
  2. Go to Accessibility.
  3. on Touch
  4. Tap AssistiveTouch.
  5. Toggle it to Off.

Solution #14: Enable Dark Mode

Since the dark mode feature is now available on iOS 13 update and most of Apple iPhones that supports the update, turning on Dark Mode feature can help fix battery draining issue on iPhone SE 2020.
Follow these steps to enable Dark Mode:

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone
  2. Tap on Display & Brightness
  3. Tap on Dark Mode to enable it.

Solution #15: Disable Automatic Downloads

If Automatic Download is enabled, as the title suggest, it automatically downloads and updates apps purchased and installed on your device. This means it constantly refreshes to search for available update especially if connected to a WiFi thereby draining your iPhone’s battery life. 

Follow these steps to Disable Automatic Download:

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone
  2. Go to iTunes & App Store tab
  3. Under the Automatic Download section, you can turn Off for Music, Apps, Books and Audiobooks and App Updates. You have the option to select one or you can select to disable all.

Solution #16: Adjust Screen Display

There is a high possibility that the cause of the battery draining faster on your iPhone SE 2020 is because of the settings on your screen display. Be sure to change your iPhone screen dimmer on for daytime use and enable auto-brightness in order for it to auto adjust based on the lightning conditions with the use of a light sensor that is built-in to your iPhone device.

You can adjust the brightness of the screen manually in two ways:

  • First option: Drag the Sun Icon when you opened the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of your display.
  • Second option: Open the settings app on your iPhone and tap on Display & Brightness, then drag the slider to adjust brightness

To enable Auto-Adjust function, follow these steps:

  1. Open the settings app on your iPhone SE 2020
  2. Tap on Accessibility
  3. Tap on Display & Text Size
  4. Toggle ON Auto-Brightness tab.

Solution #17: Enable Low-Data Mode

Besides reducing the data usage on your iPhone, Low Power Mode can also can help extend battery thereby helping fix battery draining problems on iPhone SE 2020.

Follow these steps to enable Low Data Mode:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Cellular
  3. Tap on Cellular Options tab
  4. Turn ON Low Data Mode

Solution #18: Manage Location Services Feature

Location Tracking can drain your iPhone’s battery therefore, it’s good to manage your location service feature not to track you on all apps all the time. You can either choose to track you on a particular app “Once” and when an app tries to locate you again a prompt will appear if you want to be tracked or not. This does not only fix battery draining problems but also keeping you secured with privacy as well. 

Here’s how to manage Location Services: 

  1. Open the settings app on your iPhone
  2. Tap Privacy
  3. Tap Location Services
  4. Select While using the App on each of the apps

Solution #19: Reset All Settings

If your apps aren’t the cause of the problem, try resetting all of your settings. This will restore your settings to their factory defaults (so make sure you have your Wi-Fi passwords handy), but it could fix your battery life issues. It has worked for us in the past.

Here’s how to reset your iPhone SE 2020:

  1. Launch Settings.
  2. Go to General.
  3. Scroll down and tap Reset.
  4. Tap Reset All Settings.
  5. If asked, type in your passcode.
Tag: Battery
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If It Weren’t For This Feature, The iPhone Wouldn’t Exist

by GeeksModo Staff

Steve Jobs first announced the original iPhone at the Macworld convention in January 2007, the rest as they say, is history.
He famously said at the Keynote;
“We wanna reinvent the phone.
So, what’s the killer app?
The killer app is making calls!”
However, there was a very certain irony to the fact that this one feature (calling) that every phone prior to the iPhone had managed quite easily almost lead to the downfall of this revolutionary product. It wasn’t the phones ability to make calls that was the issue, more it was the fact that because of the new and revolutionary ‘all glass’ touchscreen design of the iPhone, this presented an issue that had not previously existed… how to stop a customer’s cheek from inadvertently activating the touchscreen, and potentially even ending a call.
Most phones before the iPhone featured a small (none touch) screen at the top and a plastic keyboard at the bottom (Jobs was known to not be a fan of this design and this inspired him in the design of the iPhone).
Just months before the iPhone was due to go on sale to the general public the iPhone was fraught with problems that ranged from buggy software, faulty antennas and a battery that couldn’t hold charge — these problems could all be addressed, but it was said that the issue of a customer’s cheek ending phone calls that could be the real deal breaker.
The iPhone was well into development stage before the
proximity sensor
was conceptualised but it was nowhere near ready for release, all the other bugs could be (relatively) easy resolved, but there was still no solution to the problem, a problem, if not fixed, would have caused a delay, or even cancellation of the iPhone!

How does the proximity sensor work on iPhone

The proximity sensor in the original iPhone works in fundamentally the same way that all modern iPhones do; they detect when the phone is lifted to your ear and turns off the display, and the other way around when done with a call. It works via the emission of infrared radiation — if the radiation hits an object (i.e. your cheek) and bounces back, it is detected by a receiver. There is however more to it than that — if the small burst of radiation reflects off an object nearby then it will be more intense than an object much further away. It was therefore necessary that the sensitivity be set just right in order ensure it worked correctly.
It was a tricky issue to fix as there were so many variables: skin colour, hair length and hair colour and it had to work faultlessly for them all. The reflection of radiation is influenced by the colour and appearance of the surface — light, shiny surfaces bounce back far more light than darker colours, which absorb light. Shiny objects on clothing for instance could cause the proximity sensor to inadvertently turn off the display, even when a user wasn’t on a call.
As the iPhone’s release deadline drew nearer, Apple engineers had to work day and night to find a solution, it was even said that an Apple engineer with ‘extremely dark hair’ was asked to donate some of his hair so that it could be put into a device to test and calibrate the sensor to ensure that it worked as expected.
None the less, the Apple engineers and design team worked around the clock and got the iPhone Proximity Sensor to work and function in much the same way that it does now — the display goes off when at your ear and comes back on when you’re done with your call.
The iPhone proximity sensor was such a huge feature at the time, it was listed as a major feature on the product page on Apple’s website.
The technology has stuck ever since, it was of course not without a few issues, most notably the iPhone 4 received numerous reports and criticism that its proximity sensor didn’t function.
None the less the technology has lived on ever since, were it not for the engineers at Apple coming up with a solution to a newly made problem, then the iPhone may never have been.

Tag: iOS
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Why I Use My iPhone Without a Case

by GeeksModo Staff

For years now, I’ve been Using an iPhone without a case. I have never been against those who want to protect their expensive devices. But I’ve always felt that I lose some of the value that the device brings when you cover it in hard plastic.

I remember when I got my very first expensive, fully-loaded computer that my Dad offered to pick for me on my birthday. At the time I worked for him at his external IT consultancy where he provided tech support to local companies. So the gift was partly , my birthday present, and partly, business expense, because he wanted to get me a computer that could help my position as a Network and PC troubleshooter.
The laptop I choose was a 2011 13-inch MacBook Air with an i7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 512 GB SSD. It was the most expensive computer I had ever owned and immediately felt I needed to protect it from the world it lived in. So I purchased a clear Incase plastic casing for the outside of the device.
After five months of using the MacBook Air, I realized that the case was starting to turn yellow. It was quite scratched, but I felt that was the point; instead of the MacBook Air getting scratched, the case got it.
However, the yellowing started to bother me and decided to take the case off one day. I was blown away by how beautiful the silver aluminum casing was; I hadn’t seen the outside of the MacBooks casing without the clear case since I got the laptop five months earlier.
After that day, I never put the case back on. I also took off the case from my then Galaxy S2 as well and realized how my phone felt good in hand without a case too.

iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and even AirPods all have had cases, but we’re removed shortly afterword’s because of my desire to have a pure experience with the device as it came. The disadvantage of using an iPhone without a case may be the risk of wear and tear or destruction of a costly device if you are not careful.
For instance, I have had my
iPhone 11 Pro Max
since around September of last year, and it’s quite worn out from my constant use and exposure to different surfaces. I have not put a case around it since I got it and have enjoyed feeling the industrial design of the device every time I pick it up.
The stainless steel and glass materials that make up the
iPhone
provides a dense and solid experience as if you are holding something substantial. Covering that with a thick plastic just seems wrong, which is why I have not wrapped it up in anything.

The result of using an iPhone without a case, in some instances, is an iPhone that looks quite worn out and abused. I promise that I try and be careful with my iPhone, but it is also a tool, and I use it as such. If I place it on a table, I can place it face down to avoid distractions during a meeting or dinner.
Using an iPhone without a screen protector may appear horrifying, but my aversion to a screen protector on my iPhone outweighs the risk of possible scratches. Recently, my iPhone’s got a small but deep scratch on the screen when it slipped out of my pocket and rubbed against a staple between the base of my sofa and the cushion.
I also accidentally cracked my poor iPhone 11 Pro Max back glass after hitting asphalt from me getting out of my car and forgot that the phone was resting on my lap. The crack is small and has not affected the performance or caused any internal damage to the device. Instead, it gives a glimpse of my hardcore usage of my iPhone, which I’m proud of.

iPhones and other computing devices are expensive. When I buy something at a high cost, it should provide enough use to reflect that cost. My iPhone offers a lot of value for what I paid for it, and I use it to meet that value. This usage can cause some wear and tear, which makes sense to me.
I do understand some people are not as lucky as I am in keeping my phone from a broken screen and do understand younger people need cases because they are more likely to drop things. I’m also aware of the resale value argument if you plan on selling your iPhone each year and want to get as much money as possible to pay for the upgrade.
However, one of the advantages of Using an iPhone without a case is the beauty of actual small and compact design. Wrapping an iPhone in thick plastic or screen protectors takes away the value I feel the size and weight of the iPhone offers. As a compromise, I have to handle the scratches, dings, and cracks that may come in using a device in this way.
But truth be told, I enjoy the appearance of my weathered iPhone. It sends the message that I am getting the value I paid for it and reminds me that it is a tool over anything else. So, that’s why I use my iPhone without a case!

Tag: iPhone Tips
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I Found The Cheapest Way To Get New iPhone Every Year

by GeeksModo Staff

iPhone 12 is just around the corner and you are probably excited about it, but you are probably preparing to cry over your wallet when it comes out as usual. The good news is that, there is a cheapest way to get new iPhone every year without losing any money.
I have been using the top of the line iPhones for the last three years and I have been upgrading without losing my cash on any of them, and you should be doing the same as well.
If you are reading this, you are probably one of the few nerds who have been going through the
new iPhone
rumours and getting hyped about it. You care enough about your Tech gadgets to reach GeeksModo and follow the Tech publications. And in case you are wondering, compared to the “normal” population, We are just a few.
So here’s how to get new iPhone every year…

Sell your current iPhone now!

You probably own
this year
or
last year’s iPhone.
The first thing you should do is put your phone on eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Why now? because it is the most opportune time to sell it. Most of the people you do not know only care about is the fact that this iPhone is the latest — so far. They hardly even know when the next one will come out and even if, they don’t really care. But once the new iPhone is released, your current one will sharply devalue, If you still hold it.

But the next iPhone is not out yet, what would I use?

Find an extra phone lying around and pop your sim in it. go retro for a change, or maybe re-explore old phones. There is always an extra phone somewhere, don’t make an excuse for it.

Do not Pre-order immediately

Chances are you will be probably watching Apple’s Keynote and getting excited about the new iPhone and preparing to hit that pre-order button.
Well, Don’t!
Wait for it to be released, many enthusiastic fans will start buying, people will start upgrading their contracts as well. A few weeks later, You will see many “Sealed latest iPhone” ads on eBay and other Marketplace websites. They will usually sell for $100–$200 Cheaper than the retail price. This is when you purchase.
…and then do the same next year.
Doing so I always manage to get my hands on the new iPhone without losing any money when selling my
iPhone,
or worst case $100 loss. not bad, hah?

Looking for a better deal?

Another cheapest way to get new iPhone every year involves a planned vacation to one of the cheap tourist countries such as Egypt, Morocco or Southeast Asia. iPhones in these countries usually sell much higher — due to insane taxes- and this means that secondhand market will also make you more money than you would expect. As a frequent traveller to one of these countries, I have tried this a couple of times and it works like magic!

Tag: iPhone Tips
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9 Enhanced Features We Want in iPhone 12

by GeeksModo Staff

Apple released the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro in September 2019 for the usual fanfare. These devices are solid upgrades from the previous models and introduce many desirable features, such as a newthree-camera setup, amazing battery life and better displays.

However, these changes feel step by step and leave us longing for more. Many important features are missing from the 2019 iPhone models that we would like to see in iPhone 12. Below are the main new features we want to see in Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup.

1. A smaller notch

In 2017, Apple introduced the iPhone X, an almost full screen phone with minimal bezels and no home button. To make up for the absence of the home button, the iPhone needed a new form of biometric security. That’s how Face ID was born.

The components required for Face ID are located at the top of the phone, resulting in a black bar interrupting the design on the entire screen. That bar is called the ‘notch’ and caused annoyance to many users.
Wouldn’t it be great if Apple found a way to reduce this notch? Maybe the company could use a perforated design similar to Samsung’s? A camera under the screen would also be welcome.

See also
Apple iPhone 11 Pro cameras explained: Why three What does Each Do? And What is Deep Fusion?

2. 5G support

5G is the next step in mobile network technology after 4G LTE and offers blazing fast speeds. Some Android flagships, such as the Samsung Galaxy S10, offer a 5G compatible model. None of Apple’s offerings have 5G capabilities yet.

This makes sense, because 5G is not quite ready yet. Still, it would be great to see iPhone 12 models come with breathtaking next-generation speeds.

3. A new (or old) design

Every iPhone model since the iPhone 6 has a very similar design, with rounded edges and paper-thin builds. Wouldn’t it be nice to see a change? A return to the iPhone 5’s classic, thicker, square design, but with a full screen would be smart.

Better yet, that design would allow for larger batteries and cameras in the back of the device. This wish is not too far-fetched, as Apple’s latest iPad Pro design somewhat subscribes to this philosophy.

4. ProMotion screens

Another iPad Pro feature that Apple should bring to its iPhone lineup is ProMotion. This is not a ‘promotion’ like at cheaper prices, although it would be appreciated.

ProMotion is Apple’s name for a display technology that allows variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz. If you’re not familiar, the refresh rate is how many frames appear on the screen per second. The higher the refresh rate of a screen, the smoother the images.

The standard on most mobile phones is 60 Hz or 60 frames per second. With ProMotion, compatible devices can display at 120 Hz if needed, but they drop down to save power when not much is on the screen.

A smoother iPhone screen would make everything you do on the device look better.

5. A USB-C port

This is a good idea. Most newer Apple devices use a USB-C port, so why not the iPhone?

USB-C is more compatible with other devices, carries more power, and can deliver superfast data rates. When you’re traveling, you don’t need more than one charger for your devices, either. The future is clearly USB-C and the iPhone 12 has to adapt to this by removing the aging Lightning port.

6. Reverse wireless charging

Samsung’s flagship smartphones can serve as a charging mat for other devices through built-in wireless charging. So when your friend’sAirPods are running low, you can give a little power with the back of your Samsung phone, albeit a little slow. Sounds great right?

This form of wireless charging reportedly went as an inclusion in the iPhone 11, but was reportedly dropped at the last minute because it was too inefficient for Apple’s standards. We would like to see a sophisticated, power-efficient version of wireless reverse charging in iPhone 12.

7. Bigger and smaller sizes

Every iPhone since the iPhone X has adopted the same size standards, so we think it’s time for more variety.

Apple fans need a small compact phone that is easy to maneuver with one hand. On the other end of the spectrum, a larger screen would be much welcome for users who want something similar to the cinematic screen of the 6.8-inch Galaxy Note 10 Plus.

Of course there would still be a middle ground with the medium standard model. Choice is really a win-win situation for everyone.

8. Better basic storage

TheiPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro start at 64 GB storage. For a smartphone in 2020, this is simply unforgivable given the competition. This meager storage size is simply no longer enough.

With all those 4K ultra-enhanced photos and videos to store, 64 GB will only last for a short time. 128 GB of space should be the norm, and we really hope Apple realizes this in time for the coming releases.

9. The return of Touch ID

Face ID is great, don’t get us wrong. But it just hasn’t reached the breakneck speeds of Touch ID in its heyday.

Touch ID is much better for practical people who want a sense of satisfaction when unlocking their phone. It’s also safer now than it was when removed, thanks to ultrasonic sensors that detect blood flow (like the Galaxy S10 has).

Knowing this, we feel that Touch ID should come back through in-display technology. That said, Face ID should stick around too; the new iPhone can have both. With Touch ID and Face ID on the same device, users would again have more choice. With both implemented, your iPhone would become a secure virtual passport.

See also Touch ID Vs. face ID: what are the differences and similarities?

High expectations for the iPhone 12 models

It’s safe to say that expectations for iPhone 12 models are sky high. After the somewhat tame year of the iPhone 11, many are curious about what Apple has planned next. There is a lot of potential for this year iteration of the iPhone to change the game.

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How to Cancel Your iTunes (apps, iTunes Store, iBooks) Purchases

by GeeksModo Staff

Apple sends notifications of your Apple purchases, such as music, books, apps, in-apps, shows, movies etc. Apple send these notifications through email. Or you
Might see charges on your bank or credit card statements (App Store or iTunes Store, usually: ITUNES.COM/BILL, MCD HOLD APL ITUNES.COM/BILL/, MCD PUR APL
ITUNES.COM) that you do not recognize.  If you did not make the purchase, you can cancel and receive a refund for those purchases. In this article I’ll explain exactly
how to do it. Simply follow these steps:

First of all, you need to ensure that the email notification you received is truly from Apple iTunes. Scammers and thieves may be attempting to
scam and steal from you. Ensure that the email is genuine. If you get doubtful emails like these, immediately report it to Apple through email ([email protected]).
For example, emails from Apple will never ask you to provide your social security number, full credit card number and stuff like that. If you get an email asking for any of these, then that
is a scam email.

Next, you need to check yourpurchase history. If you don’t see the purchases on this screen, then the email notification you received was fake. If this is
the case, simply delete the email and you don’t have to do anything else. Follow these steps to view your purchase history:

  1. On your device (iOS devices – iPhone or iPad, or PC or Mac), open Safari (or use your favorite web browser)
  2. Enter this URL:
    https://reportaproblem.apple.com
  3. Sign in with your Apple ID and password
  4. After you sign in, you will be able to view all of your past purchases: Apps, Subscriptions, Books, Music, TV Shows.
    Apple Purchase history

    5. How to cancel Apple iTunes purchases

    In case you spot a purchases which you did not authorize, you can cancel it by reporting. Simply follow these steps:

    1. Go to the purchase
    2. Now, click “Report a Problem”
    3. A drop down menu will appear. Click : I did not authorize this purchase. Then a screen saying “We take account security seriously. If you were charged
      without your authorization, we’d like to help you as soon as possible. Visit iTunes Store Support to find out which contact methods are available for immediate
      assistance will appear.”
    4. Click iTunes Store Support. a new page will load. Now choose either the Email or Schedule a Call option. You can also select
      the live chat option.
    5. Apple supportcustomer care will help you fix this issue.

    Note:

  • If you notice unauthorized charges, change your Apple ID and password immediately.
  • Usually, Apple groups multiple purchases  into one single charge meaning, You might not get separate invoices for every purchase.
  • Also, apple makes it easy to view and monitor your past iTunes and App Store charges on your iOS device. To do so, head over to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Your Apple
    ID > View Apple ID > If asked, type in your Apple ID password > Purchase History. Here you can view your pas 90 day
    History.
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Does Apple’s ecosystem lock in users? Here’s The Truth

by GeeksModo Staff

Apple’s ecosystem offers many advantages and for this reason, it is difficult to give up your iPhone. It’s hard to let go in the event that you decide you wish to change to a different handset. Apple has you locked in. And for most iPhone owners, there is absolutely no way out.

What is Apple’s ecosystem?

An ecosystem is defined as a biological community of interacting organisms. In tech language, this refers to a group of devices with software to create one collaborative network. Majority of the companies use this to create a ‘family’ of products but no company have mastered it like Apple with the Apple Ecosystem.

The ecosystem is something that draws consumers in to buy more products to work simultaneously. It all starts with the iPhone. You buy your brand new iPhone, suddenly you have an iPad, a Mac, an Apple TV, an Apple Watch, AirPods a HomePod and before you know, you have all apple products. But why? There could be a range of other products on the market that are far much better and less expensive. Having an Apple product disconnects the user from using many exceptional products from third-party companies, largely because third-party products usually do not work with Apple products.
Once you get into Apple’s ecosystem, it is very difficult to switch allegiance. This is because it’s not just your iPhone that you’ll be saying good bye to. A number of different apps and services that you use daily — some without even thinking about it — make switching to another platform almost impossible.

In this article, I’ll tell you about all the ways Apple makes it difficult to switch from iPhone to Android.

No matter how much greener the grass might get on the other side, I’m 100 percent sure I will never leave the iPhone/Mac ecosystem. I have everything I need inside iOS/macOS such that switching to other platforms such as Android or windows appears like a very bad idea.
Like me, there are millions and millions of other people locked into the Apple’s ecosystem, and it seems like the company is really interested in keeping us locked inside their iPhone for as long as possible.
I am all in on Apple’s ecosystem. And to be honest, I don’t think it is even possible for me to consider switching to a different platform, let alone, recommend one. Obviously, the two companies have very different priorities. Google’s priorities are not aligned with my needs. And Apple’s are. For me, it is as simple as that.

Every time I become curious enough to glance over the fence to see just how green the grass is, Apple performs a magic to make its own grass greener than ever. I’ve gotten so fond of Apple’s software and services, and indeed to many third-party iOS apps, that ditching my iPhone for an android phone is no longer an option.

Apple’s ecosystem is the main reason why I use the company’s products

For me one of the biggest reasons I use Apple’s products is the company’s ecosystem. Over the years I’ve found that it makes my life easier by making it possible for me to access my data across a range of devices such as iPhone, iPad or Mac
and I can easily begin a task on one device, and then switch to another one without missing a beat thanks to Continuity. I don’t have to worry about syncing my data across devices, things mostly just work with iCloud.
For example, I’m writing this post in Ulysses, my favorite writing app. It’s available on iOS, iPadOS and MacOS. Therefore, I can start writing on my iPad, and then easily switch to my Mac (or vice versa).

Whatever writing I’ve done on one device simply appears on my other devices in Ulysses. This makes it easy for me to switch to whichever device I want to use to finish my article, and it lets me start writing even if I’m miles away from my Mac.
Now, let’s look at all the ways iPhone users gets locked into Apple’s ecosystem.

How Apple’s ecosystem locks in users

Here are the reasons why I, and likely many of you, are locked into the iPhone ecosystem for the foreseeable future.

#1. iMessage

Let’s first look at the most obvious reason: iMessage. It is nice, and it is only available on Apple products. We occasionally see rumors that indicates
iMessage could make its way to Android in the future, However, Apple has always dismissed such assumptions.

There are several amazing third-party messaging solutions, such as WhatsApp, which you can use on Android instead. And there are Complex workarounds forgetting iMessage on Windows PC and Android. But are simply not as great as iMessage. They don’t work with other apps like iMessage does, plus they don’t offer as many features. Majority of them aren’t as secure, either.

What’s more, in case you are already part of group chats in iMessage, you might as well say good bye to them when you switch to Android. Switching breaks those groups for you. And unless you can convince all your friends to move the conversation elsewhere, you’re going to be left in the dust.

#2. iCloud

iCloudis another service that you will lose when you switch from iPhone to Android. It’s possible to move all your information to Google Drive, or a different cloud storage service. It’s also possible to access iCloud files through a browser on an Android phone. But it’s just not very convenient.

The process is not streamlined, and it becomes very hard when you want to sync files between your phone and your Mac. You cannot keep backing up your photos and videos to iCloud Photos, either.

You can still access your iCloud mail, and sync contacts and calendars, through Google’s apps (or others). However, for the most part, once you move from iOS to Android, you will have to start from scratch. And you’ll be compelled to live without cool services such asFind My iPhone andFamily Sharing.

#3. Keychain

Keychain is currently part of iCloud, however I think it deserves an independent mention since it is a huge feature — and a huge loss for switchers.

You cannot access your iCloud Keychain on third-party platforms, meaning all the usernames and passwords you’ve stored in it over time are lost.
You’ll have to begin remembering them. You may use password managers such as 1Password
on Android. But if you were not saving passwords in such applications on iOS, then you will have nothing to sync to your new Android device.

#4. Apple Watch

Personally,Apple Watch is the most significant thing on this listing. There is no way to use an Apple Watch with an Android device. This means, not only are you giving up your iPhone if you switch, but you’ll have to give up Apple Watch, as well.

Okay, I might be able to live without iMessage, iCloud, Keychain and stuff like that. I might even be able to admit that all my App Store purchases were a waste of cash. But living without an Apple Watch is impossible for me.

It is undoubtedly the very best smartwatch on the market, and it does what it was designed to do fabulously. There’s no way I am letting go of that.

#5. Activity, Health and Workout

You should not be overly surprised to learn that without Apple Watch and iPhone, you lose the Activity, Workout and Health apps, along with all the fitness data they wrangle. Google provides its own substitute to the Activity app named Google Fit, and many others have theirs, too — but again, you will need to begin from scratch.

That is to say all those runs, swims and workouts — and all the medals you earned along the way — evaporate. And unlike iCloud Drive, Keychain or iMessage, which you can access from an iPad or Mac, Activity and Health are only available on iPhone.

#6. HomePod

Just like Apple Watch, HomePod cannot work with Android device for the largest part. There are some apps which allows you to stream music throughAirPlay, which means it’s possible to send songs from an Android device to your speaker. However, your options are very limited.

You will not have the ability to stream music from services such as Spotify or even the Apple Music app for Android. It’s not possible to set up a HomePod with an Android device,
either, so you’re stuck with a costly cylindrical brick in case you do not have another iOS device at home.

#7. AirPods

I understand AirPods work with Android and other third-party devices, however, they do not work anywhere near as well as they do with iPhone, iPad and Mac. Setup is not as easy, and you will discover that connectivity usually isn’t as reliable.

You also lose out on a whole lot offeatures that make AirPods unique, such as Siri, automatic switching between Apple devices, and automatic ear detection. You’ll no longer be able to customize AirPods’ double-tap feature.
And you can bid farewell to the option to listen to one AirPod at a time. Furthermore, if you don’t take both pods out of the case, they will not join to an Android phone.

Oh, it’s not possible to check AirPods’ battery level on Android, either.

If you do not already have a pair ofAirPods, , you are better off picking a less expensive set of wireless earbuds if you are likely to be using them largely with
an Android cellphone. And if you have AirPods already, simply include them to the list of stuffs that are not as good with no iPhone.

#8. App Store

Developers are working hard to make Android as significant as iOS. However, there are still a huge number of nice iOS apps that are not available on Google’s platform. As you probably know, I use many of them — and you most likely do, too. I’m talking about apps such as Things, Ulysses, Tweetbot, Deliveries, Copied, Overcast, Focos, Halide, Agenda, Pixelmator etc. I rely on virtually all these apps daily, and I love them.

I know I could discover replacements to most of these on Android, but I do not wish to. I paid for these apps. And they work good. They are Well designed and they fit perfectly into my workflows. I really don’t require anything else.

#9. Shortcuts

Speaking of workflows, I have been obsessed with
Apple’s Shortcuts app.
I use a lot of different shortcuts for a variety of tasks daily on iOS. And I am always on the lookout for more which can make my life easier and save me some time.

I honestly do not know how I would live without Shortcuts today — this feature is now vital to me. And that is still another reason why I can’t switch from an iPhone to Android. Just like most of Apple’s apps, Shortcuts isn’t accessible on third-party platforms.

#10. iTunes and Books

There are various methods to sync your iTunes music to an Android phone. You can upload the whole iTunes library into Google Play Music, then stream it all to your Android phone. Other apps will allow you to sync your playlists, as well.

You will lose out on other things, however. It’s very hard to transfer your iTunes movies and TV shows to an Android device. Furthermore, Syncing your podcasts and audiobooks is out of question.

Just like your App Store purchases, most of the stuff you purchased via iTunes and Books gets lost when you switch from iPhone to Android.

#11. Continuity and Handoff

You will loseContinuity andHandoff if you ditch iOS for Android, as well. This means that you will not have the ability to answer a phone call on any of your Apple devices. You cannot start an app on your Mac that
you were using on iPhone and continue where you left off. You will also lose the ability to unlock your Mac using your Apple Watch.

You will also say good bye toAirDrop, which is a remarkably easy and useful means to send photos, videos and other files between your Apple devices.

Granted, these may not be crucial features for many iPhone users, and you may be able to replace a number of these with things like tab syncing in Google Chrome. However, most cannot be substituted, and they’re wonderful to have.

What locks you into iPhone ecosystem?

Obviously I left out some Apple apps and services off this listing. I did not include anything that can easily be substituted, like CarPlay and the Podcasts app. I centered on the things I find especially tricky to forego. Things that therefore make it near impossible to leave the iPhone ecosystem.

Anyone who’s already in Apple’s ecosystem, and those who have successfully broken free, can attest that it’s actually kind of hard to leave it. Are you locked in Apple’s ecosystem? What makes ditching the iPhone impossible for you? If you think I have left out something important on this article, I’d love to know in the comments section below.
if you enjoyed reading this article, please share it with others.

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Is Apple ecosystem a trap? Here’s the truth

by GeeksModo Staff

First of all, I love Apple, I also love their ecosystem, but can’t help feeling trapped in it sometimes.

I have an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Macbook Pro and Apple TV, and it’s great how they work together, but the problem comes when you want to try something different.

Lately, I’ve been considering maybe switching to a Note 10 as my primary driver, but then realized it will be so hard to switch.

I have some purchases in iTunes that I will lose, all my contacts etc. are in iCloud, my Apple Watch will be useless and although my Apple TV will still work fine, I will not have the functionality it has with my iPhone.

The only device that will probably work fine is actually my Macbook Pro.

I understand this is probably exactly what Apple wants to do, so that you “get trapped” in the ecosystem through your own fault and then find it very difficult to imagine using anything else.
Do you feel trapped in the Apple ecosystem?
Have you ever asked someone why they have an iPhone? Is it the best all-round smartphone or is it just for convenience? Over time, Apple has created what some call the “Apple ecosystem”. An ecosystem is literally defined as a “community of interacting organisms and their physical environment,” and Apple created that but consists of their devices.
Most Mac users have an iPhone. I mean, why wouldn’t they? You can load your text messages, video calls, notes, web searches and more onto your computer and phone. The integration is seamless and your phone and computer start working as one device. This functionality is hard to beat. A new phone may come out with a better display, battery and camera, but iPhone users are still buying Apple products.
Now suppose the same Mac user wants to buy a smartwatch. Will they research Fitbits and Motorolas, or will they choose the Apple Watch? On an Apple Watch, they can easily send all their notifications to their watch, so the Apple Watch seems like the best option. Furthermore, they will go through the same thinking process if they want to buy a tablet, a speaker or a Bluetooth headsets. They can weigh their options and look at the quality of the devices from several other brands, but they will likely fit the Apple alternative no matter how it compares to the rest. Even if other products are really striking than the Apple version, it’s easier to just go with the product already integrated with the rest of your devices. Put it differently, the product that is part of the ecosystem.
Applehas created a guarded wall around the convenience of their products. Once you start using two or three of their devices, switching to a different platform may sound like a very bad idea. Other companies have their own versions of an ecosystem, but none are as monitored and difficult to deviate from as Apple’s. For instant, Google has many services and devices, including Google Photos, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Gmail to name a few. However, unlike Apple, you can access these services from anywhere. You don’t need a Google Pixel phone to use them. You can access these services from any computer or phone, making them much more accessible. Although Google has an ecosystem of their services, users may deviate from the ecosystem because fewer walls are built around their services.
Apple-specific software such as iMessage, FaceTime and iCloud discourages users from looking at other products, especially since Apple has an alternative to almost every device. Using a different device is now a hindrance because Apple has made their services so specific to their devices. For example, IMessage only exists on Apple devices, and Apple has made iMessages stand out from regular text messages. iPhone users know the infamous green text messages of Android users and often make people guilty of texting them with green messages. These green messages are just one of many ways that Apple differentiates their services from others.
In addition to only the specific software that Apple offers, Apple also has devices specific to their users. Apple’s smart speaker, the HomePod, can only be used when connected to an iPhone and Siri. To make matters worse, the HomePod will only play music from Apple Music and will not connect to Bluetooth or an extra cord. So to use the HomePod, you must be an iPhone user who also uses Apple Music. The HomePod may seem very specific and unnecessary, but the device is just another way for Apple to trap their customers. Once a user has purchased a HomePod speaker, they will never be able to switch from using an iPhone or using Apple Music again because it will make their speaker obsolete.
While Apple designs their products to the best of their ability, they also ensure that their products connect to their ecosystem. People keep buying from Apple because you can’t use their services on devices other than their own. This makes the Apple ecosystem unique compared to others. Not only how well the products work together, but also how difficult it is to deviate from them if you’ve already started using them. So you need to realize that you are trapped in the Apple ecosystem and learn to break out if necessary. Without acknowledging this, it can be easy to miss quality technology from other companies.
Having said that, breaking out of Apple ecosystem can be a tough thing to do, and you might not find some of the useful features from the Apple ecosystem anywhere else. Read also Does apple ecosystem lock in users? Here’s the truth
are you trapped in apple ecosystem? Do you find it hard to break free from apple ecosystem? Let us know in the comments section below.

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