|
Links 🔗
The Apple Ecosystem Explained
Apple’s WWDC 2021 is ongoing this week, giving insight to the future of its software and operating systems. Apple successfully building a strong following is definitely an understatement, boasting one of the strongest communities among the tech industry. But what makes their products so compelling? If you ask any iPhone user why they choose Apple, chances are it’s because of the ecosystem.
The Ecosystem:
The ecosystem here refers to a community of interacting tech (phones, laptops, apps, software). In Apple’s case, their ecosystem works very well amongst its own products and makes it difficult for non-Apple products. Hence, it’s referred to as a Walled Garden, keeping you exploring its products within its own boundaries.
The Garden:
For most people, the entrance of the garden is hardware (ie. iPhone and iPad). Having an Apple device is like the key into the garden. Then, they are drawn to the flowers and plant-life aka the software aspect and awesome continuity between devices (ie. iMessage, iCloud, Airdrop). Life’s good inside because everything works as well as they can within the garden. Looking for a smart watch? Get an Apple Watch. Earphones? Airpod, obviously. Devices are so well-connected that buying the Apple option is a no-brainer. The third aspect is the services that Apple offers, this comes in the form of subscriptions and digital purchases (ie. AppStore, Apple Music). The garden is well-maintained, exclusive and pristine, but remember, the walls are high.
The Wall:
The wall is tall to keep anything foreign out like non-Apple devices or malware. Heck, even the Android mascot is a bug, like an invasive pest to the garden. The wall is also tall to keep you looking inwards, as it is difficult to detach from the system. Want to move out? Everything is pretty much tied to the iCloud account, and that’s pretty deeply rooted to relocate.
That being said, this is not a diss on Apple, other companies have their ecosystems too with different evolutions and I just find Apple’s case very interesting to ponder about. Everything a user could possibly want works very well within the ecosystem but poking a hole to look beyond the garden wall is fun once in a while.
|
