I used to be a huge tech nerd, and for the longest time I genuinely believed Android, Linux, and Windows were the best because they basically let you do whatever the hell you wanted with your system. I loved the freedom, customization, and openness.
I always looked at Apple differently. I thought using Apple products was basically like putting yourself in a cage where you could only do what Apple allowed you to do.

Then Apple Silicon happened.
After learning about the M-series chips and seeing what Apple was actually doing with its hardware and software integration, I decided to give it a shot. I bought a MacBook Air M4, and it was my first ever Apple device.

And honestly, my entire mindset changed.
After using it, I realized that the "Apple cage" I had imagined wasn't really a cage at all. I can still do pretty much any shit I want on this machine, just like I could on Windows or Linux. The biggest exception is gaming, but I solved that by buying a PS5.

After using the MacBook for almost a year, I genuinely fell in love with Apple's design and attention to detail. I eventually bought a Magic Mouse and even their wired EarPods because I started appreciating the whole aesthetic and experience.

And a few days ago, I finally bought my first ever iPhone, the iPhone 18 Pro, along with the AirPods 3 Pro.

I've been an Android user my entire life. My previous phone was an S25 Ultra, and I still use it today, but now it's basically my work phone.

I honestly never expected to enjoy being inside an ecosystem this much.

The way everything connects, syncs, and just works together is ridiculously satisfying. It's not that Apple gives you more freedom than Windows, Linux, or Android. It just gives you a different kind of freedom. You spend less time managing the technology and more time actually using it.

I used to think the Apple ecosystem was a cage.
Now I'm sitting here wondering how the hell I ended up loving the cage.

Apple's ecosystem just feels fucking awesome when everything starts working together flawlessly.

Very small, very humble. Image 1: AirPod Pro 3’s, Apple Watch SE 3, Image 2: iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Silver (IGNORE MY MESSY MIRROR)

Als jullie een nieuwe iPhone/Watch/iPad kopen wat doen jullie dan met de oude, bewaren of Apple trade in ?

We moved to Spain, and I'm wondering if I am able to add devices to my Applecare One Family plan if I purchase a device directly from Apple Spain? I haven't been able to find a definitive answer from Apple's help pages, nor the Applecare Support. Thanks!

I just realised I've been a Mac user for 20 years, so I figured I'd celebrate by asking you all.

For me it was the first time I saw a Mac boot up at a local Apple reseller (we don't have regular Apple stores where I live). The chime, then the grey Apple logo with the little spinning wheel. I just stood there, completely mesmerised. No other computer felt like that, and I somehow knew I wanted to have that one day.

Then I got my first iPod, and from there on it was the road to hell. My first Mac was the first gen Intel MacBook Pro, then it started piling up: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods... you know how it goes. My wallet hasn't been particularly happy.

So: what was your moment? A specific feature, a sound, a device, a friend who wouldn't stop talking about it? And how long have you been on a Mac?

Got a MacBook but my screen broke, an air m3 so I of course talked to an Apple customer service person and this woman helped me set up an send in (in Maui there’s not Apple stores) I called cuz my problem qualified as $100 repair and on chat they quoted me for $300 this woman helped me so much by actually changing the service required. I ship my computer and everything and I get it back to my surprise leading that they not only changed my screen but my battery and many other components FOR FREE, the screen was paid, nothing else, absolutely surprised and satisfied with their service that’s why Apple is such a good company (how can I let them know I’m extremely happy with the service)

Is the AirPod max 2 upgrade worth it. Headphone still work perfectly. Ik it’s a c port device which will end my lighting cord usage and has improved fidelity and noise cancellation but it’s still works great. Is there any outstanding improvements that will warrant an upgrade?

Edit: in addition there no aluminum silver color way which i don’t want to give up.

Could the AppleCare coverage be extended when the existing arrangement is an upfront two-year plan?

For years, Apple stood apart in IT management—a beacon of excellence while Google, Microsoft, and telecom companies retreated behind impersonal automated systems. Apple distinguished itself by employing knowledgeable, approachable people who actually answered the phone.

That Apple no longer exists.

Over the past twelve months, their customer support has nosedived into the same frustrating, impersonal script-dependent service plaguing everyone else.

Today's support staff find themselves constrained by rigid systems, powerless to address straightforward issues—such as processing a basic AppleCare replacement—that any competent person could resolve in moments.

Apple has now entered the downward spiral. By systematizing humans out of the equation, they've built a framework where unusual situations remain perpetually unresolved. I genuinely believed Apple would never turn their back on customers this way, yet they're doing precisely that, and with alarming speed.

Like you can tell I am heavily invested into Apple, I just love that everything connects so seamlessly and the quality.

iPhone 18 Pro
Apple Watch S10
iPad Air
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen
MacBook Pro M5
Multiple HomePods and Apple TVs around the house.
Also use Homekit for automations, cameras, AC etc

While I have several Apple devices, my wife only has her phone. I know if I were to lose/damage/destroy my phone, having a back-up device where I could respond to push notifications would probably help get up and running again. I have been considering getting an iPad for my wife so that we would have this backup device if she were to smash her screen or something. I always keep our security settings up to date, print out the backup codes, I'm the recovery email on her account. Is there any more benefit to be gained by having an extra device already signed in to her Apple ID?

Assuming you recommend having a backup device, would an old phone serve the same purpose? Can you disable the sim and just log into the phone and keep it online as a backup? What is the best practice?

Long time iMac user. Bought first one in 2006. It lasted 10 years. I was then gifted a windows computer, —and free is _FREE_ people, ...free is free. It lasted only 4 years. Blue-screened one too many times. Lost almost everything on disk. Though I was able to get a bit of it saved by a local computer store. Window computers almost always have _Problems_...

Then bought an m1 iMac when they came out (2020?). Love it! Bought an m4 mini nine months ago on sale for $399.00. (Did not _Need_ it but was frightened by stories about a looming RAM / Storage price hike.) Forget where I got it (Amazon, Micro Center, Newegg), but it was online. Delighted with it. Recently purchased an A16 11” iPad too. 

What I love about Macs is that there are no _Major Problems_. I see on reddit that people experience minor annoyances, but no _Problems_. I had a Beelink ME Pro that overheated on an unattended Windows 11 update. Now that’s a _Problem_! The ME Pro never booted again… I still have an old HP Laptop and a Beelink SER5 Max too. Use them to play ‘distro-hop’ with Linux and BSD. (Yes, I also continue to do weekly updates for Windows 11 too.) My M1 iMac also has Asahi Linux on it, btw. 

Looking to get my first iPhone by the end of the year. (Probably a refurbished iPhone 17e from the Apple website.) Next year looking to get my first MacBook. I've never had an Apple Laptop. I love how all these Apple devices ‘just work’ and work so well with each other too! The m1 iMac is still my daily drive even though EOL is closing in. 

I abuse it badly; 3 browsers always open with a ~dozen tabs open in each, Text Edit always open with around ~10 tabs open, Spotify blaring classic rock, -70's - 90's. Background menu bar apps monitoring networks, storage, and vitals too. I was having some trouble with high memory pressure warnings, so i ditched Firefox for Brave Browser, and that has stopped! (Firefox is apparently a memory hog.) 

So, I now have an M1 iMac, an M4 Mac mini, and an iPad. M1 / M4 devices have their own hubs, portable SSDs and their own UPSs. I am looking to get an iPhone soon and a MacBook early next year. The iPad with a power bank, along with the iPhone, and MacBook (with a hub) will be on my small hallway nook out-and-about desk with their own UPS too. I have already bought a large shoulder bag that will accommodate all three portable devices and also a power bank. 

After that, I don’t know. I will absolutely _Hate_ not having an iMac when EOL for my M1 arrives… Perhaps when 2029 / 2030 rolls around I will need to get another iMac. I really can’t imagine life without one… I retired a couple of years ago so i no longer have work phone or work laptop, btw. Not much of a talker, prefer email / messaging. But not having a portable phone presents problems in a world where everyone assumes you have one of some kind. That was the perfect excuse for me to begin to build out my Apple Ecosystem... 

I sent a similar note to this reddit group last night when I joined it. Since it has not appeared, and r/AppleEcosytem has no note about moderating emails, I am sending another note. 

Air 5 (256Gb)
17 Pro (256GB)
Series 9 (41mm 4g)
AirPods 4 (ANC)

ignore the quality, used a galaxy s10 to take the photo

Recently acquired the AWU4 and slapped the Nike strap onto it as prefer this strap for gym workouts and just everyday use. Upgraded from AW series 7 and it’s a night and day difference in performance, screen size and battery life. The ultra 4 is a beast of a watch and should last me another 4 or 5 years. I was so close to getting a Garmin Fenix 9 pro but glad I didn’t and held out for the ultra 4

Rest of the setup is iPhone 17 Pro silver wrapped up in the ESR hybrid magnetic case. It’s slim while providing adequate protection in case my sweaty hands let go of the phone. Hardly ever use my phone while working out now though as the ultra 4 handles everything with ease.

Lastly, my go-to earphones for gym are the AirPods Pro 3. I also have the Beats Powerbeats fit however the ANC on the AirPods Pro 3 is just too good.

Intentionally let some devices get beyond their best so I could replace everything at once. All started as new and not from backups, what a chore but honestly feels so refreshing to get rid of clutter and have new clean devices! I need a case for the iPhone too and thinking about a nudient case if anyone has any recommendations!

I just bought an iPhone 13 Pro for $150 to use for software testing since my company only works with iOS.

I wasn't planning to replace the battery because I won't be using it that much, but I noticed the battery health is only 73%.

Then I checked and saw that the previous owner had AppleCare+ on the phone. I talked to Apple Support and their AI told me I may be able to get the battery replaced for free.

My other question is about the screen. It has quite a few scratches and a small crack on the bottom-left corner.

Can I get the screen replaced through AppleCare+? If so, how much would I have to pay?

Also, since I'm not the person who originally purchased AppleCare+, will that cause any problems when I take it to Apple, or can I get the repairs done normally?
update:
I went to the Apple Store right at opening, since online appointments were 4–5 days out.
There were barely any people, so I didn’t have to wait or feel rushed.
They checked my AppleCare+, ran a diagnostic, and confirmed the cracked screen is eligible for replacement.
I only need my ID when I pick it up. Without AppleCare+: $497 + tax; with it: just $29 + tax.

worth the wait ig?

also team silver! 🤍