What to do as Apple slips
It’s time to be honest. Apple products are not as good as they used to be. The software is buggy. The increasing size of devices is unending. Honestly I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be an Apple user, but the problem is where do I go?
Phone:
I currently own an old Pixel 7 Pro but I don’t want to use android cause that’s not better in my opinion so I’m currently playing with GrapheneOS and using it without Google Play Services. Issues might be banking and things like tickets for concerts and sporting events.
I’ve already installed GrapheneOS on the phone and I’m testing it for what can I do without Google at all will be the big question.
Computer:
I currently use a MacBook Air M1 for my home computing. I also have an old ThinkPad from a previous job that has Linux on it now. Once again I may test that as my daily driver and see how well I can use it.
I also have an old gaming rig on windows. I don’t use that but might try installing Bazzite on it to run it connected to the TV for Steam games.
TV:
Speaking of the TV I have two Apple TVs currently connected to our TVs. This is the hardest one without spending money currently. The big TV could have the gaming system and also has an Xbox connected to it. The Xbox can run the same apps so not a must to keep the AppleTV. On our bedroom TV the only option is the system apps which I refuse to use. I’d need to think about this one.
Music:
I currently listen to music on a Sonos system in our living room and a record player also in that same room. We do have a full size HomePod and a few minis throughout the house. My family has at least gotten hooked on light control from them so those are unlikely to leave, but as they age I doubt I will replace them. That said I have lights on Matter and hope I can find a way to still setup auto controls for lights on and off at night.
As for music we use Apple Music currently and I'm not sure I could extract us from that easily. I honestly would like to go fully in on physical media or running my own server of cloud music, but that's something I might have to wait on for now.
Conclusion
It's not an easy process and has a lot of things I need to think about. I currently also use iCloud for my email domain and photo storage as well as our family tasks and calendar are currently locked in iCloud apps. It won't be easy and I might not move completely ever, but I'd like to be more aware of the choices and not just pick them because they sync...cause even that isn't a guarantee with Apple anymore.