We are all familiar with the history of the iPhone. Initially, the iPhone focused on targeting business users by offering robust security1 and enterprise features. It came with a hefty price tag, to the extent that there were stories of people selling their kidneys to afford one. People went crazy for the iPhone, often lining up for hours to purchase the latest series upon launch. This continued until Android entered the smartphone market, providing many of the same features as the iPhone at a fraction of the cost. However, Apple continued to release more expensive phones, regardless of how affordable Android devices became.
Social media dilemma
The Social Dilemma centre's on the social and cultural impact of social media usage on regular users, with a focus on algorithmically enabled forms of behaviour modification and psychological manipulation.
The number of social media users and content creators has been increasing steadily. During the time of the Covid pandemic, I noticed a significant rise in the number of emerging YouTube channels. It was surprising to see random videos from these channels appearing on the top trending lists. People began consuming a wide range of social media content. It was fascinating to observe how even eating biryani could be presented in an eye-catching manner that attracted a large number of users. This trend led to an increase in smartphone usage, with approximately 70% of the total population in India now using smartphones.
Bridging the gap
This allows people to get a smartphone that captures good photos and videos, which has led to smartphones becoming more camera-centric. Nowadays, camera features are the selling point for most phones. For years, Apple used the same camera sensor until they realized the growing market of Android phones that offered good to great quality videos and photos. As expected, Apple followed suit. In specific circumstances2, the latest Pixel would outperform the iPhone's camera while costing less.
Thanks to bank offers and zero cost EMI. Now everyone can afford an iPhone.
Bank offers and no cost EMI got iPhone to reach more people. In India, Flipkart alone sold 4lakh units on festive offer
There has been a significant increase in the number of people switching from Android to iPhone. However, many users in India are not aware of what iPhone actually offers. They are primarily interested in owning an iPhone for its brand value, rather than its security or privacy features. Personally, I have noticed many of my friends upgrading to iPhones in recent years. When I asked them about their reasons, only a few admitted that they purchased it for the brand name. Most of my friends emphasized the privacy3 and security features of the iPhone. However, I discovered that many of these individuals were not utilizing the phone in a meaningful way.
The way it is meant to be used
I am referring to the users who tell me that they use iPhone for its security and privacy. Many people who switch from Android to Apple do so using the "Transfer to iOS" app. This app smoothly transfers all data from Android to iPhone, including apps from Android to Apple. This means that users have all their Android apps (Google apps) transferred to their iPhone. The interesting part is that people grant full access to Google apps and continue using them on their iPhone.
People buying an iPhone and installing google apps on it with allow all access. Guys you are literally abusing iPhone.
You loose the purpose of privacy.
When it comes to security, the strength of a smartphone's security features is ultimately dependent on how the user utilizes the phone. Opening unknown websites, clicking unsecured links, or falling for phishing websites can result in your iPhone being compromised. Therefore, if you purchase an iPhone for its privacy and security, it is important to understand which apps are tracking your data and to what extent you allow them to do so.
Whom does it fit
- If you really care about privacy and security
- If you are a content creator and your videography really matters to your audiences and you want to share it on social media on the go.
- You want to keep your top secret business information private.
If you still want to switch to a iPhone for its brand value. Think twice
Footnote
- When it comes to security, the strength of a smartphone's security features is ultimately dependent on how the user utilizes the phone. However, Apps on iOS run in a sandboxed environment, meaning they are isolated from each other and from the core system. This isolation helps prevent malicious apps from affecting the overall system and other apps.
- On day time and with good amount of light source. Pixel still has grainy video when taken on night time.
- iPhone has many built-in features and settings which can enhance your privacy on an iPhone and have more control over your personal data. Regularly reviewing and adjusting these settings to suit your preferences is important for maintaining your privacy. It also provides transparency regarding which apps track your information.
Reference
Flipkart big billion day sale - iPhone
