A New Convert

ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME or has read my articles and tweets knows that I’m not exactly an Apple fan. I’ve been vocal about my preference for Android’s endless customization over iOS’ controlling, restricting ways; I was very, very critical of the iPhone 8; I poked fun at the iPhone 7’s bezels every time I reviewed a sleek Android device.

I’ve been vocal about my preference for Android’s endless customization over iOS’ controlling, restricting ways; I was very, very critical of the iPhone 8; I poked fun at the iPhone 7’s bezels every time I reviewed a sleek Android device.

So not only am I not an Apple fan; actual Apple fans would probably consider me a hater. But I believe I’m a fair dude. I’m critical of iOS being limiting because it is. Take a look at the home screen of a few Android phones—each one will look unique. I’m talking about different app icon styles, layouts, widgets, etc. With the help of third-party launchers and icon packs I can spin my Galaxy Note 8 homescreen into thousands of styles.

Now look at a dozen iPhones—they all look mostly the same, other than the wallpaper. Why can’t I arrange apps on the home screen the way I want, Apple? This isn’t a completely superficial, aesthetic-driven complaint. Living in a crowded, on-the-go city like Hong Kong, I frequently have to use my phone one-handed while standing in trains or walking up and down stairs, and on Android I place my key apps at the bottom of the screen, where they’re easily accessible. I also like minimalism, so I keep the rest of the homescreen app free. On iPhones, I can’t do that.